Former Northwestern cheerleader drops sexual harassment lawsuit against the school

A federal lawsuit filed by a former Northwestern cheerleader against the school alleging sexual harassment, sex trafficking and forced labor has been dismissed.

Hayden Richardson described a “hostile environment” throughout her two seasons as a Wildcats cheerleader, which included repeated instances of sexual harassment. She claimed she and her teammates were “presented as sex objects” at numerous events, including football tailgates at the Evanston school, and were forced to interact with drunk and belligerent fans for the university’s financial gain.

Richardson filed the lawsuit in January of 2021.

Richardson’s attorneys filed on Monday to dismiss the lawsuit, ESPN reported.

The lawsuit named the university and several employees, including former deputy athletic director Mike Polisky, as defendants.

Polisky was promoted to athletic director in May 2021 but resigned under pressure nine days later.

"This was a life-stopping event that I had absolutely no control over, even though we all knew the truth," Polisky told ESPN on Wednesday. "This was not some sort of outcome that is a surprise, but I'm very sad. I lost an absolutely dream job at a wonderful place, and it's time for me to be able to move past this. I'm at least appreciative of that opportunity."

"Since Hayden Richardson's lawsuit was filed over three years ago, Northwestern has steadfastly maintained that her claims should be dismissed," the university said in a statement to ESPN on Wednesday. "She has now voluntarily dismissed her lawsuit against all defendants. The university is committed to fostering an environment in which all members of our community are safe, secure and free from discrimination or harassment in any form."

An attorney for Richardson declined to comment to the Daily Northwestern.