dpLehigh University has suspended all team-related activities for its men’s swim team as of September 15 after learning of hazing in the program, a Lehigh spokesperson told SwimSwam.
The allegations have halted all men’s swim team activities while an investigation is underway.
“Acts of hazing are antithetical to the values of our community. Lehigh University is committed to working across campus to foster a culture that supports an inclusive, safe, and healthy community for student-athletes, as well as the whole Lehigh community,” the spokesperson said in a message to SwimSwam.
This is not the first time the program has faced hazing-related issues; in 2020, Lehigh’s swimming and diving team was put on probation after an allegation that team members were told to participate in punishment swims at 3:00 AM.
As a result, the team received a disciplinary warning and was required to attend an educational program on hazing.
Lehigh’s anti-hazing policy prohibits any form of hazing, which may result in criminal charges under federal law, including the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law, which took effect in October 2018 and created a graded penalty system based on the severity of the hazing.
Lehigh University is first and foremost an educational institution, committed to developing the future leaders of our changing global society. As an educational institution, the health and safety of our students and other community members is paramount. Lehigh University does not tolerate hazing. Any individual or organization to which this Anti-Hazing Policy applies found responsible for hazing, occurring on or off campus, is subject to disciplinary action by Lehigh University and may also face criminal charges under applicable law, including The Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
The Lehigh student affairs website has a page where anyone can report hazing issues.
We have seen several programs face disciplinary action in the past for hazing-related issues, including Western Kentucky University in 2015, which initially suspended the program for five years, before later pulling all funding from the program in 2018, after a Title IX investigation showed that underage swimmers within the program were being forced to drink alcohol.
Last season, the Lehigh men finished 6th out of 10 teams at the Patriot League Championships with 560 points, ahead of programs such as Holy Cross, Lafayette, Colgate and American.
SwimSwam will release updates as soon as more information is available.
