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Since the findings from an independent investigation of hazing in our football program at Northwestern University were announced on July 7, our student-athletes and our coaches have been thrust into the national spotlight and have come under intense criticism.
I understand and accept the criticism. The hazing that was documented in the investigation is entirely unacceptable, and I apologize on behalf of the university to those athletes and all others affected.
We also have seen allegations that some of the hazing activities targeted student-athletes based on their race. These are disturbing claims and completely antithetical to our educational and athletics mission. I want to be clear that Northwestern is and will always be committed to diversity and that every one of our students belongs here. Each of us — students, faculty, staff and leadership — must do our part to ensure an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
[ Editorial: Football, at all levels, needs a culture change in the wake of Northwestern scandal ]
Stepping back to gauge the dialogue over the past few weeks, I am concerned that fingers of blame and accusation are now being pointed indiscriminately and too broadly.
The vast majority of our student-athletes, coaches and athletic staff members are people of integrity and decency. Our student-athletes are uniquely talented and able to excel both in the classroom and on the sports field.
Among the copious data that bears out their accomplishments is the fact that nine of our conference teams earned a perfect Academic Progress Rate score, per the latest NCAA report, a record that is unsurpassed in the Big Ten. Their achievements reflect the fact that Northwestern is in a very small group of universities that are simultaneously academically preeminent and exceptionally competitive in Division I athletics.
As our student-athletes return to campus this week to prepare for the season ahead and the new academic year, they deserve our support. I pledge the full resources of the university and my personal efforts to provide them with what they need and to ensure their well-being and safety.
One of the most important things we can do is to make sure that hazing never again occurs in our athletic programs or anywhere on the Northwestern campus.
Beyond the immediate actions we have announced to combat hazing, including intensive anti-hazing training for all teams and coaches, Northwestern has engaged former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to conduct a thorough review of the university’s processes and accountability mechanisms to detect, report and respond to potential misconduct in its athletics programs, including hazing, bullying and discrimination of any kind. As part of her review, Lynch will also examine the culture of Northwestern athletics to ensure it is consistent with the university’s mission and values.
Chicago Tribune Opinion
It is critical that we understand why hazing took place and what must change in terms of our culture, processes and personnel in order to fully eradicate it.
Why was hazing not reported to the university over the many years it occurred? Why might some staff have failed to notice or stop hazing activity? How can we help students recognize hazing and reassure them that their complaints will be investigated promptly and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken?
I hope that the actions we have announced since July 8 have begun to send the message that hazing will not be tolerated at Northwestern and people will be held accountable. We will continue to review any specific allegations involving coaches, staff or student-athletes and will take appropriate disciplinary action based on facts.
I want Northwestern to always be recognized as the exemplar for how a university can simultaneously be exceptional in academics and athletics. And, by using the word “exceptional,” I mean it to include a university that approaches everything we do with integrity and courage.
It’s my hope that the changes we will make as a result of this difficult and painful experience for our university community might be helpful to others committed to addressing the issue of hazing in collegiate athletics.
Michael Schill is president of Northwestern University and a former president of the University of Oregon and dean of the law schools of the University of Chicago and the University of California at Los Angeles.
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