Harvard investigating report men's x-country team created sexually explicit docs
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Harvard University is investigating a report that the men’s cross country team created sexually explicit documents about the women’s cross country team.
University Athletic Director Bob Scalise said Tuesday that he’s asking school lawyers to look into the matter. The Harvard Crimson student newspaper reports that the men’s cross country team produced yearly spreadsheets about members of the women’s’ team, sometimes rating their appearances and making lewd comments.
The spreadsheet was created before an annual dance with the women’s team. The captain of the men’s team told The Crimson he’s ashamed of lewd comments made in past years.
Harvard canceled its men’s soccer team’s season last week after finding out members created a document with sexually explicit comments about the women’s soccer team. Scalise says Harvard won’t tolerate demeaning behavior.
University President Drew Faust said in a statement Thursday that an investigation into the 2012 team found that their “appalling” comments were not isolated and have continued through the current season.
The 2012 document uncovered by The Harvard Crimson student newspaper rated the attractiveness of recruits on the women’s team and included lewd comments about them. Members of the men’s team called it their “scouting report” and circulated it online.
Scalise sent an email to student athletes announcing that the university will forfeit its remaining games of the season.
“I am on the phone with my father, please respect me,” said member of Harvard University men’s soccer team to CBS Boston last week.
A member of Harvard University Men’s soccer team didn’t want to answer questions. The University suspended the team for the rest of the season accusing them of disrespecting and degrading women players.
The school found the men’s team continually participated in a sexually explicit “scouting report” where they rated the incoming women freshman players.
“Guys cross the line a lot, and I think this is one of the instances,” said student Betsy Prezioso.
