On October 6, 2022, CMS Athletics, in partnership with Claremont McKenna College and Harvey Mudd College Deans of Students Offices, initiated a review of potential violations of CMS Athletics Student Code of Conduct and Hazing Policy by members of the CMS men's soccer team that took place on the evening of Saturday, October 1, on the CMC campus. The members of the men's soccer team cooperated fully with the coaches and college administrators' review of the incident.
While the investigation proceeded, CMS Athletics placed all team activities on hold and canceled the October 8 men's soccer game against Pomona-Pitzer.
The investigation found that nearly all members of the team, acting as a team, violated multiple conduct standards, including organizing and carrying out an event which subjected new team members to multiple acts of hazing. CMS Athletics educates all student-athletes on the definition of, and prohibition against hazing. All CMS Athletics teams meet with athletic administrators at the start of the season to review, understand, and sign the CMS Student Athlete Code of Conduct and Hazing Policy.
As a result, the remainder of the men's fall soccer season is canceled, including any opportunities for SCIAC and NCAA tournament play.
The coaching staff looks ahead to the 2023 spring season and the opportunity it provides for the men's soccer team to engage in CMS Athletics' important, ongoing efforts to help all CMS teams recognize the activities that constitute hazing. In addition, our goal is for all CMS teams to develop alternative, positive and appropriate team-building activities that reinforce team and CMS values. Players have reaffirmed their commitments to exemplifying the guiding values and core beliefs that provide the foundation for the CMS Student Athlete Code of Conduct.
As these student-athletes begin the process of restoration, CMC and HMC will walk alongside and support them. As is often the case in difficult times, the opportunities for growth and character building are significant, and we have every reason to believe these men and this team will be better versions of themselves as they emerge from this difficult moment.
