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Photo: Ursuline High School; via Wikipedia.
The Diocese of Youngstown and Ursuline High School are facing four separate lawsuits alleging that school and diocesan leaders failed to protect students from severe bullying, harassment, and abuse. Three of the lawsuits were filed in federal district court and one in Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas. All four accuse the school of ignoring clear warning signs and allowing harmful behavior to escalate, Catholic News Agency reported today.
According to the federal filings, multiple students reported harassment and bullying carried out by members of the school’s football team. The suits allege that administrators were aware of ongoing misconduct but failed to intervene, prioritizing the reputation of the football program instead of student safety.
One lawsuit alleges that a football player repeatedly targeted a young female student with escalating harassment that eventually became physically abusive, including “asking [her] for sex and nude photos” and later allegedly dragging her on the grass hard enough to cause injury.
Another suit claims several football players “harassed, bullied, and ridiculed” a student identified in the filing as gay. He reportedly informed school staff, who “failed to stop or address the misconduct.”
A third federal suit describes a pattern of hazing and violent behavior that included “physical and sexual abuse, kidnapping, production and dissemination of child pornography, and theft.” The complaint details one incident in which a group of players allegedly stripped a classmate, assaulted him, and recorded the attack to post on Snapchat.
The fourth lawsuit, filed in state court, alleges that school officials knew of a planned attack against a female student but did not intervene. According to the filing, the lack of action led to the student being violently assaulted in the school cafeteria.
Together, the federal cases accuse the school of violating Title IX rules requiring institutions to address harassment and discrimination. The state lawsuit centers on violations of Ohio law.
A spokesperson for the Diocese of Youngstown referenced an earlier statement from Bishop David Bonnar saying the diocese was “deeply saddened” by the allegations and that leaders “will do their best and are doing their best to work through this.”
Ursuline High School issued its own statement, saying it would “allow the legal process to proceed” and asserting that “all appropriate actions were taken by faculty and staff members” at the time. The school further claimed there was “no evidence that Ursuline failed or was derelict in any of its child protection duties.”
The plaintiffs’ attorney said the lawsuits reveal “a deep and pervasive culture of protecting Ursuline’s image, particularly its athletic program, above the sacred duty to protect children.” He added that survivors continue to ask why administrators remain in their positions and why diocesan leadership has not taken stronger action.
Each of the four lawsuits seeks substantial damages for the harm survivors say they endured.
Related News:
Ohio High School Faces Federal Lawsuit Over Football Hazing and Sexual Assault Allegations
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