UH details actions against McMackin
The University of Hawaii Manoa today announced actions following inappropriate comments by Coach Greg McMackin, in a statement released to the media:
At a news conference this afternoon, University of Hawai’i at Manoa Chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw and Athletics Director Jim Donovan today announced the following actions based on inappropriate comments made by Coach Greg McMackin at the WAC conference in Salt Lake City yesterday.
Athletics Director Donovan:
“We have completed the investigation with the cooperation of Coach McMackin. Because of violations of University policies, I have decided, with the approval of Chancellor Hinshaw, on the following actions:
“There are other steps we have discussed that Coach McMackin has agreed to accomplish so I’ll ask Chancellor Hinshaw to present those.”
UH MÇnoa Chancellor Hinshaw:
“We all recognize that yesterday Coach McMackin made a serious mistake that has hurt many people and brought negative attention to our State and our University. He is clearly remorseful — as well he should be. This has been a painful experience for all involved, but we must now consider actions that will help everyone learn from this very negative event and improve for the future.
“In my own interactions with Coach McMackin, he has always been respectful in dealing with all people and set an excellent example for our student-athletes. Yet he still made a serious mistake and we all know that words carry painful consequences so we are all striving to deal with the damage that was done. To lead the healing process, in addition to the actions described by Athletics Director Donovan:
“We believe these steps will move us forward by making this painful experience into a positive learning experience for Greg McMackin, our UH MÇnoa campus, and our community. I can assure you that UH MÇnoa is truly committed to providing an inclusive, supportive environment for all members of our community.”
Camaron Miyamoto, Coordinator, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Student Services:
Today will strengthen a positive and ongoing working relationship between LGBT Student Services, the UH Commission on the Status of LGBTI Equality and the Department of Athletics.
Continued collaboration between LGBT Student Services, the Chancellor’s Office, and the Department of Athletics is a necessary and needed first step to address homophobia and to promote institutionalized change at our university.
I am entirely devoted to providing every opportunity for Coach McMackin and the Department of Athletics to serve as advocates for change in support of LGBT people in Hawai`i.
It is my hope that our combined resources and efforts will build a more respectful and inclusive campus.
