News Summary
Ursuline High School has canceled its football game against Farrell following a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging hazing and sexual assault involving a freshman player. The lawsuit claims serious incidents occurred during a team camp, with allegations of a culture of misconduct among players and inadequate responses from coaching staff. The Catholic Diocese and local police are investigating the matter, as further details are expected to unfold.
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Ursuline High School has canceled its upcoming football game against Farrell, which was scheduled for Friday, September 5, 2025. The cancellation was announced via social media, with the communication reaching the Farrell Area School District after a decision by Ursuline’s Board of Directors.
This decision follows the filing of a 200-page federal civil rights lawsuit against Ursuline High School and several associated individuals and entities. The lawsuit alleges that a freshman football player experienced hazing and sexual assault by his teammates during a team camp held in June.
According to the lawsuit, the reported incidents involved both physical and sexual assaults, some of which were allegedly recorded and disseminated through the team’s Snapchat group chat. The complaint asserts that coaching staff dismissed these serious allegations, referring to them as “just boys being boys,” and claims that the school failed to conduct an adequate investigation into the reports.
The lawsuit was submitted earlier in the week and has already prompted additional individuals to come forward, claiming to be either victims or witnesses of similar incidents. Prior to the filing of the lawsuit, Ursuline High School initiated an investigation following a formal report submitted by the family of the alleged victim.
As part of the school’s response, it has reportedly informed both the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown and the Youngstown Police Department about the allegations. Although disciplinary measures have been taken against some students most closely involved, specific details regarding these actions have not been disclosed, and some students had already departed from the football program before any disciplinary steps could be enacted.
Ursuline High School has indicated that further administrative actions will be communicated after the completion of the investigation by the Youngstown Police Department. The lawsuit accuses multiple parties, including Ursuline High School, 11 unnamed football players, Head Coach Dan Reardon, and two assistant coaches, in addition to the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, of fostering a long-standing culture of hazing.
Details within the lawsuit describe multiple assaults on the alleged victim during a nine-day football camp held from June 12 to June 20, 2025. Allegations include incidents where players allegedly lured the victim into private rooms, sexually assaulted him, and filmed the act. The complaint highlights a broader culture of intimidation and silencing of victims, with the sister of the alleged victim reportedly facing threats from other football players.
The plaintiffs’ lead counsel has articulated the need for accountability, emphasizing the school’s failures in protecting its students. Specific allegations against Head Coach Dan Reardon suggest a history of overlooking misconduct among players, contributing to a toxic environment within the football program.
The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has claimed to have undertaken a timely investigation, cooperating with authorities and denying any efforts to cover up the situation. The incidents have attracted significant media attention amid growing concerns about misinformation circulating on social media platforms.
The Youngstown Police Department is actively conducting an investigation into the allegations outlined in the federal lawsuit. As this situation develops, both the school and law enforcement agencies are expected to communicate further details as they become available.
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Additional Resources
- WKYC: Ursuline High School Lawsuit
- WFMJ: Ursuline Football Game Canceled
- WKBN: Ursuline Family Files Lawsuit
- Beacon Journal: Ohio High School Football Hazing Lawsuit
- WFMJ: National Hazing Attorney Weighs In
- Wikipedia: Hazing
- Google Search: Ursuline High School football hazing
- Google Scholar: Hazing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hazing
- Google News: Ursuline High School hazing lawsuit
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