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Mr. Spanier, a tenured faculty member on leave, was charged last month in what prosecutors claimed was a “conspiracy of silence” that covered up complaints about former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky showering with boys in university athletics facilities. He is free on $125,000 unsecured bail and had to relinquish his passport. A judge also restricted his travel outside the state.

MASSACHUSETTS

Harvard recognizes group promoting kinky sex

CAMBRIDGE — Kinky sex has been admitted to Harvard.

The nation’s oldest university has formally recognized Harvard College Munch, a group promoting discussions and safe practices of kinky and alternative sex. The school has no record of a similar group being recognized in its 376-year history.

The Committee on Student Life recognized Munch on Friday, making it one of 400 independent student organizations on campus. The decision occurred more than a year after members began meeting informally over meals.

“Applications for recognition are decided by a student-faculty committee following the review of a committee composed of students and administrators,” Harvard spokesman Jeff Neal said Tuesday. “The college does not endorse the views or activities of any independent student organization.”

Harvard is not the first school in the country to formally recognize kinky sex groups, and several active groups exist within the larger community in Cambridge and neighboring Boston.

Organizers of Harvard College Munch did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Tuesday.

• From wire dispatches and staff reports