The U.S. Department of Justice has secured a $4.1 million settlement following accusations that the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) covered up sexual abuse and discrimination allegations by a former swim coach. Chad Cradock, the former head swimming and diving coach at UMBC, was accused of sexually harassing male student-athletes and discriminating against female student-athletes. UMBC leaders were aware of the allegations but failed to act, resulting in a DOJ report into Title IX violations.
The settlement has been approved by the Board of Public Works and will offer financial relief to student-athletes who were targets of Cradock’s misconduct. Survivors will be entitled to receive $180,000 or $60,000 each. Cradock, who had been coaching at UMBC for decades, committed suicide in 2021 after federal officials presented him with detailed allegations of abuse.
The investigation found that Cradock created a “hypersexualized environment” in which he abused male athletes and discriminated against female athletes, encouraging inappropriate sexual relationships and failing to report multiple sexual assaults. The report stated that UMBC administrators were aware of these offenses but did nothing to stop them, even covering up for Cradock. Students were fearful of challenging him due to the potential consequences for their academic and athletic careers.
UMBC has committed to implementing policy changes, including restructuring Title IX reporting and procedures, providing training and prevention initiatives, and offering support to students and staff. UMBC’s President, Valerie Ashby, has expressed deep regret over the situation and has committed to preventing similar incidents in the future. The DOJ will monitor UMBC’s implementation of the agreement through the academic year 2028-2029.
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