UPDATE from EIU:
Eastern Illinois University is committed to maintaining a supportive and healthy environment for all students and student-athletes.
Today, we engaged Finegan, Rinker, and Ghrist, independent counsel, to support an investigation into claims of hazing involving the EIU men’s swimming team. The University will work with outside counsel to support and review the Dean of Students’ investigation and will report its findings in due course.
EIU has a zero-tolerance approach to hazing in all of its forms. The University is unable to provide further comment during an ongoing investigation. Those overseeing the process appreciate everyone’s trust and understanding that upholding the integrity of EIU’s internal investigation is critical.
Following disclosure to the head coach of credible reports of hazing, Eastern Illinois University is suspending competition for the fall 2023 semester. Subsequent to this disclosure, the University and Intercollegiate Athletics immediately initiated a formal investigation, led by EIU’s Office of the Dean of Students. The health and wellness of our students is EIU’s topmost priority. For that reason, final decisions on future competition(s) and individual roster eligibility will be determined following the results of the investigation.