Christie applauds firing of abusive Rutgers coach

Rutgers President Robert Barchi said Rice’s behavior was “deeply offensive and egregiously violate the university’s core values.”

“I personally reviewed the video evidence, which shows a chronic and pervasive pattern of disturbing behavior,” Barchi said. “I have now reached the conclusion that Coach Rice cannot continue to serve effectively in a position that demands the highest levels of leadership, responsibility and public accountability.”

In Washington, two New Jersey Democrats said the incident is a reason why Congress should pass an anti-bullying bill they proposed earlier this year.

Sen. Frank Lautenberg and Rep. Rush Holt have proposed the Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act, which would require colleges and universities to set anti-bullying policies if they participate in federal student aid programs.

These policies would be aimed at preventing the harassment of students by other students or staff, and put in place solutions if bullying does occur.

“Rutgers made the right decision by finally firing Mike Rice for his deplorable actions and homophobic slurs, but more needs to be done to make sure this type of abuse is stopped and a strong code of conduct protecting students from such harassment is enforced,” they said in a joint statement. “We will keep working to stop bullying and ensure that no parent has to worry that his or her child is being abused by their leaders or peers when they are on a college campus.”

Holt’s bill, H.R. 482, has 28 co-sponsors in the House, and Lautenberg’s version in the Senate, S. 216, has 5 co-sponsors.