District 95 Settles Lake Zurich Football Hazing Lawsuits

LAKE ZURICH, IL - All civil suits related to the 2016 hazing incident involving members of the Lake Zurich High School football team have been settled, Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 officials said in a news release this week.

The lawsuits were brought forth on behalf of two individuals. The settlement "helps bring closure to the matter for the District and the families involved while avoiding further litigation costs," according to the district. In total, $399,000 will be paid by the district, according to the Lake Zurich Courier. The two students involved in the lawsuit will each be paid $199,500.

A hazing incident that occurred on Oct. 27, 2016 in a boy's locker room at the school was later described as "egregious," according to earlier reports. The incident prompted an investigation and resulted in the resignations of Head Football Coach David Proffitt, Athletic Director Rolando Vazquez and Assistant Coach Chad Beaver.

The District said in its statement about the lawsuit settlement that several changes have been enacted as a response to the incident. They include the implementation of an anonymous tip line, increased locker room supervision, positive-decision making and hazing prevention education programs, hiring of additional security personnel, and increased surveillance cameras.

Image via Shuttersock