LSE has disbanded its men’s rugby team after they handed out offensive leaflets during freshers’ fayre and people have taken to Twitter to share their views.
LSE Law student Darren Barnett backed LSESU’s decision.
Appropriate response from LSESU in disbanding the AU Rugby Club. Disparaging comments made about minority groups shall not be tolerated.
— Darren Barnett (@L0rdDenning) October 7, 2014
It is imperative that the Rugby Club is held accountable in its entirety for their fatal error. Despite it being unfortunate for some. — Darren Barnett (@L0rdDenning) October 7, 2014
Journalist and former KCL – which was dubbed “Strand Polytechnic” in the leaflets – sabbatical officer Natasha Wynarczyk was impressed with LSE, less so with the rugby club.
So impressed LSE disbanded their rugby club for a year. Misogyny (and shit chat) has no place on university campuses — Tasha fierce (@tash_wynarczyk) October 7, 2014
Labour MP Stella Creasy, who received a PhD from LSE, said the decision was “powerful”.
“@GuardianEdu: London School of Economics disbands men’s rugby club over misogynist leaflet http://t.co/tk6IZ7X3ur” < good & powerful move!
— stellacreasy (@stellacreasy) October 7, 2014
Goldsmith Student’s Union President Howard Littler gave his support.
Kudos to @lsesu on their response to sexist bigotry from their members http://t.co/iOjdtT4Gi8
— Howard (@howardsaid) October 7, 2014
And Sussex SU sabbatical officer Michael Segalov said others needed to follow the example set by LSESU and its General Secretary, Nona Buckley-Irvine.
Massive shout out to @nonajasmine – calling out sexism, homophobia & elitism at LSE. People, it's time to follow her lead.
— Michael Segalov (@MikeSegalov) October 7, 2014
There was also praise for Buckley-Irvine from alum John Ringer.
I've never been prouder to be an @lsesu alum. Good on @nonajasmine for drawing a line, saying "No" to sexism, homophobia and elitism at LSE.
— John Ringer (@johnringer) October 7, 2014
But a former player was less pleased with the news.
“@guardian: LSE disbands mens rugby club over misogynist leaflet http://t.co/PPsswMsKBM” awful news re my old club.
— aa189 (@aa189) October 7, 2014