Task Force: B.U. Men’s Hockey Team Has “Culture of Sexual Entitlement and Abuse”

Boston University’s Men’s Hockey Team is in some hot water regarding the “culture of sexual entitlement and abuse,” investigated by a University Task Force. Jack Parker, coach of the Boston University Men’s Hockey Team lost his executive athletic director title as a result of these findings, according to the BBJ.

What may be more shocking is that Parker issued a statement supporting the charges, calling them “accurate.”

Boston University’s President Dr. Robert Brown issued a letter addressing the findings of the Task Force, assembled last March after two players on the hockey team were charged with sexual assault.  

Brown said the purpose of the Task Force was to examine the lifestyle of the players and the overall program to study what elements contributed to certain behaviors.

According to Brown, the Task Force concluded that “the unique culture of men’s ice hockey, played at the highest collegiate level, and the preeminent status of our team” contribute to a celebrity-like culture which differentiates the players from the general student population at B.U. The findings were critical of the school, the team and the overseers of the hockey program.

The Task Force also outlined 14 steps to improve the team activities and those of the school, focusing on alcohol abuse as well as sexual assault or harassment, including sexual assault prevention training on a yearly schedule.  The Task Force also concluded that while there was an active culture of sexual entitlement, no NCAA rules were broken by the men’s hockey team.

What is your take on the “culture of sexual entitlement?” Is this unique to B.U.’s men’s hockey team, or is it found in other forms of jock culture? Use the comments section to voice your opinion. We ask that you keep the conversation civil and decent when addressing something as controversial as this.