News Summary
A former football player from Ursuline High School in Youngstown, Ohio, has filed a federal lawsuit alleging hazing, sexual assault, and child pornography within the school’s football program. The lawsuit claims that during a team trip, he was subjected to severe initiation rituals and that coaches failed to intervene despite knowledge of the abuses. The school is responding by implementing measures to ensure student safety. This case raises broader concerns about the culture of hazing and accountability in school sports.
Youngstown, Ohio — Former Ursuline High School Football Player Files Federal Lawsuit Alleging Hazing, Sexual Assault, and Child Pornography
A former freshman football player and his family have filed a federal lawsuit against Ursuline High School in Youngstown, Ohio, accusing the school’s football program of severe misconduct, including hazing, sexual assault, and the distribution of child pornography. The lawsuit was officially filed in the U.S. District Court for Northern Ohio.
Details of the Allegations
The lawsuit centers around a nine-day team trip taken in June, which included visits to Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama. During this trip, the student alleges he was subjected to initiation rituals linked to a culture of hazing within the team. The plaintiff claims to have been attacked, assaulted, and stripped by multiple teammates, with some of these assaults reportedly being recorded and shared on the team’s Snapchat group chat. These actions have caused significant trauma, according to the lawsuit.
The complaint further asserts that coaches overseeing the team were aware of the hazing activities but did not intervene. It alleges that school officials and coaching staff failed to take action to stop the abusive behaviors, fostering a culture of cover-ups and intimidation. This alleged neglect is said to have contributed to ongoing misconduct and harm to the student.
Legal and Administrative Response
Represented by attorney Subodh Chandra, the plaintiff claims the lawsuit details a series of wrongdoings committed against the student and his family. Chandra emphasized that the student has been left profoundly traumatized by the sexual assault and humiliation endured during the trip.
In response to the allegations, Ursuline High School announced the cancellation of its upcoming football game against Farrell scheduled for September 5. The school stated that student safety and well-being are their top priorities and that they are cooperating fully with ongoing investigations. An internal investigation was initiated following a formal report from the family involved, leading to disciplinary actions against some students. Others involved chose to leave the football program voluntarily before any further discipline could be administered.
In an effort to enhance student safety, the school has increased the presence of chaperones during activities and introduced mandatory training reviews for staff and students alike.
Broader Concerns and Past Incidents
The lawsuit claims that multiple prior hazing incidents occurred within the school’s football program, suggesting a broader pattern of misconduct and negligence. The complaint criticizes the school’s administration for failing in its duty to ensure student safety and accountability. It also points out deficiencies in the hiring, supervision, and oversight of coaches and staff, asserting that these failures have contributed to an environment where abuse could occur.
Among the defendants listed are the principal, assistant principal, head football coach, two assistant coaches, the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, and 11 unnamed football players. The lawsuit includes allegations of numerous criminal acts, such as hazings, sexual assault, aggravated assault, battery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, stalking, child pornography, and telecommunications harassment.
The complaint emphasizes that the school and its administration had a responsibility to prevent foreseeable harm to students but failed to do so. It highlights the incident where the student’s sister was reportedly threatened and subsequently forced to leave Ursuline High School before her senior year, reflecting broader issues of intimidation and retaliation linked to the case.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Response
The Youngstown Police Department is actively investigating the allegations detailed in the lawsuit. The community surrounding Ursuline High School has expressed concern and alarm over the accusations, which have raised questions about the safety and oversight within the school’s athletic programs.
As investigations continue, the case underscores the importance of accountability and supervision in school sports environments, especially regarding allegations of abuse and misconduct. The outcomes may lead to further measures aimed at safeguarding students and preventing similar incidents in the future.
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