Dear Members of the USD Community,

Back in September I shared with the community the deeply disturbing news of allegations of hazing and bullying within the USD Football team. In that message I noted the quick action taken by USD’s new Football Head Coach Brandon Moore in reporting those allegations and commended those players who bravely stepped forward to share their experiences. USD is a community that respects the dignity of every human being and takes reports of violations of the student code of conduct with the utmost seriousness and condemns acts of hazing and bullying of any kind.

Yesterday afternoon, USD learned of a lawsuit filed by a former player, and that suit and details within it have been the subject of media stories. The alleged details in the media stories are disturbing and reprehensible and do not reflect the character and actions we expect from members of our community, nor the values of the University of San Diego.

I want to reiterate that Coach Moore had no advance knowledge of the alleged hazing. Thanks to Coach Moore’s swift response, and in conjunction with university leadership, the entire program was temporarily halted and USD initiated an internal inquiry, which resulted in the immediate suspension of a significant number of team members, as well as the dismissal and indefinite suspension of others. It was Coach Moore's alarm and quick action that prompted the entire investigation. As we would with any of our students, members of the football team received direct outreach and were offered multiple resources, counseling services and other opportunities for support.

The matter was also referred to the San Diego Police Department. We also launched an independent inquiry into the matter. That inquiry is underway but not yet complete. To support the integrity of that process and protect the privacy of those involved, it would be inappropriate to provide further details pending the conclusion of the inquiry.

I assure you we are conducting a thorough examination of what may have happened and have already embarked on corrective steps and education. As a contemporary Catholic university, we hold our athletes to a high degree of conduct and character on and off the field of play. Those found responsible for violating policy will face disciplinary action. We also have a responsibility as an educational institution to help those involved learn and grow from these experiences. At the conclusion of our internal inquiry we will determine whether any further discipline is warranted. Obviously, anything that’s shared about that process will maintain student privacy.

USD is not immune from the struggles facing American higher education – but the strength of our community is demonstrated in the way we respond to them. As a university we must continue to strive to make this a community where there is no place for such behavior as we work together to create a more inclusive, sustainable and hopeful world.

Peace,
Jim

James T. Harris III, DEd
President