Investigation finds Title IX violations at Western Kentucky

Swim team members at Western Kentucky University were subjected to hazing and sexual assault, according to documents obtained by the College Heights Herald.

Title IX investigators recently completed their report, concluding that athletes were mentally abused by “taping and replaying embarrassing or compromising activity in order to subject the individual to ridicule,” as reported by the Herald. The report also noted additional violations.

From the article:

The investigation concluded that swim team Head Coach Bruce Marchionda knew about the hazing and sexual harassment since spring 2012 based on an email he received from a former swimmer.

The investigation concluded that disciplinary measures were “often inconsistent, and often handled during the fall semesters when major competitions and championships were not at stake,” the document said. 

The report recommended three action items for university administrators to proceed: 1) individual students accused in the complaint should be referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs for further action, 2) Athletic Director Todd Stewart should “determine the appropriate next steps” regarding team leadership and 3) Stewart should “consider the involvement of the swim team from an organizational perspective” for its future. 

In nine seasons as head coach, Marchionda’s men’s and women’s teams have compiled a 138-15 dual meet record and won seven conference titles. He’s been named conference coach of the year six times.

Click here to read the complete article from the Herald.