Vanderbilt Sanctions Two Athletic Teams

Vanderbilt’s athletic department is punishing two female teams for hazing. The university conducted an internal review that started late last week.

A statement from the school says women’s tennis and lacrosse teams took part in “separate events that rise to the level of hazing.” The university says no one was harmed, but vice chancellor for university affairs David Williams says hazing “will not be tolerated.”

Examples given in the university’s written hazing policy include paddling, sleep deprivation, acts of personal servitude and humiliating games.

The coaches of the teams say they knew nothing of the initiation activities.

Both teams miss one competition as punishment, though this is the offseason for both women’s tennis and lacrosse. Williams says it would be a different consideration if the teams had a contractual obligation to play, like some of the revenue-generating sports.

“If missing a competition – no matter the team – is what we need to do for people to take this serious, that’s what we would do.”

Williams won’t say what kind of hazing went on. If students are wondering if a particular activity could be considered hazing, he says it probably is, especially if it’s kept from coaches or sponsors.