Oxford University undergraduates that joked about luring a "fit list" of female freshers to a party "with no witnesses" are being investigated after the email chain was leaked to a student paper.
Emails between members of the notorious “Honey Badgers” drinking club at Lady Margaret Hall were prompted by Junior Common Room president and member George Barnes who asked his fellow drinking chums which female freshers they thought were attractive enough to target and put on "the fit list."
He suggested the other men "get to know the Freshers a little better in the coming week or so".
The Classical Archaeology and Ancient History student’s recommendation was joined in whole heartedly by another undergrad, William Hoole who suggested that one girl should be invited "alone" with "no witnesses".
Barnes has also come under fire for dismissing one girl off the list because she was “properly dull.”
Defending himself, Barnes told student paper Cherwell: “What happened is that at the start of this year, our drinking society thought it might be good fun to crew date some of the freshers, especially as this seems to be a common thing throughout Oxford.”
Hoole told the student newspaper that his remark was a "private joke amongst friends."
He said: "My comment was a private joke amongst friends and should not be read or interpreted at face value."
Oxford University Dean Dr Michael Monoyios said he was 'investigating the matter thoroughly and fairly" but despite this the leaked emails have prompted outrage. One undergraduate said:
“I find it abhorrent not only that these individuals found it appropriate to circulate such a list, but also that the issue was dismissed offhand with no explanation or apology from the involved parties."
Ann Widdecombe, who attended the college herself, condemned the student exchange, saying such a "fit list" objectified women.
Past members of the college also included Nigella Lawson, Education Secretary Michael Gove, and Tony Blair's son Nicky.