A judge Tuesday rejected a request by the city of Evanston to prevent a local committee from discussing Northwestern University’s proposed construction of a new football stadium.

       U.S. District Judge Nancy Maldonado denied a motion to change a 19-year-old court order to restrict discussion of the project. She said the language in the order was “crystal clear.”

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       The issue arose as Northwestern has become embroiled in a hazing scandal alleging abuses in its football and other athletic programs. Opponents have called for the school to postpone its plans for the new stadium while it addresses the controversy.