‘There Was Never a Consideration’- NU Cheerleaders Raise Body Shaming Issues Plaguing the Sport

The world of cheerleading is a nuanced and complicated one. On one hand, you have the attention of the world because of your platform. However, that very attention can lead to a very unwelcome perception of cheerleaders, what they do, and their integrity as a person and a professional. Being a cheerleader comes with its drawbacks, like constant objectification, harassment, and no escape from the male gaze.

As of late, four cheerleaders from Northwestern are alleging they are in an unsafe working environment, condemning the culture of body shaming. The cheerleaders – all of whom are using pseudonyms, are taking a stand after facing constant harassment via. unwelcome remarks about their bodies and more.

Allegations of harassment & body shaming

NU cheerleaders had filed a federal lawsuit against the University in 2021, alleging repeated instances of sexual harassment. Two years on and now the court is looking into the current and former cheerleaders’ complaints against their current coach, Valerie Ruiz. Officials are investigating “discrimination and/or harassment on the basis of protected class as well as unwanted physical contact.” Neither Ruiz nor the University has commented on the allegations. Meanwhile, the cheerleaders claim the problem is still at large despite personnel changes.

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Cheerleaders sign a contract, which generally states that they aren’t allowed to practice stunts in the absence of a trainer. However, their latest contract has no mention of the clause. Still, in practice, the team generally ensures there is always a trainer present. However, as of late, the cheerleaders claimed that the Spirit Squad’s trainer, Gia Dougherty, often travels with the cross-country team. Cheerleaders have claimed that Ruiz is still running stunts despite not having a substitute trainer to assist them.

Cheerleaders have also accused Ruiz of making comments about the size of their uniforms. Many alleged they were required to line up by size rather than height during the 2023 preseason. Meanwhile, an Instagram post featuring a Black cheerleader seemingly used a filter to lighten her complexion. Similarly, another cheerleader was edited to look slimmer. Many cheerleaders suspect the Instagram account is run by Ruiz.

No status as an athlete

While the cheer squad practices at the Trienens Performance Center, they were not allowed to access any “athletes-only” food. Despite practicing 15 hours/week, they aren’t given student-athlete privileges like specialized academic advisors or the athlete dining hall. Additionally, they have taken on heavier schedules under Ruiz’s management. Amid these problems and others, the cheerleaders’ grades as well as their mental health have deteriorated.

The cheerleaders have claimed that previous accusations brought to the University have been swept under the rug. In addition to this, they are also concerned that the new chief of staff at NU, who is in charge of handling complaints, is aligned with Ruiz on many issues. NU has yet to respond to such claims. Players have said they need to be taken seriously and action needs to be taken against Ruiz, who, as of now, has faced no consequences.

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