Almost seven weeks later, Husch Blackwell’s investigation into the Iowa Hawkeye soccer program regarding racial bias and a culture of bullying has been completed. The investigation interviewed 111 people, including 45 current and 29 former members of the soccer team and 36 current and former employees.
Following the investigation, Husch Blackwell relayed his findings to the University of Iowa. On Thursday morning, the University released a 28-page report summarizing the details of the investigation. You can read the full 28-page report by by clicking here.
“Interviews revealed that the Iowa football program has historically adhered to a philosophy (the” Iowa Trail “) that requires uniformity and discourages individualism,” wrote Husch Blackwell. “As a result, many black players expressed difficulty adjusting to the show’s culture, explaining that they were required to abide by a” mold “that appeared to be built around the stereotype of a clean cut white athlete from a Midwest.” .
After the investigation, Husch Blackwell He does not recommend retiring Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz or athletic director Gary Barta.
“We recommend that the University work with Athletic Director Barta and Head Coach Ferentz to create action steps aimed at improving the culture of the program, eliminating prejudice and encouraging student athletes to report abuse concerns,” Husch Blackwell said in its conclusion. “Ultimately, both Athletic Director and Head Coach Ferentz expressed their commitment to rebuilding trust with the players and fostering an environment that embodies the Department’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. “
“We recommend that the University work with Athletic Director Barta and Head Coach Ferentz to create action steps aimed at improving the culture of the program, eliminating prejudice, encouraging student athletes to report concerns about abuse, and amplifying the University policy statement against retaliation within the soccer program. “
Husch Blackwell also described that while there were some outliers, overall most players who have played / played under Ferentz have positive things to say about him.
“While many players shared criticism of the overall program or their personal experiences with certain coaches, most players commented positively on head coach Kirk Ferentz and his leadership on the program. “
On June 8, the Iowa players held an emotional meeting that was described as “intense” and “shocking.” After the meeting, many players took to Twitter to show their support for their teammates and said that significant changes were taking place in Iowa.
The Husch Blackwell report found that the University of Iowa athletics department has begun implementing significant changes and has already had an effect.
“Finally, current players were consistent in their belief that the environment in the soccer program has improved significantly since the start of this review, both in a general sense and through specific attempts to address or prevent racial inequalities. Players expressed the hope that these improvements will continue and will result in sustained action that will enhance the program. “
This story will be updated.
You can get a month of HawkeyeInsider premium VIP access for $ 1 for the first month or a annual membership with 30% discount. Take advantage now and be the first to know everything that happens regarding Iowa football, basketball and recruiting! Click here
