A cheerleader at Northwestern University has decided to drop her federal sexual harassment lawsuit against the institution. Hayden Richardson initially filed the lawsuit in January 2021 in the Northern District of Illinois. She claimed that in 2018 and 2019, she was groped by intoxicated fans and alumni at university events, and that her complaints were allegedly covered up by administrators.

Court documents indicate that Richardson opted to withdraw the lawsuit on Monday, and the decision was approved by Judge Edward Chang the following day. The reason behind Richardson’s decision to drop the lawsuit has not been specified. Her attorney, Andrew Miltenberg, has chosen not to provide any comments regarding the matter, while there has been no immediate response from Northwestern’s attorney, Alan Pittler.

The lawsuit detailed that Richardson accused the cheer team’s former coach, Pam Bonnevier, of instructing female cheerleaders to engage with influential donors to generate more funds for the university. Richardson stated that older men inappropriately touched her over her uniform, lifted her without consent, made lewd remarks about her appearance, and offered her alcohol despite her being underage.

Former Athletic Director Mike Polisky, who was named as a defendant in the lawsuit, resigned in May 2021 after only a week in the position. He cited ongoing challenges that would hinder his effective leadership and expressed a desire not to be a distraction. The Associated Press is disclosing Richardson’s identity as she has publicly discussed her allegations.