Youngstown, Ohio, September 6, 2025
News Summary
A federal lawsuit has been filed against Ursuline High School by a former freshman football player alleging serious offenses, including hazing, sexual assault, and the sharing of child pornography during a team trip. The allegations indicate that the school’s coaching staff was aware of the hazing activities yet failed to intervene. In response, the school has taken measures to enhance student safety and has canceled an upcoming football game. The Youngstown Police Department is also investigating these claims.
Youngstown, Ohio – A former freshman football player and his family have filed a federal lawsuit against Ursuline High School, accusing members of the football team of serious offenses, including hazing, sexual assault, and the dissemination of child pornography. The lawsuit was registered in the U.S. District Court for Northern Ohio, highlighting alarming allegations that took place during a nine-day team trip in June that included visits to Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama.
The complaint indicates that during this trip, the player endured brutal initiation rituals tied to the school’s hazing culture. According to the claims, the player was allegedly attacked, assaulted, and stripped by several teammates. Disturbingly, some of these assaults were reportedly filmed and shared on the team’s group Snapchat, amplifying the player’s trauma and humiliation.
The lawsuit accuses the school’s coaching staff of being aware of the ongoing hazing but failing to intervene, raising serious concerns about a culture of cover-ups and intimidation within the football program. The attorney representing the plaintiff, Subodh Chandra, describes the lawsuit as detailing a comprehensive set of alleged wrongdoings against the student and his family, emphasizing the long-term emotional scars that may result from such acts.
In response to the allegations, Ursuline High School has canceled its upcoming football game against Farrell scheduled for September 5. The school has expressed that the safety and well-being of its students are its top priorities and has confirmed that it is cooperating with investigations into the claims made in the lawsuit. Following a formal report made by the family, an investigation was quickly opened, leading to some disciplinary actions against certain students. Notably, others withdrew from the football program before further actions could be taken.
To enhance student safety, the school has implemented an increased chaperone presence along with mandatory training reviews. The lawsuit also highlights a concerning history of hazing incidents within the football program, accusing the administration of failing in their accountability to protect students from foreseeable harm. Additionally, the complaint implicates the principal, assistant principal, head football coach, two assistant coaches, the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, and eleven unnamed football players as defendants.
The allegations leveled in the lawsuit encompass a spectrum of criminal activities including, but not limited to, hazing, sexual assault, aggravated assault, battery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, stalking, child pornography, and telecommunications harassment. It stresses that the Ursuline administration neglected its duty to ensure students’ safety, which resulted in significant distress for the complainant’s family.
Furthermore, it has been reported that the plaintiff’s sister faced intimidation from members of the football team and ultimately left Ursuline High School before her senior year. Specific incidents outlined in the complaint involve students boasting about their actions and methodically planning future assaults, demonstrating an apparent pattern of misconduct.
Concerns regarding the football program have resonated within the Ursuline High School community, prompting widespread discussions around the allegations. In parallel, the Youngstown Police Department has launched its own investigation into the claims brought forward in the lawsuit.
Key Details
- Location: Ursuline High School, Youngstown, Ohio
- Lawsuit Filed Against: Principal, Assistant Principal, Head Football Coach, Two Assistant Coaches, Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, Eleven Unknown Players
- Nature of Allegations: Hazing, Sexual Assault, Dissemination of Child Pornography, and more
- Response: Cancellation of a football game, enhanced safety protocols, cooperation with investigations
- Investigating Agency: Youngstown Police Department
Conclusion
This lawsuit and the disturbing allegations it contains have garnered significant attention and raised important questions about the culture within Ursuline High School’s football program. The investigation will seek to uncover the truth behind these serious claims and ensure accountability for the involved parties.
FAQ
What are the main allegations in the lawsuit against Ursuline High School?
The lawsuit alleges hazing, sexual assault, dissemination of child pornography, aggravated assault, battery, and other serious offenses committed by members of the football team.
What steps has Ursuline High School taken in response to the allegations?
The school canceled a scheduled football game, has implemented increased safety protocols including more chaperones and mandatory training, and is cooperating with ongoing investigations.
Is there an ongoing investigation related to the lawsuit?
Yes, the Youngstown Police Department is conducting an investigation into the allegations made in the lawsuit.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Defendants | Principal, Assistant Principal, Head Football Coach, Two Assistant Coaches, Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, Eleven Unknown Players |
| Nature of Claims | Hazing, Sexual Assault, Child Pornography, among others |
| School Response | Football game cancellation, increased safety measures |
| Ongoing Investigation | Youngstown Police Department |
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