News Summary
A federal lawsuit has been filed against Ursuline High School by a former freshman football player, alleging hazing, sexual assault, and child pornography among team members. The suit highlights a culture of misconduct during a team trip, where the player was subjected to severe initiation rituals and intimidation. The school has since canceled a scheduled football game and initiated investigations into the claims, emphasizing their commitment to student safety amidst the troubling allegations.
Youngstown, Ohio – A federal lawsuit has been filed against Ursuline High School by a former freshman football player and his family, accusing members of the school’s football team of severe misconduct, including hazing, sexual assault, and dissemination of child pornography. The lawsuit was submitted to the U.S. District Court for Northern Ohio and highlights troubling events that allegedly took place during a nine-day team trip in June, which involved visits to multiple Southern states.
According to the complaint, the player experienced a series of initiation rituals tied to a troubling hazing culture within the football team. The allegations state that he was assaulted, attacked, and stripped by his peers, with some of these incidents reportedly filmed and shared on the team’s group Snapchat account. The legal action against the school also asserts that coaching staff were aware of the hazing activities yet failed to intervene, fostering a culture of secrecy and intimidation.
The lawsuit is spearheaded by attorney Subodh Chandra, who emphasizes that the case presents a comprehensive account of the alleged abuses faced by the plaintiff. It describes the ongoing trauma the player is experiencing as a result of the humiliation and assault endured during his time in the football program. In light of the serious allegations, Ursuline High School has taken immediate action by canceling a scheduled football game against Farrell on September 5, underscoring their commitment to student safety and well-being.
The school administration has stated that they are fully cooperating with investigations related to the accusations. According to the school, an investigation was initiated following a formal report made by the family, leading to disciplinary actions against some students. In addition, several players voluntarily left the program prior to imposing further consequences. To bolster student safety, the school has increased chaperone supervision and mandated training to address hazing and abuse prevention.
Specific incidents cited in the lawsuit are alarming, with the complaint indicating a pattern of similar hazing activities in previous years and criticizing the school’s lack of accountability in handling such issues. The lawsuit identifies numerous defendants, including the school’s principal, assistant principal, head football coach, two assistant coaches, the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, and eleven unnamed football players.
The allegations encompass a range of serious offenses including criminal hazing, sexual assault, aggravated assault, battery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, stalking, as well as child pornography and telecommunications harassment. The complaint argues that Ursuline administration holds a responsibility to protect its students from foreseeable harm, a duty they allegedly failed to uphold.
Further complicating the situation, the former player’s sister reportedly faced intimidation from some football team members, resulting in her departure from Ursuline before the completion of her senior year. Additionally, the lawsuit outlines that various recorded incidents show students boasting about their actions and plotting future assaults, demonstrating a deep-rooted issue within the team culture.
Concerns have been voiced within the Ursuline High School community following these revelations about their football program. As the gravity of the allegations unfolds, the Youngstown Police Department has initiated an investigation into the claims raised in the lawsuit, signaling a potential shift in school policies and accountability measures to ensure the safety and protection of all students moving forward.
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