TJC Mention in The Cavalier Daily: UVA Hazing Investigator Leaves Amid Criticism Over Case Handling
Excerpt
A primary focus of Golich’s job was to hold students accountable — especially when they commit hazing violations.
That accountability process was on display in an audio recording of Golich leaked last week by alumni group The Jefferson Council — an organization with the stated mission of preserving the legacy of Thomas Jefferson at the University. In the audio, Golich is heard accusing a member of Theta Chi fraternity of lying and evading his questions during a hazing investigation. Further, Golich threatens to contact the member’s commanding officer at the Naval ROTC, who would presumably discipline that student.
Theta Chi’s Fraternal Organization Agreement was terminated by the University in July after the investigation revealed active members coerced or forced new members to consume “heinous foods,” from which some contracted illness or lost feeling in their limbs. The investigation also revealed that new members were asked to perform other “pointless tasks and embarrassing activities” for active members.
Glover said in a statement to The Cavalier Daily that the University does not condone the behavior Golich exhibited in the recording.
“The University expects employees involved in disciplinary processes to treat all students and community members with dignity and respect,” Glover said.
In the recording, he said he did not care what disciplinary action the students faced and that he would “sleep at night just fine” knowing he held them accountable. He also used expletives toward the students.
Golich admits his words were harsh but maintains that his conduct was justified by the actions of the accused students. He also said the video was heavily edited to paint him in a negative light.
“I am not going to apologize for holding students accountable when they make grave errors that threaten the health and safety of other students on grounds,” Golich said.
James A. Bacon, contributing editor for The Jefferson Council, said that while the video had been edited before the Council acquired it, the way in which Golich interacted with the student was still “shocking” and “aggressive.”
Thomas Baxter is a news editor for The Cavalier Daily. Ford McCracken is a senior associate opinion editor for The Cavalier Daily.