AG Miyares Condemns Roanoke College for Discrimination Against Women Swimmers

At a recent press conference, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares shared the results of an investigation into alleged abuse and discrimination by Roanoke College officials against members of the 2023-24 women’s swim team.

The probe has drawn a lot of attention and stirred up tough questions about gender equality in college athletics and how schools treat female athletes. With accusations of sex discrimination, retaliation, and the controversial inclusion of a male swimmer on the women’s team, things have escalated into a major legal fight.

This article digs into what the investigation found and what it might mean for Roanoke College and its leadership.

Background of the Investigation

The press conference took place at the Salem library on August 25. About twenty people attended, including five Roanoke County elected officials, local media, and several from Miyares’ office and campaign team.

No one from Roanoke College administration showed up. Bill Bock, attorney for two of the women swimmers, kicked things off by describing the unfair treatment the female athletes say they faced.

Disparities in Athletic Opportunities

Bock noted that women make up roughly 54.4% of Roanoke College’s full-time students, but only 42% of varsity athletic roster spots go to female athletes. That means over a hundred more roster slots for men.

He also said that in 2023, Roanoke College allowed a former male swimmer to join the women’s team, which he argued made gender discrimination in the athletic program even worse.

Allegations of Retaliation and Hostility

Bock claimed that when the women swimmers objected to the male swimmer’s inclusion, the college administration retaliated against them. The athletes spoke out in October 2023, and after that, they say they endured two years of hostility and intimidation.

Bock said top school officials ignored their concerns and even punished them by taking away some educational opportunities.

Attorney General Miyares’ Findings

Attorney General Miyares took the stage to share his office’s findings. He accused Roanoke College of violating both the Virginia Human Rights Act and Title IX by discriminating and retaliating against student athletes because of their sex.

Miyares argued that letting a biological male compete on the women’s team took a spot from a female athlete and gave an unfair advantage due to the physical effects of male puberty.

Impact on the Female Swimmers

Miyares described the emotional, physical, and personal harm the women swimmers suffered over two years. The women dealt with death threats, bullying, and harassment, and sometimes only felt safe moving around campus in groups.

Despite their achievements, some of the athletes lost out on study abroad opportunities as punishment for speaking up.

Legal Implications and Next Steps

The investigation’s findings carry real legal weight for Roanoke College. Miyares said the college’s actions broke both state and federal laws against sex discrimination.

The women swimmers, represented by Bock, can now pursue damages against the college. Miyares said his office would keep backing the athletes to protect their rights.

Roanoke College’s Response

Roanoke College President Frank Shushok Jr. responded to the allegations by firmly denying any wrongdoing by the college’s trustees, faculty, staff, coaches, or administration.

The college stated it did not violate anyone’s human rights or retaliate against students in any way.

Public Outcry and Support

The case has triggered strong public reactions, with many people supporting the female athletes. The women’s swim team first went public at a press conference in October 2023, and their story made international headlines.

The swimmers’ statements and the investigation’s findings have put a spotlight on gender equality and fairness in college sports. It’s a conversation that’s not going away anytime soon.