Ex-Harvard Coach Sues School Over Hazing Claims

Katey Stone, the former head coach of Harvard's women's hockey team, has filed a sex discrimination lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, alleging that the university forced her out due to false misconduct and hazing allegations. Stone claims that these accusations, which included overseeing a program involving a controversial "Naked Skate," were unfounded and part of a broader pattern of gender bias and unfair treatment she experienced at Harvard. At a press conference, she expressed her anguish over the impact on her career and reputation, stating, “The loss of my career... is gut-wrenching.” Stone's attorney, Andrew Miltenberg, asserted that Harvard leveraged the allegations to undermine her position, highlighting a culture at the university that undervalues female coaches. The lawsuit contends that female coaches are held to stricter standards than their male counterparts, with the complaint detailing perceived double standards in how similar issues were handled between men’s and women’s teams. Stone emphasized that while female coaches are expected to be nurturing, male coaches are permitted to adopt a tougher approach. In addition to her claims of discrimination, Stone raised concerns about pay disparities between her and her male colleagues, despite the success of the women's hockey program. She has also named 50 Jane Doe defendants in her lawsuit for defamation, seeking over $5 million in damages. Support from former players was evident at the press conference, as they defended Stone against the allegations that led to her departure from the prestigious institution.