A recent investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice revealed that the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) failed to protect students from sexual harassment and discrimination by the former head swim coach. The probe, initiated in 2020, found that the university violated Title IX, a federal law prohibiting gender-based discrimination in education.
The investigation uncovered a troubling environment within the university's Division I swimming and diving program, where male student-athletes were subjected to unwanted sexual touching, inappropriate comments, and other forms of sexual misconduct by the coach, Chad Cradock. Cradock, who had led the program for nearly two decades, was placed on leave in 2020 during the investigation and later died by suicide in 2021.
UMBC President Valerie Sheares Ashby acknowledged the findings as deeply troubling and took full responsibility for the failures. She committed to addressing the issues and rebuilding trust within the university community. Additionally, university leaders are set to sign an agreement with the Department of Justice outlining crucial changes in responding to reports of sexual misconduct and discrimination.
Despite reports and clear signs of Cradock's abusive behavior, university officials allegedly ignored the situation, allowing it to persist for years. The investigation revealed that Cradock exploited his position of authority to prey on vulnerable students, controlling various aspects of their college experience.
Female swimmers also faced a hostile environment, including sexual harassment from male teammates, body-shaming comments, and intrusive inquiries about their personal lives. Cradock reportedly favored male swimmers and encouraged romantic relationships between male and female team members.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division criticized UMBC officials for their inaction, stating that too many individuals were aware of the situation for no action to be taken. Six former college swimmers have filed a federal lawsuit against the university, alleging Title IX violations.
UMBC, located in the Baltimore suburbs with a student population of approximately 14,000, is mandated to comply with Title IX as a federally funded educational institution. The university now faces the task of implementing significant changes to prevent future instances of sexual misconduct and discrimination.
