Indiana implements new policy banning athletes with histories of sexual or domestic violence

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Prospective student-athletes with histories of domestic or sexual violence will no longer be allowed to be a member of any athletics program at Indiana University.

Per the Indianapolis Star, the Indiana athletics department has implemented a policy banning its programs from adding any athlete who has been convicted of or pleaded guilty or no contest to a felony involving sexual violence, outlined as "dating violence, domestic violence, rape, sexual assault or sexual violence as defined by the Indiana University policy on sexual misconduct."

This new policy comes as domestic and sexual assaults continue to dominate headlines across college athletics. While schools like Baylor have had such actions completely tied to their identities, the Big Ten has not been without its own high-profile incidents. Minnesota's 2017 football season ended in turmoil with 10 players suspended after a university investigation into a sexual assault. Football players at Michigan State have been involved in sexual assault investigations this offseason. A domestic violence arrest preceded an Illinois basketball player leaving the team last year.

According to the Star, Indiana's policy was thought up by athletics director Fred Glass, who supports a rule such as this for the entire conference. The SEC has a rule banning transfers who have a history of domestic or sexual violence.

"It's something the SEC, with their transfer ban, I think raised the issue generally," Glass told the Star. "We've been working on that since that time, in trying to put something together that makes sense for Indiana University."

"I think it's new ground. My hope is that we're leading in this area, and maybe others will follow with, maybe not the exact same policy, but one that fits their particular institutions."

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