Los Angeles, CA – A lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court has brought to light disturbing allegations of racial abuse and sexual assault within the prestigious Harvard-Westlake School’s water polo program. The case, involving student Aidan Romain and former teammate Lucca van der Woude, along with the school and its officials, has sent shockwaves through the elite private school community and sparked a wider conversation about safety, accountability, and the culture within youth sports. The allegations detail a pattern of abuse spanning from August 2022 to February 2024, raising serious questions about the school’s response and its duty of care to students.
The lawsuit claims that van der Woude subjected Romain to repeated racial slurs, physical abuse, and sexual assault while both were members of the Harvard-Westlake water polo team. The alleged abuse occurred both on and off campus, including within the school’s pool, and was, at times, witnessed by other students and even school personnel. The legal action seeks a jury trial, with Romain stating his desire to prevent similar incidents from happening to others. This case underscores the critical necessitate for robust oversight and preventative measures within competitive youth athletics, particularly at institutions with a reputation for excellence.
Details of the Alleged Abuse
According to the lawsuit and reporting from multiple news outlets, the abuse began shortly after Romain, then 14 years old, was brought up to the varsity water polo team at the start of practice in August 2022. National Today reports that van der Woude and another teammate allegedly used a derogatory term for Black individuals “virtually every single day for five months.” The abuse escalated to include physical attacks, such as whipping Romain with ropes and making references to slavery. Perhaps most disturbingly, the lawsuit alleges multiple instances of digital penetration by van der Woude, both in the school pool and elsewhere on campus.
The allegations extend beyond the direct acts of abuse to include a failure by Harvard-Westlake to adequately investigate and address the situation. Despite being informed of the abuse, the school allegedly did not accept sufficient protective measures, allowing the incidents to continue and escalate. On March 29, 2023, Romain’s mother met with the water polo team’s head coach, who reportedly promised to ensure Romain’s safety moving forward, but the lawsuit contends that this promise was not fulfilled. Court documents detail the extent of the alleged harassment and assault, painting a picture of a hostile environment that went unchecked for an extended period.
Impact on Aidan Romain and the Broader Community
The ordeal has had a profound impact on Aidan Romain, both emotionally and athletically. The Vanity Fair reports that Romain faced challenges in his college recruitment process, with some coaches questioning his account of events and seeking explanations for the allegations against him. He ultimately decided to take a gap year, and in August 2025, he joined the Spanish professional water polo club CN Mataró, becoming the youngest American player in the team’s history. In February 2026, he verbally committed to an Ivy League school, finding a coach willing to support him.
Romain’s experience highlights the devastating consequences of sexual abuse and racial harassment, not only for the direct victim but too for their future opportunities. The lawsuit also reveals the emotional toll on “Victim Two,” another student allegedly assaulted by van der Woude, who expressed disappointment in the school’s lack of diversity and inclusivity. Both Romain and Victim Two, according to reporting, are focused on healing and advocating for change, rather than seeking retribution. Romain is reportedly working with a therapist to address the trauma he experienced at Harvard-Westlake.
Harvard-Westlake’s Response and Institutional Fallout
Harvard-Westlake has not publicly released a comprehensive statement addressing the specific allegations in detail, citing the ongoing legal proceedings. However, the school has acknowledged the lawsuit and stated its commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students. The school’s handling of the situation has come under intense scrutiny, with critics questioning whether it prioritized protecting its reputation over the well-being of its students.
The scandal has already had a measurable impact on Harvard-Westlake’s standing. According to Niche, a site that ranks K–12 schools and colleges, the school’s ranking dropped significantly from 11th best private high school in the country in 2023 to 40th in September 2025. Vanity Fair notes that Niche’s rankings consider factors such as college attendance rates and survey responses regarding school culture, diversity, and student experience. This decline in ranking underscores the reputational damage the school has sustained as a result of the allegations.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Outcomes
Lucca van der Woude has been charged in connection with the alleged abuse. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the outcome of the case could have significant implications for all parties involved. The lawsuit seeks damages for Romain’s emotional distress, psychological harm, and lost opportunities. It also calls for systemic changes within Harvard-Westlake to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The case is expected to draw national attention and could set a precedent for how schools address allegations of abuse and harassment within their athletic programs.
The lawsuit also names Harvard-Westlake President Richard B. Commons and boys water polo program head Jack Grover as defendants, alleging their negligence in failing to protect students from harm. The outcome of the case could lead to policy changes at the school, increased oversight of athletic programs, and a greater emphasis on creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for institutions to prioritize the well-being of their students above all else.
As of March 4, 2026, the next scheduled court date in the case of Aidan Romain v. Harvard-Westlake School, et al is currently pending. We will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available. Your thoughts and reactions are welcome in the comments section below. Please share this article to help raise awareness about this important issue.
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