Youngstown, Ohio, September 6, 2025
News Summary
A federal lawsuit has been filed against Ursuline High School by a former football player, alleging severe hazing, sexual assault, and child pornography during a team trip. The lawsuit claims that teammates assaulted the player, recording the incidents and distributing them through Snapchat. Allegations also involve negligence from coaches who failed to intervene, raising major concerns about student safety. In response, the school has canceled an upcoming football game and increased safety measures while cooperating with an ongoing investigation.
Youngstown, Ohio – A federal lawsuit has been filed against Ursuline High School by a former freshman football player and his family, alleging serious claims of hazing, sexual assault, and child pornography. The lawsuit was lodged in the U.S. District Court for Northern Ohio, highlighting disturbing incidents that occurred during a nine-day team trip in June involving visits to Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama.
According to the lawsuit, the player endured initiation rituals linked to a troubling hazing culture prevalent within the football team. It is claimed that several teammates attacked, assaulted, and stripped the player, with some of the assaults being recorded and distributed through the team’s group Snapchat, exacerbating the trauma endured by the victim.
The lawsuit asserts that coaches were allegedly aware of the hazing incidents yet failed to intervene or stop them, contributing to a toxic environment characterized by cover-ups and intimidation. This alleged negligence has raised serious concerns about the safety of students within the school community.
Attorney Subodh Chandra, representing the player and his family, stated that the lawsuit contains a detailed account of alleged wrongdoings against the plaintiffs, emphasizing the traumatic effects on the student due to the described sexual assault and subsequent humiliation.
In light of the allegations, Ursuline High School has decided to cancel an upcoming football game against Farrell, which was scheduled for September 5. The school has stated that prioritizing the safety and well-being of its students is of utmost importance and that it is fully cooperating with ongoing investigations into the matter.
An investigation into the allegations was initiated after a formal report was filed by the family. Disciplinary actions have been taken against some students, while others left the football program voluntarily before any additional discipline could be enacted. Furthermore, the school has implemented increased chaperone presence and mandatory training reviews aimed at enhancing student safety.
The lawsuit alleges that hazing incidents have occurred multiple times previously and criticizes the school for its lack of accountability. Defendants listed in the lawsuit include the school’s principal, assistant principal, head football coach, two assistant coaches, the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, and 11 unnamed football players. The allegations run the gamut from criminal hazing and sexual assault to battery, kidnapping, and child pornography.
It is asserted in the lawsuit that the Ursuline administration had a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm but failed to uphold this responsibility. Additionally, it was reported that the sister of the alleged victim faced intimidation from football players, which ultimately forced her to leave Ursuline before her senior year. The details within the lawsuit reveal that some recorded incidents featured students bragging about their actions while others conspired about future attacks.
The complaints made in the lawsuit strongly indicate a pattern of negligence regarding the hiring and supervision of coaches, pointing to a troubling history of misconduct linked to the football program. As the situation continues to unfold, members of the Ursuline High School community have expressed their concerns regarding the recent allegations affecting their football team.
Currently, the Youngstown Police Department is conducting an independent investigation concerning the serious allegations outlined in the lawsuit.
FAQ
What allegations are included in the lawsuit against Ursuline High School?
The lawsuit accuses members of the football team of hazing, sexual assault, and distributing child pornography. It includes claims such as criminal hazing, sexual assault, battery, kidnapping, and telecommunications harassment.
What events led to the filing of the lawsuit?
The lawsuit is based on incidents that occurred during a nine-day team trip in June, where the alleged victim faced initiation rituals tied to hazing. Assaults were reportedly filmed and shared without consent.
What actions has Ursuline High School taken in response to the allegations?
The school has canceled a scheduled football game, emphasized student safety as a priority, and is cooperating with police investigations. Additional measures include increasing chaperone presence and mandating training for student safety.
Who are the defendants named in the lawsuit?
Defendants include the school’s principal, assistant principal, head football coach, two assistant coaches, the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, and 11 unnamed football players.
Key Features of the Allegations and Actions Taken
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Nature of Allegations | Hazing, sexual assault, child pornography |
| Timeframe of Events | June, during a nine-day football team trip |
| Defendants | School personnel and multiple football players |
| School’s Response | Cancelled games, increased safety measures, cooperating with investigations |
| Ongoing Investigation | Conducted by Youngstown Police Department |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Search Continues for Missing 12-Year-Old in South Phoenix
Ursuline High School Cancels Football Game Amid Lawsuit
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa 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 the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
