The 21st Show

Northwestern’s scandal is the latest in a history of hazing abuse

Produced by Jose Zepeda
 
Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald stands on the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, Oct. 23, 2021, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Northwestern has fired Fitzgerald Monday, July 10, 2023, amid a hazing scandal that called into question his leadership of the program and damaged the university's reputation after it mishandled its response to the allegations.

Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald stands on the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, Oct. 23, 2021, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Northwestern has fired Fitzgerald Monday, July 10, 2023, amid a hazing scandal that called into question his leadership of the program and damaged the university's reputation after it mishandled its response to the allegations. AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

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Northwestern has been added to a long list of American universities to face a scandal in athletics and may eventually join the trend of making large payouts following allegations of sexual abuse. A former Wildcats football player filed the first lawsuit against Pat Fitzgerald and members of the school’s leadership on Tuesday, seeking damages stemming from a hazing scandal that cost the former football coach his job. Today, we look back at the history of hazing, the act of humiliating or harming someone in the form of initiation.

GUESTS:

Byron Hurt
Filmmaker/Director of “HAZING”

Lianne Kowiak

Hazing Prevention Advocate - Board of Director, Hazing Prevention Network - Founding Member, AntiHazing Coalition