University leaders must address ‘toxic culture’

A group of 31 current and former Cal swimmers and 22 parents of swimmers sent a letter to the University of California, Berkeley chancellor and other university leaders last Wednesday calling on them to address the “toxic culture” within the program.

Teri McKeever, the coach of the women’s team, has been accused by Golden Bears swimmers of verbal and emotional abuse and bullying. The allegations first came to light in a bombshell report from the Orange County Register in May.

McKeever was placed on administrative leave in the aftermath of the report, and an investigation is ongoing.

“For us former swimmers, the consequences of McKeever’s coaching, the culture of fear and intimidation on the team, and the athletic department’s disappointing failure to protect its student-athletes have unfortunately followed us into adulthood,” reads the letter, as obtained by Just Women’s Sports. The letter also notes that in addition to the reports already made public, “many more stories” have not been shared.

The letter was sent via email to Carol Christ, the chancellor of UC Berkeley; Michael Drake, the president of the University of California system; Rich Leib, vice chair of the University of California board of regents; and…