Athletic Director, Senior VP Address Video Involving Student

Syracuse University Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross and Senior Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz today addressed the offensive and hurtful comments that were made last night by a Syracuse University student and shared in a video on social media. The two statements below have been distributed through the University’s social media accounts and shared prominently on the University’s website. Below is the full content of each of their statements.

Statement from Syracuse University Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross

“We are aware of the offensive comments made last night by a member of the women’s soccer team. This type of intolerant and hurtful language, focused on both race and sexual orientation, is not part of the culture we seek to foster among our student-athletes and it has no place at Syracuse University.

“Earlier today, this student-athlete was indefinitely suspended from the team by Coach Phil Wheddon. In addition, I have been in contact with Senior Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs​ Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz. ​An active investigation is underway by the University’s Department of Public Safety and Title IX Office and their findings will be immediately reported to the Office of Students Rights and Responsibilities.

“Syracuse Athletics, as a strong and diverse part of this University community, has zero tolerance for these actions.”

Statement from Senior Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs​ Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz

“Chancellor Syverud and I are aware of the offensive and hurtful comments that were made last night by a Syracuse University student and shared in a video on social media. We both strongly believe that intolerance of any kind, including that based on race and sexual orientation, is offensive and unacceptable. We do not condone it.

“I have been in contact with Director of Athletics Daryl Gross. This student, who is a student-athlete, has been indefinitely suspended from the women’s soccer team by Coach Phil Wheddon. The University is taking swift action as well. An active investigation is underway by the University’s Department of Public Safety and the Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Resolution Services. Their findings will be immediately reported to the Office of Students Rights and Responsibilities.

“Beyond this particular incident, we are presented with an important opportunity for us to assess the state of our community and work to make our University stronger and better. Each of us must play a role in ensuring that our campus is a place of respect and understanding. We are committed to open and respectful dialogue in the coming days about divides and differences, and equally important, what binds us together as members of the Syracuse University community.”