Northwestern University President Michael Schill has admitted that he may have made a mistake in suspending coach Pat Fitzgerald for two weeks following an investigation into hazing allegations within the football program. In a statement, Schill acknowledged that he focused too much on what the investigation concluded Fitzgerald didn’t know, rather than what he should have known.
The university recently released a summary of the investigation’s findings, which revealed that participation in or knowledge of the hazing activities was widespread among football players. However, there was no evidence of misconduct by a specific player or coach, and the coaching staff was not found to have sufficient evidence of knowledge about the hazing. Despite this, investigators discovered that there were significant opportunities for the coaching staff to discover and report the hazing.
Schill emphasized that as the head coach, Fitzgerald is responsible not only for what happens within the program but also for upholding the institution’s commitment to the student experience. He stated that both Fitzgerald and himself failed to uphold this commitment and that he would engage with university leadership to assess future steps.
Fitzgerald, in his own statement, expressed disappointment upon hearing about the hazing allegations and claimed to be unaware of the incidents. The university had hired outside investigator Maggie Hickey to look into the allegations after receiving an anonymous complaint in November 2022. The investigation was publicly disclosed in January.
The complainant’s allegations involved football players pressuring teammates into participating in hazing activities, which reportedly included forced sexual acts. The hazing is believed to have started at Camp Kenosha in Wisconsin, where the team used to hold training camp.
Schill revealed that he had spoken with the complainant’s family and apologized for what their son went through. As part of the university’s response to the hazing allegations, practices at Camp Kenosha have been permanently discontinued, and a locker room monitor who doesn’t report to the coaching staff has been implemented.
The recent revelations have raised questions about Fitzgerald’s attendance at the upcoming Big Ten media days on July 26. Given the explosive reporting from The Daily Northwestern and Schill’s backtrack, it is unlikely that Fitzgerald will be present. The investigation into hazing within the football program, which lasted six months, has been seen as a cover-your-backside move by the university.
The incidents of hazing described in the investigation’s findings were once considered jocular and dismissive but are now rightly seen as demeaning and exploitative. While a reasonable person might give Fitzgerald the benefit of the doubt for an isolated incident, the widespread accusations make it difficult to do so.
What is particularly damning is Fitzgerald’s own statement in a 2014 PSA, where he emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for young athletes entering a new culture. In light of the recent findings, it is clear that Fitzgerald failed to live up to his own words.
The university’s response to the hazing allegations highlights the need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. It is crucial for institutions to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students and ensure that all athletes have a positive and inclusive experience during their time at the university.
As Northwestern moves forward, it is essential for the university to learn from this incident and implement comprehensive policies and training programs to prevent hazing within its athletic programs. By taking proactive measures, Northwestern can create a safer and more supportive environment for its student-athletes and uphold its commitment to providing a positive student experience.