Hazing At BC: College Suspends Swimming, Diving Programs

BROOKLINE, MA — Boston College suspended the men's and women's swimming and diving programs Wednesday due to allegations of hazing among students, the school's athletics department said in a statement Wednesday.

The school did not define what type of hazing went on in the swimming programs, but BC broadly defines hazing as "any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades, or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person's willingness to participate."

The university outlines on its website a range of hazing activities that range from "subtle"—like required periods of silence—to "violent"—like kidnapping or forced alcohol and drug consumption.

"The university does not—and will not—tolerate hazing in any form," the university said in the statement.

All swimming and diving student athletes will continue to have access to the same academic and medical resources the school offers to all athletes, university officials said.