Dear UMBC Community,
I am writing to you with some difficult but important news. Today, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) released the findings of its Title IX investigation into the university. The DOJ investigation spanned more than three years, beginning in November 2020, and focused on the period 2015-2020. The findings are deeply troubling. The DOJ found failures in the university’s response to allegations of sex discrimination during that period. We take full responsibility for what happened, and we commit ourselves not only to addressing the failures, but also to rebuilding our community’s trust.
Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities that receive federal funding. The DOJ determined that in the years 2015-2020, the university failed to comply with Title IX by not properly responding to allegations that the former head coach of the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams engaged in sexual misconduct and discrimination against student-athletes. I know it will be difficult to read the full findings of the investigation, but it is important to do so if you are able, because understanding and acknowledging the findings will allow our community to begin the work of moving forward. The DOJ’s complete findings are available here.
To the students who were harmed: I am profoundly sorry. I am grateful for the courage and strength of those who spoke up and took action, and I am committed to ensuring that such failures never happen again. UMBC let you down, and we let our community down. We did not live up to our values, and that is inexcusable.
Let me say also that we did not want to share this information during spring break, while so much of our community is not with us here on campus. The timing of this news is regrettable, because we know that our ability to provide care and support is hampered when we are apart, and that it will be difficult for some to receive this information while separated from their UMBC networks and support systems. The DOJ chose to release the information this week, in accordance with its practice of releasing findings as soon as possible upon finalizing them.
Throughout this investigation, UMBC fully cooperated with the DOJ. We provided documents, made witnesses available for interviews, and responded to every request for information and access. An agreement with the DOJ will be signed and shared publicly in the coming days. It will specify critical changes in the way the university responds to reports of sexual misconduct and discrimination.
But please know that we are not waiting for the agreement to be signed to act. Soon after I arrived at UMBC in August 2022, I created the role of Vice President for Institutional Equity and Chief Diversity Officer to oversee the work of the Office of Equity and Civil Rights. Tanyka M. Barber was hired into this role, and she has initiated mandatory Title IX training for all students, as well as training for faculty and staff; conducted a thorough review of the university’s Title IX policies and procedures; and reached out to students and staff to provide them with the resources that they need. She is working quickly yet thoughtfully to build an experienced and expert team and transform our Title IX processes to make them more comprehensive and accessible to ensure that the university responds appropriately to complaints.
We have also reset the Athletic Department’s structure, governance, and reporting mechanisms, starting with making the athletic director a direct report to me. Together, these actions represent an important and necessary set of first steps; there is much more work to do.
The failures between 2015 and 2020 identified by the DOJ were the collective responsibility of many individuals. Those who were identified as failing to comply with their Title IX obligations—whether through action or inaction—will be held accountable.
This is a painful moment for UMBC, but I am inspired by all of you and privileged to be in service to this beloved community. Every day, I am awed by students, faculty, and staff who show up every day to work together, learn, and support one another to do more and to achieve great things. You have remained true to our mission, and you live our core values of inclusive excellence, collaboration, innovation, and impact. I am grateful to each one of you for continuing to make UMBC exceptional. We are all better for it.
Now, it is our turn to show up for you.
Going forward, we will – and we MUST – hold ourselves to the highest standards of care, safety, integrity, and compliance. I encourage anyone who experiences discrimination or sexual misconduct of any kind to report it online to the Office of Equity and Civil Rights, or by emailing ecr@umbc.edu or calling 410-455-1717. All reports will be investigated confidentially, impartially, and thoroughly, and we will take appropriate action according to our own university policies and the law. Discrimination or abuse of any kind will not be tolerated.
In the coming days, we will continue to have conversations about these issues and provide our community with the support and resources you need. To anyone in need of support during this difficult time—whether students, staff, or faculty—please reach out for help. A variety of resources are available both in person and remotely.
More information on our Title IX policies and procedures can be found on the Office of Equity and Civil Rights website.
Nothing matters more than the safety and well-being of our students. I hope the measures that we are taking demonstrate our commitment to make sure that we never again waver from that highest priority. We will create and sustain a culture of accountability and care so that all members of the UMBC community feel safe. You have my word.
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby