Following a paid administrative leave that began the summer of 2023, Carol Simon Heller MA ’03 was reinstated as the head women’s basketball coach this March. This leave took place due to an investigation conducted by the Office of Equal Opportunity following reports of alleged racist comments and treatment towards others. The investigation concluded that Simon had not violated any University policies, and she was reinstated.

This decision was met with outrage from many community members and garnered media attention from sources such as The Boston Globe. In response to Simon’s reinstatement, 11 members of the Brandeis women’s basketball team wrote a letter to Simon demanding her resignation and threatening not to play under her as their coach. The African and African American Studies department at Brandeis sent a letter to The Justice condemning Simon’s actions as well.

On the afternoon of April 26, Vice President of Student Affairs Andrea Dine sent out an email to the Brandeis community titled “Administrative News.” This email was addressed to students, faculty and staff, and stated that Simon will be retiring. The email then went on to celebrate all of Simon’s awards and achievements from her 37-year tenure, as well as the impact that she has made on the university, earning her a spot in the New England Basketball Hall of Fame.

The email concluded with the following statement: “We thank Carol for her many years of service and contributions to Brandeis and wish her well in her retirement.” Dine also detailed that Brandeis will begin the hunt for a new coach for the team shortly.