Brook Williams had big dreams when he stepped onto the campus of Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois, as a freshman wide receiver in 2025.
The former Plainfield South High School standout, where he played running back and safety in jersey #24 from 2021 to 2024, was ready to balance books and football.
But Just Weeks Into the Season, Two Teammates Targeted him with Racial Harassment.
What followed was a painful chain of events that forced Brook to leave the school he once loved.
In August 2025, Brook reported the racial slurs and hostile behavior to university officials.
Aurora University quickly confirmed that its own anti-discrimination policy had been violated.
Yet, shockingly, the head football coach allowed the two accused players to keep suiting up during the investigation.
Worse, in a meeting attended by Brook, his parents, and the assistant vice president, the coach openly defended the harassers.
The two students are now suspended from the team, but only until January 1, 2026. That’s just a two-month break for behavior that the university itself called unacceptable.
After Brook spoke up, the coach stopped acknowledging him. No more calls during practice. No praise after good plays.
Brook was ignored in team huddles and left to feel invisible. “It was like I didn’t exist,” his family later shared.
The emotional toll grew heavy. Feeling unsafe and unsupported, Brook made the heartbreaking decision to withdraw from Aurora University.
When the family returned to collect his football gear, most of it was gone, stolen. Another blow in an already devastating experience.
Brook is not just any student. He’s an honor-roll scholar with a spotless record. He worked through high school to help pay his own way.
His father, Williams Williams, wrote a powerful Facebook post that has since gone viral in the local community:
“Our son, Brook Williams, a former student-athlete at Aurora University, was subjected to racial harassment by two football teammates in August 2025. The University confirmed it violated their anti-discrimination policy, yet the coach allowed the students to continue playing during the investigation and defended both boys in front of us, our son, and the assistant vice president… This experience has left our son uncertain about what’s next and afraid to move on.”
Via Facebook
The Post Sparked Deep Anger and Calls for Change Among Friends, Teachers, and Parents
Chrissie Chris wrote:
“Aurora University this is unacceptable and you need to do better!! Brook is a GREAT young man, he’s responsible, and very intelligent with great grades, worked his job through high school & wanted to pay his own tuition… I’m so mad I can’t even type please share & tag the university to raise awareness!!!”
Via Facebook
Michelle Ashton added:
“This is awful, I am so sorry that you and your family are going thru this. Brook is one of the most kind sweet hearted selfless people I know. We are so honored he is our son’s friend. I hope you guys get the justice you deserve.”
Via Facebook
Jami Covington didn’t hold back:
“It’s sad cuz being part of the team was important to him, but it’s hard to stay focused & feel safe when being targeted because of his race by so-called ‘teammates’… Damn school or coach didn’t have his back when it came to something as serious as this. I hope y’all get Justice for Brook!”
Via Facebook
Allison Anderson urged action:
“Reach out to the NCAA if you have to… There are a lot of schools out there that are looking for a talented smart young athlete just like him. Tell him not to give up his dreams over one school with weak minded individuals… Keep pushing for change and action.”
Via Faecbook
The Williams family seeks a thorough investigation into Aurora University’s actions, accountability for the coach, and stricter penalties for the harassers.
They also want prevention. No freshman, especially a Black student stepping into college for the first time, should face racism from teammates and silence from leadership.
Aurora University has not publicly responded to the growing outcry. But the community is watching.
Brook’s story is more than one family’s pain. It’s a warning about how quickly a dream can turn into a nightmare when institutions fail to protect their students.
The Williams family says Brook is healing, but he’s still unsure about his future in football and college.
