Members of the men’s ice hockey teams at Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern University, and Harvard University met together at the State House in Boston to make a public declaration of their commitment to end violence against women. The event was organized by Jane Doe Inc., the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence.
The hockey players united to take the White Ribbon Day Pledge, which reads in part, “From this day forward, I promise to be part of the solution in ending violence against women. I will promote respect, dignity, and equality.”
Peter Roby, director of athletics at Northeastern University, stated, “It doesn’t matter how tough you are on the ice. There is never an excuse for a man to hit a woman. Mike McLaughlin, the captain of the Northeastern University hockey team added, “Student athletes are very visible whether they like it or not. It is our responsibility to stand up for this cause.”