A cheerleader has withdrawn her federal sexual harassment lawsuit against Northwestern University.
Hayden Richardson initially filed the lawsuit in January 2021 in the Northern District of Illinois. She accused drunken fans and alumni of groping her at school-sanctioned events in 2018 and 2019 and claimed that university administrators attempted to cover up her complaints.
On Monday, court records indicate that Richardson agreed to dismiss the lawsuit, with Judge Edward Chang approving the withdrawal on Tuesday. The records do not provide a reason for Richardson’s decision to drop the case. Richardson’s attorney, Andrew Miltenberg, declined to comment, and Northwestern’s attorney, Alan Pittler, has not yet responded to requests for comment.
In her lawsuit, Richardson alleged that Pam Bonnevier, the cheer team’s coach at the time, instructed female cheerleaders to engage with influential donors to raise funds for the university. Richardson claimed that older men touched her inappropriately over her uniform, lifted her without consent, made sexual remarks about her appearance, and offered her alcohol despite her being underage.
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The lawsuit also named former Athletic Director Mike Polisky as a defendant. Polisky resigned just a week into his tenure in May 2021, citing “current challenges” that he felt would hinder his effectiveness and stating he did not wish to be a distraction.
