New details of alleged Boston College swim team hazing stem from ‘Frosh’ party, court documents say

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. — New court documents revealed the extent of alleged hazing incidents that led to the cancellation of both the Boston College boys’ and girls’ swimming seasons.

The entire swimming and diving team was indefinitely suspended by the school in late September after an internal investigation found some members were hazed.

At the time, Boston College put out a short statement announcing the suspensions, with no details about what led to them.

On Tuesday, Woburn District Court documents painted a disturbing picture of excessive alcohol consumption and unequal power dynamics.

The documents allege on Saturday, September 2, the swim team through a party involving underage drinking. A day later team members conducted an annual “Frosh” event with a series of activities designed for freshmen, most of which included binge-drinking with alcohol. The event is an alleged right of passage to bring incoming freshmen onto the team.

The freshmen were allegedly given bags to wear around their necks in case they vomited during the party, which many did. Some even passed out, according to the documents.

Older students on the team instructed the freshmen on what to do, while others “took care of” the freshmen who were sick or overly intoxicated. At the end of the Labor Day weekend on September 4, a third team event involving underage drinking also allegedly occurred.

An internal investigation by Boston College alleges that all 53 upperclassmen on the teams were involved.

37 members of the team (19 female and 18 male swimmers) are now suing the school to lift the suspension and for financial damages. They claim Boston College breached its own Student Code of Conduct.

The school responded to the lawsuit by saying, “The investigation and university conduct process involving these credible and serious allegations of hazing is ongoing through the office of the dean of students, and will continue undeterred by any threats of legal action,” BC Spokesperson Jack Dunn said.

Swimming and diving is a non-revenue sport at BC. The lawsuit claims the school would not have indefinitely suspended the football team over alleged claims of underage drinking. It’s unclear how long it will take for the judge to make a decision on today’s hearing.

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