Allegations of pervasive and humiliating hazing rituals within the Northwestern University football program have led to the firing of Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald and calls for justice for those who suffered under the lack of oversight. The hazing rituals occurred over a period of many years and “included forced participation, nudity and sexualized acts of a degrading nature.” Leadership Notes - Northwestern University.
The president of Northwestern published an executive summary, which explains findings from an independent investigation. The investigation substantiated the extensive hazing activities through numerous sources within the program and concluded that there were significant opportunities for the coaching staff to discover the behavior and intervene. The coaching staff has an affirmative responsibility regarding the team culture and behavior within the program, as noted by the president of the university. While the specific findings of the independent investigation remain confidential, current and former members of the Northwestern football program are encouraged to come forward to hold Northwestern University accountable.
Grewal Law has been honored to successfully represent hundreds of survivors of some of the most horrific acts of institutional abuse this country has seen, including the Larry Nassar/MSU & USA Gymnastics and Robert Anderson/U of M scandals. Our experienced team, led by Founder and Managing Partner Mick Grewal, who is licensed to practice law in Illinois, is prepared to investigate these claims and seek transparency, accountability, and justice for survivors of institutional misconduct. If you are a survivor of the hazing and sexual abuse at Northwestern University and need to speak to an attorney, please contact Grewal Law PLLC at 855-215-9899.