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The prestigious private university in suburban
Chicago has been reeling from the scandal that engulfed the
athletic department. Former football players filed the first
lawsuits in 2023, alleging sexual abuse and racial
discrimination on the team. Similar allegations then spread
across multiple sports.
“Northwestern and the student plaintiffs recently engaged in a
mediation process that resulted in the settlement of the student
plaintiffs’ claims,” a Cook County Circuit Court filing by
attorneys for Northwestern said last week. “The settlement
documentation is currently being finalized.”
Details of the proposed settlement weren't made public.
“While the terms of the provisional settlement are confidential,
we intend to continue to work through the remaining outstanding
issues to finalize a settlement that will hopefully allow both
sides to move forward in a positive way,” attorneys Patrick
Salvi and Parker Stinar said in a statement Tuesday on behalf of
former football players who sued the school.
Fitzgerald, who has denied wrongdoing, is also suing the school
for $130 million. Last year, a judge consolidated his complaint
and the student lawsuits for the discovery process. Dozens of
students are providing testimony that will be used for both
cases, according to court documents.
“The settlement would fully resolve the student plaintiffs’
claims against Northwestern and Fitzgerald,” Northwestern
spokesman Jon Yates said Tuesday. “It will not, however, resolve
Fitzgerald’s claims against Northwestern.”
Fitzgerald was initially suspended then later fired after an
investigation. The school concluded that he had a responsibility
to know that hazing was occurring and should have stopped it.
Fitzgerald alleges the school illegally terminated his
employment and damaged his reputation, among other things. His
case is set to go to trial in November.
“Despite extensive written and testimonial discovery, there
remains no evidence to show or suggest that Coach Fitzgerald was
aware of any hazing at Northwestern,” his attorneys said in a
statement Tuesday. “While the settlement resolves the claims
brought by the players, Coach Fitzgerald’s claims against
Northwestern remain.”
Northwestern hired former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch in
July 2023 to lead an investigation into the culture of the
school's athletic department. The school says it has since taken
steps to improve, including adding more anti-hazing training
requirements for athletes.
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