Introduction:
For years, Ben Crump has been hailed as one of the nation’s foremost civil rights lawyers, gaining widespread recognition following his representation of George Floyd’s family and the subsequent lawsuit against the Minneapolis Police Department. Crump’s fervor and effectiveness in addressing police abuse in Black and brown communities have garnered him a formidable reputation, and he continues to confront abuses of power across various contexts.
Recently, Crump has taken on a new battle, joining forces with attorney Steve Levin to represent 15 former Northwestern football players in a potential legal action against the university for hazing incidents within the program. Beyond holding the school accountable, Crump aims to set a precedent that will put an end to the distressing hazing culture prevalent in college sports.
A Culture of Silence and Devastation:
Crump was drawn to represent the players not only by the accounts of alleged abuse but also by the profound impact of silence on their suffering. Many players endured the abuse silently, feeling they had to tolerate it to maintain their positions on the team or retain their scholarships. What struck Crump even more was the age of some of the athletes – mere 18 or 19-year-olds – highlighting the appalling vulnerability of these young individuals.
Northwestern President Michael Schill’s recent letter exposed the gravity of the hazing incidents, which included “forced participation, nudity, and sexualized acts of a degrading nature” – a clear violation of the university’s policies and values. During a press conference, former quarterback and wide receiver Lloyd Yates emphasized the need to speak up and empower those affected by physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, vowing support and solidarity.
Crump highlighted a specific accusation from a former player, involving a disturbing practice called “running,” where older players subjected younger ones to sexualized acts while wearing masks in a dark locker room. He views allegations like this as a civil rights issue that demands protection for the players’ rights to participate in their sport without fear of assault.
A Champion for Justice:
Operating comfortably in the spotlight, Crump has built a reputation as “Black America’s attorney general,” a powerful advocate for families who have lost loved ones to police violence. Beyond his successful representation in high-profile cases like Floyd’s, Crump has fought for police reforms and candidly addressed the impact of race on policing. He has called for an end to the biased belief held by some police officers that they can act with impunity towards Black and brown citizens.
Crump’s Track Record and Impact:
Crump’s effectiveness goes beyond winning multimillion-dollar settlements in police brutality cases. He consistently drives attention to systemic issues and advocates for meaningful change. His involvement in the Northwestern scandal poses a significant threat to the university and college sports at large, as he has shown time and again that he will address problematic cultures head-on.
Conclusion:
Ben Crump’s relentless pursuit of justice and reform has made him a formidable force in civil rights advocacy. As he takes on the Northwestern hazing and racism scandal, his goal is clear – to put an end to hazing in college sports and protect the rights and well-being of young athletes. With his formidable track record and commitment to change, Crump’s involvement should serve as a wakeup call for all institutions, urging them to address abuses of power and foster a safer and more inclusive environment for all athletes.
