New Lawsuit Alleges Years of Hazing, Sexual Abuse, & Misconduct

Current and former student-athletes of the Northwestern University Sports Program have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment and racial discrimination against the university's athletic department.

The lawsuit accuses the athletic department of fostering an environment that allowed such misconduct.

Northwestern has fired head baseball coach Jim Foster amid allegations that Foster “engaged in bullying and abusive behavior.”

An investigation of Foster by the school’s human resources department found “sufficient evidence” that Foster harbored a toxic environment within the program.

Foster’s firing comes days after the school fired longtime head football coach Pat Fitzgerald after allegations of hazing within the Wildcats football program.

The plaintiffs, all African American, claim they were subjected to racial slurs and derogatory comments by their white teammates.

They also allege that they were subject to sexual abuse, assault, & hazing—including reports that a female athletic department employee sexually harassed them.

The plaintiffs claim that not only was the university's response inadequate, but they were subjected to retaliation for reporting the misconduct, as well.

While stating that they cannot comment on the specifics of the lawsuit due to the ongoing legal proceedings, the university has stated that they take all misconduct allegations seriously and are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for the alleged misconduct, the university's failure to respond adequately, and changes in the university's policies and procedures to prevent such incidents from happening.

We encourage current and former students and athletes who played for the Northwestern University athletic program and have experienced sexual abuse, assault, & hazing to request a free, private case evaluation by an experienced legal team for potential compensation & justice.