News Summary
Ursuline High School has canceled an upcoming football game following a serious federal civil rights lawsuit alleging hazing and sexual assault within its football program. The lawsuit claims incidents involving a freshman player were dismissed by the coaching staff. Investigation by the Youngstown Police Department is ongoing, with the school stating it has taken disciplinary action against some students involved in these alarming allegations.
Youngstown, Ohio – Ursuline High School has officially canceled its upcoming football game against Farrell, which was scheduled for Friday, September 5, 2025. The cancellation was communicated to the Farrell Area School District via social media, following a decision made by Ursuline’s Board of Directors. This announcement arrives on the heels of a serious 200-page federal civil rights lawsuit that has been filed against Ursuline High School and various affiliated parties, alleging significant misconduct within the school’s football program.
The lawsuit, filed earlier this week, claims that a freshman football player was subjected to hazing and sexual assault by teammates during a team camp held in June 2025. Reports indicate that the incidents involved both physical and sexual assaults, with some acts reportedly recorded and shared through the team’s Snapchat group chat. The allegations suggest that the coaching staff dismissed these incidents as mere pranks, stating they were “just boys being boys,” and failed to conduct an adequate investigation into the claims.
Since the filing of the lawsuit, additional individuals have come forward, alleging that they, too, were victims or witnesses to the reported assaults. Ursuline High School has stated that an investigation was initiated as soon as a formal complaint was filed by the victim’s family. The school has also reported that both the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown and the Youngstown Police Department were informed of the allegations.
Moreover, the school indicated that disciplinary measures were taken against some students considered to be most directly involved in the incidents. However, specific details about the punishment have not been made public, and it is noted that some participants had already left the football program prior to any disciplinary actions being applied. Further administrative responses are expected once the Youngstown Police Department completes its investigation into the allegations outlined in the lawsuit.
The federal lawsuit not only targets Ursuline High School but also includes 11 unnamed football players, Head Coach Dan Reardon, two assistant coaches, and the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. The lawsuit describes a long-standing culture of hazing within the football team that has allegedly gone unaddressed for years. Specific accounts from the lawsuit detail multiple instances where players lured the alleged victim into private rooms, subjected him to physical attacks, and filmed the incidents. The complaint also highlights a pervasive atmosphere of intimidation, noting that the victim’s sister reportedly received threats from other players to silence her.
The lead counsel for the plaintiffs has emphasized the necessity of accountability and criticized the school’s apparent failures to protect its students from such misconduct. Additionally, there are claims against Head Coach Dan Reardon, suggesting a history of overlooking player misconduct, which may have fostered the toxic atmosphere that enabled these events to occur.
In response to the situation, the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown asserts that it conducted a prompt investigation, cooperated with relevant authorities, and denied any allegations of attempting to cover up the incidents. The events surrounding this case have garnered widespread media attention and have raised concerns about the potential spread of misinformation across social media platforms.
Currently, the Youngstown Police Department is conducting an investigation into the allegations presented in the lawsuit, which has further expanded the dialogue about hazing and the treatment of students in athletic programs. The school’s cancellation of the football game reflects the serious nature of the allegations and underscores the need for a thorough investigation and resolution.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
