On Wednesday, February 4, Nicki Moore, the Meakem & Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education, sent an email to Cornell’s Lightweight Crew Team suspending them until further notice.
Moore took this action in response to a “recent incident” that was not described.
“This development adds to prior concerns over the past year and reinforces the need for prompt attention,” Moore wrote in the email. “This pause allows the University to proceed thoughtfully, responsibly, and in coordination with campus partners.” The term “campus partners” was not described, but commonly refers to the Tompkins County District Attorney, the Office of Civil Rights, and the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS).
As with all other Cornell students, student athletes are subject to the Policy 6.4 procedures of the Civil Rights Office and the Student Code and Procedures implemented by OSCCS. In addition, athletes are subject to “Student-Athlete Rights and Responsibilities,” which is, by comparison, very vague with very vague procedures.
There is no Cornell policy that addresses whether the Director of Athletics has the authority to suspend an entire team or members of a team. Both the Office of Civil Rights and the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards have the power to suspend a team or group on an interim basis pending a hearing. Such suspensions are typically in response to a request from a harmed party seeking protection pending the hearing.
The email did not explain how the Lightweight Crew Team could appeal the suspension.
Neither the procedures used by the Office of Civil Rights nor those of OSCCS state clear criteria for when an entire group will be held accountable for misconduct instead of just the individuals engaging in the misconduct. In the recent past, such group misconduct involved drinking games or other conduct that Cornell chose to label as “hazing.”
“We recognize the deep care alumni, families, and friends hold for Cornell Rowing and for the young people who represent the Big Red,” Moore wrote. “We appreciate your patience and support as we work through this matter with care and responsibility. Updates will be shared as appropriate.”
The Cornell Review will keep readers updated as developments happen.
