Nine of NIU’s top administrators and the Board of Trustees are being sued by a former NIU student for $4.5 million and a tuition refund, for allegedly allowing “racial harassment and different treatment based on race.”

In the civil suit, Carl Qualls, an African American, states that NIU “permitted a racially hostile educational environment that existed throughout Plaintiff’s matriculation at NIU.”

“It was a long time coming,” Qualls said about the lawsuit, “because a lot of students don’t realize their right to a non-hostile environment, free from discrimination and harassment.”

“I’m just sad to say that the administration has refused to affirm these rights, so I’m forced to file this lawsuit,” he said.

NIU General Counsel George Shur was unavailable for comment.

Named in the suit are Steve Cunningham, associate vice president of administration and Human Resource Services; Donald Grady, University Police chief; David Graf, dean of the College of Business; Gary Gresholdt, associate provost for student affairs; Ivan Legg, executive vice president and provost; John Peters, NIU president; Robert Wheeler, associate provost; Eddie Williams, executive vice president of business and finance; Admasu Zike, assistant provost for academic support services; and the members of the Board of Trustees.

Also included in the suit are John Hunter, a former lieutenant and operations commander of NIU Public Safety, and Lynn Waldeland, a former executive vice president and provost.

A status hearing is set for 1:30 p.m., Dec. 18, at the U.S. Courthouse, 211 S. Court Street, Rockford.