A former Navarro College cheerleader is suing Cheer coach Monica Aldama and members of the college administration for allegedly failing to investigate her sexual assault complaints.
According to her lawsuit, as reported by The New York Post, former Navarro cheerleader Madi Lane alleges that Salvatore Amico, her teammate at the time, sexually assaulted her in her dorm room. But she was reportedly discouraged from reporting it after speaking to “several team members” at the time.
The lawsuit claims the team’s “unofficial captain” told her “to drink it off and get your mind off of it.” She reportedly said, “That’s what Navarro girls do — they drink. We don’t tell anyone. We just keep it to our self.”
Lane claims coach Aldama told her, “Let’s not make this a big deal. I want the best for you and I will help you cheer wherever you want.” She also claims that Aldama promised to further her cheer career if she kept quiet about the assault.
Lane eventually transferred to a different college in Texas where she has currently cheers. But, the lawsuit alleges, the situation has resulted in her being “blackballed” from nationally ranked programs “as they have former Navarro cheerleaders as coaches or team members.”
Navarro College released a statement stating it “denies any allegations of wrongdoing.”
“The College has established robust policies and procedures for reporting, investigating, and responding to all allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault,” the statement reads, per The New York Post. “Navarro College takes every report of sexual harassment and sexual assault seriously and acts swiftly to provide an appropriate response to protect all students.”
The college’s Director of Athletics Michael Landers and Title IX Coordinator Elizabeth Pillans are also named in the lawsuit.
This is not the first time Navarro has found itself at the center of sexual misconduct.
Former Cheer star Jerry Hall was sentenced to 12 years in prison last July for committing sex crimes.
If you or someone you know needs to reach out about sexual abuse or assault, RAINN is available 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE (4673), or online at RAINN.org.