Former Harvard women’s ice hockey coach Katey Stone has filed a lawsuit against the university, accusing them of sex discrimination. Stone, who retired in June 2023 after a 27-year coaching career at Harvard, claimed that the university forced her to resign based on false misconduct reports. She alleged that female coaches are undervalued, underpaid, and held to a higher standard compared to their male counterparts.
Stone addressed the media alongside her legal team and former players to announce the lawsuit. The allegations against Stone included mistreatment of players, insensitivity to mental health issues, downplaying injuries, leading derogatory chants, and fostering a toxic team environment. Reports of hazing within the program, including rituals involving forced alcohol consumption and sexualized skits, were detailed in several articles, leading to an investigation.
The lawsuit claims that Harvard used the misconduct allegations as a pretext to push Stone out, especially after she advocated for pay transparency and parity between male and female coaches. The external review of Stone’s program highlighted traditions that made some players uncomfortable, leading to changes in team culture and initiatives for player safety.
Stone denied knowledge of inappropriate behaviors like the “naked skates” and emphasized her commitment to fostering respect and dignity among players. She criticized the university for treating her coaching strategies harshly while allowing male coaches more discretion. Stone expressed that her priority has always been the well-being of her players and that the litigation would finally give her a chance to speak out.
Former players came to Stone’s defense, praising her role in their personal and professional growth and the culture of excellence she instilled in the program. Stone also named 50 Jane Doe defendants in the lawsuit, accusing them of defamation and conspiracy for spreading false statements about her involvement in hazing activities.
The legal team representing Stone highlighted the rigorous coaching standards she maintained and suggested that some players may have been discontented due to being challenged to perform at their best. The lawsuit sheds light on the challenges faced by female coaches in a male-dominated industry and the need for equal treatment and opportunities.
The lawsuit against Harvard is a significant development in the ongoing conversation about gender discrimination in collegiate sports coaching. It raises questions about the treatment of female coaches, the impact of misconduct allegations on their careers, and the importance of creating a fair and supportive environment for all coaches and players. Stone’s decision to take legal action marks a stand against gender bias and unfair treatment in the coaching profession.
