The Latest Breaking News from Northwestern University

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump spoke about the new lawsuit Monday afternoon on behalf of former student football player Lloyd Yates, Last week, Yates said that sexualized hazing was commonplace on the team.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is set to announce another lawsuit against Northwestern University over hazing allegations in its athletic programs, with the latest suit touted as containing “damning new details” of sexual hazing and abuse in its football program

CHICAGO — Allegations of hazing at Northwestern University spread Wednesday, as a second lawsuit was filed, former football players denounced the practice, and attorneys claimed that baseball, softball and volleyball players were victimized as well.

Student-athletes say hazing at the prominent Illinois university included ‘physical, sexual and emotional abuse’.

CHICAGO — Another lawsuit was filed Wednesday against Northwestern University by a former football player, alleging that ex-coach Pat Fitzgerald took part in hazing and bullying athletes.

“We’re talking about probably hundreds, if not thousands of events of abuse, harassment or sexual assault during his tenure,” attorney Parker Stinar said at a Wednesday morning news conference.

The player, identified in the lawsuit as John Doe, alleged Tuesday in the Cook County Court that Fitzgerald, Northwestern University President Michael Schill, the board of trustees and athletic director Derrick Gragg enabled and concealed sexual misconduct and racial discrimination.

Black athletes long have been involved in battles beyond the athletic field. The university’s culture didn’t become toxic overnight.

When I read about the allegations of rampant sexual violence in the Northwestern University football program, I was horrified. But sadly, I wasn’t surprised. As a cheerleader, I, too, was a victim of sexual abuse and harassment at Northwestern University, and school officials did nothing to stop it.