Seven women will file a federal lawsuit against LSU, the Tiger Athletic Foundation (TAF) and several University administrators, The Advocate reported on Monday. Â
The women accuse LSU of prioritizing its reputation and football program above their safety and discouraging student victims from reporting Title IX offenses. They allege that the university retaliated against students when they did report.Â
The plaintiffs also allege that LSU violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), the federal law used to prosecute organized crime syndicates.
"For years, LSU and the Tiger Athletic Foundation have ignored known systemic issues in LSUâs response to reports of sexual misconduct in favor of promoting and glorifying LSU student-athletes and coaches to reap the financial and reputational benefits of a venerated college football program," the lawsuit reads.