Opening BB&N Minds

That has not been determined.  What is perplexing is the extent to which students were aware of what Washburn was doing.  According to one alumna's testimonial, administrators did ask students about Washburn's conduct in the late 70s  but the administrators do not appear to have taken any substantial action. 

Communications from alumni indicate he that started to molest boys as early as 1971.  The abuse occurred in Lexington, Massachusetts, and at his family house on Squam Lake, New Hampshire.  He also is likely to have molested boys during Harvard crew trips to Connecticut . On more than one occasion, he sponsored a contest for his students for which the prize was the opportunity to accompany him, under the cover of being a baby-sitter for his child, to the Henley Regatta in England.  

Washburn hosted parties at his family house on  Squam Lake.  Rumors of marijuana and sex circulated among the students, as well as rumors that Washburn's interest in boys waned when the boys grew taller than he. Washburn continued taking young boys and girls on trips to New Hampshire in his van throughout the 1970s. 

Numerous people have described his habit of
making suggestive  comments to boys to determine how interested they were in talking about masturbation.  He carefully cultivated an attitude of rebelliousness that was particularly appealing to adolescents.  You can view more on the Testimonial page.

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.

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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.

Washburn 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.

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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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Yes.  I expect many of the survivors have done so.

The concern is that the School has not implemented the changes to which it committed.  These changes would help a similar occasion from occurring in the future.   

This is not a site connected in any way to the School administration.  The School did recognize the value of this site in a letter sent to alumni, parents and faculty in October 2008.

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Yes.  Most recently, a Park School alumnus, George Peabody, contacted the administration about his knowledge about a molester who had been a teacher while he had been a student.  He identified the molester as Richard Neville Davis. You can read his blog .  You canl also learn more about the Park School's offer to provide counseling to Davis' victims by contacting the Park School or  by emailing George Peabody .

Similar crimes occurred at the Fesenden School and Andover Exeter Academy.

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