Boston University Faces ‘External Review’ Amid Alex Cooper’s Allegations
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Boston University is set to undergo an ‘external review’ of its athletic department following allegations of harassment brought forward by former women’s soccer coaches, especially in light of the accusations made by Alex Cooper in her ‘Call Her Alex’ docuseries.
In a move to address mounting concerns and allegations, BU announced on June 26 that an external review of its athletics department policies will be conducted. The decision comes amidst a series of harassment and grooming claims within the department.
The review was prompted by the revelations made by Alex Cooper against her former BU coach, Nancy Feldman. Cooper alleged that she endured sexual harassment during her time at the university, shedding light on the issue in her documentary series.
A significant incident that led to the external review was the investigation into former women’s soccer coach Casey Brown, who was accused of grooming a teammate. Despite Brown denying the allegations, she was placed on leave in October 2024 and resigned two months later.
In a statement, BU emphasised its commitment to taking harassment and sexual harassment seriously, as well as its dedication to investigating and addressing such matters promptly. The university expressed anticipation for the external review’s recommendations to further enhance the athletic program.
Since Cooper’s revelations, other players from the women’s soccer team have also come forward with allegations of harassment. Cooper detailed instances where her coach fixated on her, made inappropriate comments, and behaved inappropriately during her college years.
Cooper’s docuseries premiered at the Tribeca Festival in New York City, where she bravely shared her experiences and further discussed the issue during a Q&A session. Her courage in speaking out has sparked a conversation around harassment and abuse in the sporting world.
It is crucial for institutions like Boston University to address and rectify any issues concerning harassment and misconduct within their athletic departments. The external review is a step towards ensuring a safer and more respectful environment for all students and athletes.
The case of Alex Cooper and the subsequent external review at Boston University underscore the importance of creating a culture of zero tolerance towards harassment and abuse in academic and sporting institutions. It serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the external review progresses, stakeholders, students, and the wider community will be looking to Boston University for transparency, accountability, and meaningful actions to address the allegations and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all. It remains to be seen what the recommendations of the external review will entail and how they will shape the future of BU’s athletic department.