UpdatedTue, Feb 2, 2021 at 12:33 pm CT
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Northwestern University officials covered up complaints of sexual assault, exploitation and harassment in its cheerleading program, according to a federal lawsuit filed Friday. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
EVANSTON, IL — Northwestern University's cheerleading program functioned as an illegal sex trafficking operation that subjected cheerleaders to pervasive sexual assault and harassment, according to a lawsuit filed by one of its members.
The suit alleges that positions on the cheerleading team were conditioned on being groped by wealthy older donors and intoxicated fans in order to encourage contributions to the university. In order to avoid the financial penalties associated with losing a spot on the team, cheerleaders were forced to endure groping and harassment, according to the suit.