A rugby club at one of London's top universities is being investigated after its members distributed homophobic and sexist leaflets at a freshers' fair.
The London School of Economics sports team came under fire after the pamphlets were made public, while the university's director slammed the text - which described women as "netball slags", "trollops" and "mingers".
Craig Calhoun, director of the LSE, said: "In any case the school does not tolerate sexist, racist or homophobic behaviour or publications. I hope this is an isolated incidence."
Fellow LSE students expressed their disgust and shock on Twitter:
While students from other UK universities chimed in with their outrage:
LSE's officer for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students Alex Leung added: "Some people might see it as a joke but I think the leaflet has crossed the line.
"I am disappointed with Men's Rugby team. Everyone can play sports including rugby no matter what your sexual orientation."
A statement released by LSE's SU read:
"At the Freshers Fair on Friday 3 October we received a number of complaints regarding booklets distributed by the LSE Rugby Club. We immediately confiscated all materials and launched an investigation.
"This investigation will be thorough. It will hear from both individuals that complained and the Club itself. This will allow us to determine any appropriate action.
"We are also working with the School as they have received a wide number of complaints.
"We are committed to our equal opportunities policy and safeguarding our members. However, further comment won’t be provided until the investigation has been completed in order to keep our processes as robust as possible."
Since publication of this article, the rugby club has released a statement, published in full by student paper The Beaver.
The club apologised for the leaflet, saying the "inexcusably offensive and stigmatising language" did not reflect the views of the club.
The London School of Economics sports team came under fire after the pamphlets were made public, while the university's director slammed the text - which described women as "netball slags", "trollops" and "mingers".
Part of leaflet apparently handed out today by the #LSE men's rugby club to freshers. Way to make women feel welcome. pic.twitter.com/UxwzXWpAjJ
— Bad Housekeeping (@bad_housekeeper) October 3, 2014
Craig Calhoun, director of the LSE, said: "In any case the school does not tolerate sexist, racist or homophobic behaviour or publications. I hope this is an isolated incidence."
Fellow LSE students expressed their disgust and shock on Twitter:
It is dreadful that the LSE Men's Rugby felt the need to distribute sexist and homophobic leaflets at Freshers' Fair #LSE
— Zoe Carter (@ZoeCarter1994) October 5, 2014
Oh. Just read the LSE Rugby Club's pamphlet for Fresher's Fair. Actually shocked can't believe that was produced by fellow students.
— Fifi Kara (@FifiKara) October 5, 2014
The LSE men's rugby leaflet was absolutely revolting to read.
— Aylish (@aylishfaye) October 5, 2014
Disgusted with leaflets that LSE rugby club were handing out at freshers fair. Can't believe I study with such sexist, homophobic, snobs.
— Emily (@emilyxhaimeed) October 5, 2014
While students from other UK universities chimed in with their outrage:
It seems LSE Men's Rugby couldn't even get beyond fresher's week without being sexist, homophobic, moronic and offensive. Way to go, guys.
— Nicola Sugden (@nicola_sugden) October 5, 2014
LSE's officer for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students Alex Leung added: "Some people might see it as a joke but I think the leaflet has crossed the line.
"I am disappointed with Men's Rugby team. Everyone can play sports including rugby no matter what your sexual orientation."
A statement released by LSE's SU read:
"At the Freshers Fair on Friday 3 October we received a number of complaints regarding booklets distributed by the LSE Rugby Club. We immediately confiscated all materials and launched an investigation.
"This investigation will be thorough. It will hear from both individuals that complained and the Club itself. This will allow us to determine any appropriate action.
"We are also working with the School as they have received a wide number of complaints.
"We are committed to our equal opportunities policy and safeguarding our members. However, further comment won’t be provided until the investigation has been completed in order to keep our processes as robust as possible."
Since publication of this article, the rugby club has released a statement, published in full by student paper The Beaver.
The club apologised for the leaflet, saying the "inexcusably offensive and stigmatising language" did not reflect the views of the club.