News Summary
Ursuline High School in Ohio has canceled its upcoming football game against Farrell due to serious allegations of hazing and sexual assault. A federal lawsuit filed claims a freshman player was victimized during team activities, leading to an investigation by authorities. The school’s Board of Directors, along with the head coach, decided on the cancellation following these revelations, placing the focus on the toxic culture that allowed such behavior to persist within the football program.
Ursuline, Ohio, Cancels Upcoming Football Game Following Allegations of Hazing and Assault
Ursuline High School in Ohio has canceled its scheduled football game against Farrell, originally set for Friday, September 5, 2025. The decision was communicated via social media to the Farrell Area School District, outlining concerns related to recent allegations and ongoing investigations.
Game Cancellation and Initial Communication
The cancellation was confirmed after the facility’s authorities received notification from Ursuline’s head coach, Dan Reardon, following a decision made by the school’s Board of Directors. The cancellation comes amid heightened tensions and serious allegations detailed in a federal civil rights lawsuit filed earlier in the week.
Details of the Federal Lawsuit
The lawsuit spans approximately 200 pages and accuses Ursuline High School, along with various affiliated staff members and the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, of fostering a toxic environment of hazing and sexual assault. The complaint alleges that a freshman football player was the victim of hazing and sexual assault during team activities in June 2025.
The lawsuit claims that during a nine-day football camp held from June 12 to June 20, 2025, the victim was lured into private settings where he was physically and sexually assaulted by teammates. Other students reportedly recorded the acts and shared videos via Snapchat group chats, further victimizing the individual and spreading the misconduct among team members.
School Response and Administrative Actions
Following the filing of the lawsuit, additional potential victims and witnesses have reportedly come forward, prompting the school to launch an investigation. Ursuline High School stated that it responded promptly after receiving a formal report from the victim’s family, notifying both the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown and local law enforcement agencies, including the Youngstown Police Department.
The school indicated that disciplinary measures were taken against some students deemed most directly involved, though specific details of the actions remain undisclosed. Some students implicated in the allegations had already left the football program prior to disciplinary action being assigned. Further administrative steps are expected based on the ongoing police investigation.
Allegations of a Culture of Hazing
The lawsuit contends that the culture of hazing and intimidation had been pervasive within the school’s football program for several years. The complaint describes instances where players reportedly pressured the victim to enter private rooms, where they committed physical and sexual assaults. It also notes that some incidents were filmed and shared on social media, contributing to an environment where victims felt silenced or threatened.
The complaint highlights a failure of coaching staff and administration to respond appropriately, with allegations that some coaches, including Head Coach Dan Reardon, had previously ignored or dismissed misconduct. Reardon, in particular, is accused of turning a blind eye to troubling conduct among players, which authorities argue fostered a toxic and unsafe environment.
Responses from the School and Diocese
Ursuline High School and the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown have stated that they conducted an investigation into the allegations once formal reports were made. The Diocese affirmed they have cooperated with law enforcement and conducted their own review, denying any intent to cover up the issues.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The Youngstown Police Department is actively investigating the allegations detailed in the lawsuit, working to gather evidence and identify other potential victims or witnesses. The incident has attracted significant media and community attention, raising questions about the safety protocols in place and the school’s handling of misconduct allegations.
The school and diocesan authorities have not disclosed forthcoming disciplinary actions, promising to update the public once the police investigation concludes. The situation remains fluid, with the broader community awaiting further developments regarding accountability and prevention measures in school sports programs.
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Additional Resources
- WKYC: Ursuline High School Lawsuit
- WFMJ: Ursuline Football Game Canceled
- WKBN: Ursuline Family Files Lawsuit
- Beacon Journal: Ohio High School Football Hazing Lawsuit
- WFMJ: National Hazing Attorney Weighs In
- Wikipedia: Hazing
- Google Search: Ursuline High School football hazing
- Google Scholar: Hazing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hazing
- Google News: Ursuline High School hazing lawsuit
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