Attorney accuses Huntington University of trying to 'hide facts' by hiring law firm
An attorney representing two runners suing Huntington University accused the Christian college of attempting to "hide facts" by hiring a law firm to conduct an external review.
The attorney, Jon Little, said the university is "scared" of going to court.
Little's comments came after Huntington University announced it has hired a law firm to conduct an independent review of Title IX and sexual misconduct polices following allegations of sexual abuse in the track and cross-country programs.
In a statement issued Sunday morning, the university said it was “devastated and heartbroken” when made aware of allegations in a civil lawsuit filed Sept. 30 by Little. An IndyStar investigation also disclosed a cult-like atmosphere around former running coach Nick Johnson and allegations of sexual misconduct and pressure for some team members to submit to injections they say may have been tied to a performance-enhancing doping scheme.
More on Huntington scandal:'I wanted to be dead.' Runners allege track program a cult of sex and drugs.
“Following this discovery many have voiced concern, and we want you to know that we hear you,” the university's statement said. “These allegations are not only disturbing, but also antithetical to everything we stand for. “
The statement comes after two separate petitions signed by students or alumni called for university leaders to be investigated or to resign. One petition initiated by Huntington students demands the resignations of Sherilyn Emberton, university president; Russ Degitz, chief operating officer, and Lori Culler, athletic director. As of 1 p.m. Sunday, the petition had nearly 800 signatures on change.org.
The federal lawsuit was filed on behalf of two former Huntington runners, Hannah Stoffel and Emma Wilson, alleging criminal battery by Nick Johnson. It also claims negligence by Lauren Johnson, his wife; assistant coach Curtis Hines; Huntington University, and other school officials.
Sunday's statement said Nick Johnson was removed from the university’s athletics hall of fame. Lauren Johnson is also in that hall of fame.
Nick Johnson was fired in December 2020 and succeeded by Lauren, his wife. Lauren Johnson and Hines were placed on administrative leave Oct. 6.
Huntington University announced Katherine Nash of Lathrop GPM will lead the external review. According to the law firm’s website, Nash is experienced in leading sexual misconduct investigations and revising institutional policies.
"This is very typical of big institutions," Little said. "They hire a big law firm. They hide behind attorney/client privilege and attorney work product. The real discovery in this case is being done in the civil court system."
Little said he expects the university to ask that the lawsuit be dismissed.
In court, he said, the university is "not going to lay down and say we screwed up."
Following Nick Johnson’s firing, the university said, oversight policies for travel, athlete treatment and facility usage were introduced.
“We grieve for the pain and loss these two former students are expressing,” HU's statement said. “We pray for full healing and restoration in their lives and the lives of everyone impacted. We will work as a University community toward forgiveness and reconciliation in this matter.”
A “Forever Foresters” campus gala, scheduled for Thursday, has been taken off the HU calendar and website. It was to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the school.
Contact IndyStar reporter David Woods at david.woods@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidWoods007.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Huntington University hires law firm for outside review track scandal
