At least four Vanderbilt cheerleaders have been dismissed from the squad for violation of team rules over spring break, according to Assistant Vice Chancellor Brock Williams.

An assistant coach was also terminated as a result of the rule infractions, which occurred during a trip to the Southeastern Conference women's basketball tournament.

Williams could not comment on the specifics of the infractions or release the names of those involved, as the disciplinary proceedings are still in progress on both a departmental and a student conduct level.

Head coach Pam Pearson said she was not at the women's tournament and has not been relieved of her position at the university as a result of the incident.

Pearson was unable to comment any further on the situation and referred all other questions to Williams.

Williams said the incident does not jeopardize the cheerleaders' certification for participation in the NCAA tournament, calling the situation an "internal matter."

However, he said some team members will miss out on the opportunity to travel to the tournament as a result of their behavior.

"Some people will not be able to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience, but several other student organizations, such as the Danceline, have stepped up to support the basketball teams during the NCAA tournament," Williams said.

Attempts to contact members of the cheerleading squad for comment were not successful.

Williams said, regardless of team membership, students must follow university, team and departmental policy when representing the university beyond campus.

"I probably do hold (the cheerleaders) to a higher standard, and they know that going in when they accept the privilege to be a cheerleader here," he said. "The same is true of any member of a club sport team or SGA. When these kids travel outside of the community, the same policy applies to everybody."

Williams said he also must keep these rules in mind when he travels.

"If I bring attention to myself in a way that embarrasses the university, I am aware that my supervisor will hold be accountable for that," he said. "I am always cognizant of that no matter where I go."

Williams said that he appreciates the "sincere regret and remorse" many students have expressed regarding their actions.

"I know young people are going to stub their toes," he said. "It's our job to help people make the transition from adolescence to adulthood."