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Photo: Ursuline High School in Youngstown, Ohio; via Wikipedia.
An Ohio high school is at the center of a federal civil rights lawsuit after a former football player alleged he was subjected to hazing and sexual assault during a summer football camp, Fox News Digital reported Saturday. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, names Ursuline High School in Youngstown, several school officials, football coaches, the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, and several unnamed players and parents as defendants.
The complaint stems from a nine-day football camp in June that traveled through Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama. According to the lawsuit, the student, a freshman on the team, was sexually assaulted on the first night of the trip by another player. A second player allegedly filmed the incident and shared it on Snapchat. Additional hazing and bullying followed, and on the fourth day, the student was restrained, stripped, and again assaulted. That assault was also allegedly filmed and distributed on Snapchat.
The lawsuit further accuses school officials of failing to act on reports of bullying and assault. The student’s mother first raised her concerns to an assistant coach during the camp, but the coach allegedly dismissed the complaint, saying it was “just boys being boys,” according to the lawsuit. After the student returned home, the family met with school officials but claimed the administration showed “no regret, remorse, or compassion” during the meeting.
According to the plaintiffs, school officials did not conduct a proper investigation or take disciplinary action even after being presented with evidence. The lawsuit also alleges retaliation against the family after they came forward.
The case lists numerous violations, including Title IX offenses, false imprisonment, stalking, child pornography, and distributing obscene materials. “This case is about accountability. No family should have to endure the trauma this family suffered at the hands of other students and then at the hands of school officials who, the suit alleges, made excuses, ignored, and even tried to cover up what happened,” a plaintiff’s attorney said in a press release. “We would welcome hearing from people with information about the lawsuit’s allegations—and also from other victims.”
In response, a spokesperson for Ursuline High School said a police investigation was ongoing and that the school and the Diocese of Youngstown were cooperating with authorities. “The safety and well-being of our students is Ursuline High School’s top priority,” the statement said. “After the students and coaches returned from the trip in question, one family made a formal report to the school alleging misconduct. Once informed, Ursuline’s administration timely opened an investigation. Immediately thereafter, Diocesan representatives and local authorities were notified of the allegations. Both Ursuline and the Diocese of Youngstown continue to cooperate fully with the authorities’ investigation, which is ongoing.”
The school added that disciplinary measures had been taken against some of the students involved, while others left the school before discipline could be imposed. Additional safeguards such as increased chaperone presence and mandatory training reviews were also implemented. The football team’s scheduled game on Friday was canceled following news of the lawsuit.
Are You A Survivor Of Sexual Abuse At A Catholic School or Church?
Survivors of abuse in Catholic schools or institutions have legal rights. If you or someone you know has been harmed, learn more by visiting our Catholic Church Lawsuit Guide.
