A former Northwestern volleyball player has filed a lawsuit against the university, asserting officials didn’t properly address a hazing incident that occurred two years ago.

Lawsuit details: “Jane Doe 1” alleges she experienced “hazing, harassment, bullying, and retaliation” while part of Northwestern’s volleyball team.
* The complaint, which targets Northwestern, its president Michael Schill, the board of trustees, head volleyball coach Shane Davis, and other university personnel, seeks over $50,000 in damages and a jury trial.
* According to the lawsuit, the former athlete sustained an unspecified injury as punishment for reportedly breaking the team’s COVID-19 guidelines.
* The ex-athlete also maintains she was sidelined, forced to write an apology letter to trainers without just cause, and denied the ability to travel with the team.

University’s response: After the incident, the university launched an investigation which resulted in the suspension of the team’s coach and coaching staff, as stated by Northwestern officials.
* Northwestern University spokesperson Jon Yates informed that the university is striving to ensure its athletic department is held to account.

Legal perspective: The attorneys representing the anonymous ex-athlete are pushing for the lawsuit to continue without revealing her identity.
* These lawyers, who have also filed three lawsuits concerning alleged hazing in the football program, voiced hope that student-athletes will be treated fairly and not endure abuse as they strive for victories for the school.

Larger context: This lawsuit emerges amid other allegations of hazing in Northwestern’s sports programs.
* Earlier this month, Northwestern fired its head baseball coach Jim Foster after reports of a harmful culture within the baseball program came out, a claim Foster has denied.
* Also on Monday, a former Northwestern student-athlete and civil rights attorney Ben Crump, along with members of a Chicago law firm, announced a separate lawsuit addressing the football program.
* The lawsuit points to expected additional filings on behalf of other Northwestern players.

View original article on NPR

This summary was created by an AI system. The use of this summary is subject to our Terms of Service.