A week of violent occurrences on campus has eclipsed another story, one the University’s not telling.

Eight University of Massachusetts lacrosse players have been suspended by the University, for what the administration is describing no more specifically than a violation of team rules.

Something tells us, though, that the University suspects them of more than pelting Giants fans after the Super Bowl. The University refuses to comment as to whether the suspension has to do with a fight that broke out at a N. Pleasant Street apartment at 2 a.m. Friday, in which lacrosse sticks were used as weapons.

Were this merely an unusual coincidence, the University would be quick in dispelling rumors. But the University press office and Amherst Police Department have repeatedly told The Collegian that no new information is available.

The Daily Collegian, as well as several large newspapers, including The Boston Herald and The Baltimore Sun, have picked up the story – little more than an account of Friday’s altercation and the University’s non-denial denial – and rumors are abounding. This shroud of ambiguity just makes the administration look worse without making the situation any better.

The Massachusetts Daily Collegian is not passing judgment as to the culpability of these eight men; if they are in fact suspended in relation to the altercation Friday, then they will go before a court of law. But the administration has a staked interest in being forthright about the allegations and the investigation process, so as to prevent spreading of misinformation through rumor and hearsay.

Because at present, nearly a week after the altercation, the issue is still unclear. This suggests either inaction on the administrations part, or, more likely, a lack of transparency in their actions. Neither looks good for the administration, or for the school.

None of us at the University of Massachusetts like to hear news of violent crimes, especially those committed by students against other students. But when the administration attempts to sweep something under the rug, it looks like we’ve got something to hide. We should be bringing perpetrators of these crimes under campus-wide scrutiny, to show that violent acts are anomalous and unacceptable.

Were the eight men suspended linked to a violent crime that happened this Friday? Only time will tell. In the meantime, the administration had better fess up as well.

Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of The Daily Collegian editorial board.