I want to start this out addressing those who may not be affiliated with Saint Xavier University. SXU student athletes are begging at this point, after many failed attempts of coming forward, that you take a few minutes to read and sign this petition in hopes of finally making a change.

Over a year ago, SXU hired a new athletic director. Since the hiring of the new athletic director, a toxic and unhealthy environment has developed throughout the SXU Athletic Program for both faculty and students. Multiple coaches have left a place they once loved and felt important, or have been terminated/forced to resign.

There have been multiple incidents where the athletic director has belittled, manipulated, and made students and faculty feel uncomfortable. In fact, a beloved and trusted coach was terminated after a group of student athletes had gone to him for help to communicate with the AD, because these students were left in the dark and feeling uncomfortable after their failed attempt to communicate with the AD themselves.

Some student athletes feel scared/threatened walking into the athletic building, because the AD makes them feel this uncomfortable.

Some students fear retaliation from the AD if they speak out against her views.

We, as students, PAY to attend this institution. The fact that we are paying all this tuition money, but feel too afraid of using the facilities that we are entitled to, is extremely disheartening and infuriating.

Many SXU student athletes are so mentally exhausted and fed up with the way SXU has been handling our concerns.

It’s not right. Having to beg and cry for help from the higher up at SXU, only to be shot down time and time again, is extremely heart breaking.

NO student athlete or faculty should ever feel uncomfortable or threatened in an environment, especially those who have to pay and take out loans to go there.

I am begging those of you who read this and agree with this, to please sign this in hopes that SXU will finally hear their students. Please.

I also want to thank you and say we appreciate you for taking time out if your day to read this.

-Concerned Student Athletes