Harvard men’s soccer team apologizes for ‘sexism and misogyny’ in scouting reports

In an op-ed published by the Crimson, the team apologizes for the 'scouting reports' that ultimately led to the cancellation of their season.

November 4, 2016

1 minute to read

The Harvard men’s soccer team on Friday apologized for keeping “scouting reports” of incoming freshmen female soccer players, and promised to end the culture that allowed the reports to continue in the first place.

“We want to affirm that the scouting report did not and does not reflect our view of the members of Harvard Women’s Soccer or of women in general,” the team wrote in an op-ed published The Harvard Crimson. “The relationship we have enjoyed with their team to this day means the world to us, and we are deeply ashamed that it took a public revelation, a loss of trust, and damaged friendships for us to fully grasp the gravity of our conduct, for which each member of our team takes full and equal responsibility.”

The team took full responsibility for the reports in its op-ed, which wasn’t bylined by an individual but by “the Harvard men’s soccer team” collectively.

The push-back against the team began last week when the “scouting report” from 2012 surfaced. It set off a firestorm of responses and national media attention, ultimately leading to the cancellation of their current season. The reports continued after the 2012 season, including through this year, according to a spokesperson for the Harvard athletic department.

The team said the “inexcusable manifestation of sexism and misogyny on our part” persisted despite a change in coaching staff and culture in 2013.

“Starting with ourselves, all players on this team now commit our efforts to spur a cultural change that goes beyond the scope of our own team,” the team wrote. “… We hope to guide conversation among the other athletic teams about sexism, and we ask for input from the community at large, openly welcoming and encouraging any and all constructive discussion of and collaboration with our efforts.”