program will be terminated assault squad 2

To me, it’s about Northwestern taking accountability for their actions.”Ĭarter is one of many women to detail racist behavior and abuse from former Northwestern cheer coach Pamela Bonnevier. “But at the same time, it has hurt and taken so much away from me that I want to make that known. “No one wants to sue their undergraduate university,” Carter said. 29 by a former cheerleader is alleging officials delayed investigations after she was groped and harassed by fans. Her attorney is writing the complaint now, to start the process.Ī separate lawsuit filed Jan. Now, she is planning to file a lawsuit against the University in the near future - a decision that she said did not come lightly. The suppression of her identity as a Black woman and the forced assimilation took a toll, she said - a sentiment others on the team echo.Ĭarter grew up around Northwestern, went to games as a child and saw her brother graduate from the school. She received therapy from Northwestern’s Counseling and Psychological Services during her final year at the University to process the trauma of her experiences on the team. “I have real effects, mentally and emotionally, from being on that team,” said Carter. Now in her post-graduation years, she said she plans to take legal action for the racial discrimination she experienced. She was contacted by the Office of Equity for their investigation on Pamela Bonnevier but did not participate.Ĭontent Warning: This article includes mentions of physical harassment, racial discrimination and sexual assault.Įrika Carter (SESP ’18) never imagined she would sue her alma mater.Īs a Black member of Northwestern’s cheer program from 2016 to 2018, she faced unequal treatment for wearing her natural hair, was forced to split up from other Black teammates on the sidelines for “optics” and was told in writing that ethnically Black hairstyles like braids were not allowed on the team. Editor’s Note: Alyssa Johnson was a member of the Northwestern cheerleading program during the 2018-20 seasons.

Program will be terminated assault squad 2