Opening BB&N Minds

Yes.

There is still an opportunity to prosecute him for his crimes.  Based on the way that the statute of limitations works, he could still be prosecuted for crimes committed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut or England even if those crimes occurred decades ago.  Statutes vary according to where the abuse occurred.

The lawyers that I have spoken with have been thoughtful and very considerate of the emotional burden of testimony.  The attorney quoted in the most recent Globe article would be willing to talk with you - and I would be happy to share my experience with you as well.

My estimate is about 40 BB&N students. I would not be surprised if the number was greater.  I know of four personally.  This is a guess based on the descriptions of the New Hampshire trips -- see the Testimonial page, particularly those from the classes of 1979, 1983 and 1987.

He allegedly brought young boys to his Lexington house throughout the 1980s, brought them to the Harvard Yale "Red Top" crew competition in Connecticut and on summer trips to Europe.

According to people who have written about their experiences, Washburn abused boys at his home in Lexington, at his family home on Squam Lake, in New London, Connecticut where Washburn coached the Harvard Freshman crew for the Harvard-Yale "Red Top" crew race, and in Henley, England during trips with the Harvard College Freshman crew to the Henley Regatta in England.

It takes 20 years to gain the perspective, resources and courage to do it.

The people victimized by Washburn are now in their late 30s or older.  This may be a better time for them to address the situation.  By this age, a person has a good sense of themselves, confidence, and perspective.

Research show that people wait an average of 15 years before disclosing experiences like this. 

So now seems like good timing.

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