Letter to Student-Athletes

March 28, 2006

Dear Student-Athletes,

Generally, you would receive communications like this from your coaches, program administrators, or the Director of Athletics. However, the subject of this letter has broader implications than simply intercollegiate athletics at Fairfield University. For this reason, I want to communicate directly with you myself.

Some of you may be aware of a very serious situation which is currently being investigated at and impacting Duke University. The situation stems from problems associated with an off-campus party hosted by and involving members of the men's lacrosse team and others. A woman has alleged that she was violently raped and assaulted at this party by one or more individuals. Duke University has forfeited games in the aftermath of this incident and suspended the team indefinitely. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, serious criminal or other legal actions may result for both the individuals responsible and the University.

You may wonder what this has to do with you or Fairfield University. However, over the past couple of years, I have been troubled by reports of actual or alleged activities involving Fairfield student-athletes. By any reasonable definition of the term, Fairfield student-athletes have been involved in hazing activities, quasi-hazing activities, or other team-oriented activities where misconduct took place. Some may dispute this, but we both know it to be true. Where misconduct was determined to have taken place, individuals were disciplined accordingly.

Unfortunately, many student-athletes may look at the situation that has occurred at Duke and conclude that this would never happen at Fairfield. What students tend to downplay or overlook is the environment that contributed to what took place. Excessive or abusive consumption of alcohol (whether legal or underage), group dynamics, peer pressure, the sense of wanting to belong, a mob mentality, etc. These are all things which may be far too common in your own lives. When they are, you put yourselves and Fairfield University at serious risk.

Fortunately, the vast majority of student-athletes conduct themselves regularly in a manner that is both appropriate and reflective of what it means to be a student-athlete at Fairfield University. My letter is directed at you. We need you to stand up and challenge your teammates and others when you hear about, know about, or witness conduct which is reckless, immoral, unlawful, or disrespectful. We know this is not always easy, but only you can truly change the culture. When administrators or coaches do it, you know how that is received.

Please be clear about Fairfield University's expectations regarding appropriate team conduct off the court or playing field. We will support you when you make mistakes, but we will not tolerate nor defend the indefensible. No sport, no coach, no administrator, and no student-athlete is more important than the integrity of the athletics program overall or the University as a whole.

Thank you for your consideration. It is a sincere pleasure to watch you compete and represent Fairfield University.

Sincerely,

Mark C. Reed
Vice President for Student Affairs

MCR/eb