Boston University Faces External Review Following Alex Cooper Harassment Allegations

28 June 2025

Alex Cooper Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Boston University is entering a period of scrutiny and self-examination after public harassment allegations surfaced from Alex Cooper, the host of the widely popular podcast “Call Her Daddy.” The university has announced it will undergo an external review in response to Cooper’s claims that a tenured professor harassed her during her time as a student. The allegations have triggered widespread reactions, particularly as they spotlight long-standing concerns about institutional accountability in higher education.

Alex Cooper, known for her unfiltered approach to modern relationships and empowerment through her podcast, revealed on a recent episode that she experienced inappropriate behavior from a professor during her undergraduate years at BU. The revelation quickly gained traction, as Cooper's platform commands millions of listeners and a passionate following. Her decision to speak publicly about the incident has reignited conversations around how universities handle faculty misconduct, especially when it involves tenured members who are often shielded by institutional protections.

In response, Boston University released a statement acknowledging Cooper’s allegations and confirming that it has launched an independent, external review into the university’s past and present handling of such complaints. The goal, according to BU officials, is to ensure that the university’s policies, practices, and culture align with modern standards of student safety, dignity, and respect. The review will be conducted by a third-party firm with experience in handling academic misconduct investigations and policy audits.

While the university has not named the professor in question, it noted that it is taking the allegations seriously and has reached out to Cooper privately in hopes of opening a dialogue. In its public communication, BU emphasized the importance of creating a learning environment where students feel protected and heard, and where power dynamics are carefully monitored.

Cooper’s allegations struck a chord not only because of her fame but also because they touch on a broader and persistent issue in academia. Universities across the country have long grappled with the challenge of addressing misconduct when it involves faculty members with tenure or prestige. Critics argue that institutions often prioritize reputation over accountability, creating environments where students are discouraged from coming forward or are left unsupported when they do.

This case also underlines the changing landscape of accountability. With social media and podcasting giving creators direct lines to millions of listeners, traditional institutions are no longer the gatekeepers of public narrative. Cooper’s choice to share her experience on her own terms, through a platform she built herself, is emblematic of a shift in how stories are told and how power is challenged. Universities are increasingly finding themselves held accountable not just in courtrooms or administrative offices, but in the court of public opinion.

The timing of this external review is especially significant. Boston University has been working in recent years to position itself as a leader in progressive academic culture, with initiatives aimed at inclusion, student wellness, and transparency. However, Cooper’s story casts doubt on how well those efforts are being implemented in real terms. Many alumni and current students have taken to online platforms to share their support for Cooper, and some have echoed similar experiences, prompting broader discussions about the culture on campus.

Student advocacy groups within BU are also seizing the moment. Several organizations have called for additional reforms, including the establishment of a permanent independent oversight board to handle harassment allegations, mandatory faculty training, and clearer pathways for students to report misconduct without fear of retaliation. There is a growing demand for the review to be more than a symbolic gesture and for the university to take concrete steps once the investigation concludes.

Alex Cooper has not yet commented further since the episode aired, but her message was clear. By publicly naming the experience, she not only gave voice to her younger self but also empowered other students who may have experienced similar behavior in silence. Her story adds to the growing tapestry of voices demanding transparency and justice in spaces that have too often resisted both.

As Boston University moves forward with its review, the academic world will be watching closely. The results could serve as a blueprint for how institutions confront their own legacies while adapting to the new realities of public accountability. In an era where silence is no longer the default and influence extends beyond the ivory tower, this case may become a defining moment for both the university and the broader conversation about power, protection, and progress in higher education.