COLLEGE PARK, Md. (7News) — The University of Maryland (UMD) has suspended its club tennis team indefinitely after members allegedly sent racist imagery to other college tennis teams ahead of a weekend tournament in College Park.
According to university officials, members of the Maryland Club Tennis organization emailed tournament materials containing the offensive imagery targeting Black and African American people to other university tennis clubs in the region. UMD Recreation and Wellness staff learned about the materials Saturday and took immediate action.
The entire club tennis team has been suspended indefinitely while the university’s Office of Student Conduct investigates. The matter has also been referred to the University of Maryland Police Department.
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While the university said only a few students may have been directly involved, Howard University Interim President Wayne A. I. Frederick said two Maryland club tennis leaders were referred to the Office of Student Conduct.
The University of Maryland (UMD) has suspended its club tennis team indefinitely after members allegedly sent racist imagery to other college tennis teams ahead of a weekend tournament in College Park. (7News)
Howard University’s club tennis team was among the schools participating in the tournament.
This past weekend, members of Howard University’s Club Tennis Team traveled to the University of Maryland, College Park, to participate in a tournament that should have been an opportunity for friendly competition, sportsmanship, and fellowship among students,” Frederick said in a statement Monday. “Instead, our students were confronted with deeply offensive and racist imagery.
Frederick condemned the materials, saying the imagery brought up a painful history of racial violence and discrimination.
“There is no place for racism, intimidation, or imagery rooted in hatred and racial violence in collegiate athletics, on our campuses, or anywhere in our society,” he said.
Following the discovery, Maryland’s club tennis team forfeited its matches, although the tournament continued for other participating schools.
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UMD officials said student leaders met with other team captains to apologize, take responsibility and acknowledge the harm caused. The club also sent apology emails to each of the invited teams.
“The University of Maryland is horrified and expresses its regret and sincere apology for the harm that this has caused,” the university said in a statement to 7News.
UMD’s director of Recreation and Wellness also apologized to officials and club presidents at participating schools.
Howard University said it will remain in contact with Maryland as the investigation continues.
It remains unclear whether the students involved will face additional disciplinary action or criminal charges.
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