News Summary
Ursuline High School has canceled its football game against Farrell High School due to serious hazing and assault allegations involving its football program. The decision prioritizes student safety amidst ongoing investigations and legal actions stemming from a federal lawsuit that describes a culture of abuse and misconduct within the team. Charged with fostering this environment, the school has begun internal investigations while cooperating with local authorities. As the situation develops, community responses emphasize the need for accountability and reform in school athletics.
City of Youngstown, Ohio
Ursuline High School has announced the cancellation of its upcoming football game scheduled for Friday, September 5, 2025, against Farrell High School. The decision was communicated through a social media post to the Farrell Area School District, citing concerns related to recent allegations of hazing and assault within the school’s football program. The cancellation comes amid ongoing investigations and legal action involving the school and affiliated parties.
Details of the Cancellation
The cancellation was confirmed by Farrell Head Coach Amp Pegues after receiving notification from Ursuline High School’s Head Coach Dan Reardon. The decision was made following a commitment by Ursuline’s Board of Directors, reflecting the school’s response to serious allegations involving its football team. The move aims to prioritize student safety and the ongoing review of the allegations that have come to light in recent days.
Allegations and Legal Action
The controversy erupted earlier this week when a 200-page federal civil rights lawsuit was filed against Ursuline High School, its coaches, administrators, and related entities. The lawsuit alleges that a freshman football player was subjected to multiple instances of hazing, physical assault, and sexual abuse during a team camp held in June 2025. According to the lawsuit, some of the incidents involved the recording and sharing of videos via the team’s Snapchat group chat, which contributed to a culture of intimidation and silence.
Specific Incidents and School Response
The lawsuit reports that the victim was lured into private rooms by fellow players, physically assaulted, and that these acts were documented and disseminated among members of the team. The legal complaint portrays a pervasive environment in which coaching staff dismissed the allegations as “just boys being boys”, failing to conduct proper investigations or intervene appropriately. In response to the lawsuit, some students identified as involved have left the football team, but disciplinary actions against others are still pending.
Investigation and Disciplinary Actions
Ursuline High School stated that an internal investigation was initiated once the victim’s family made a formal report. The school also reported notifying both the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown and the Youngstown Police Department about the allegations. While some disciplinary measures have reportedly been taken against the students most directly involved, specific details remain undisclosed, and further actions are expected following the completion of police investigations.
Accountability and Institutional Response
The lawsuit accuses the school, its coaches, and the Diocese of fostering a culture of hazing that has persisted for years. It also alleges that the victim was repeatedly attacked during a nine-day football camp from June 12 to June 20, 2025. The complaint details the involvement of multiple players in physical and sexual assaults, including the recording and sharing of these acts. Additionally, the lawsuit describes threats and intimidation directed at the victim’s sister to silence witnesses and perpetuate the cover-up.
Legal and Community Reactions
The lawsuit has prompted calls for accountability, with lead counsel emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic issues and preventing future harm. Allegations extend to Head Coach Dan Reardon, who is accused of ignoring misconduct and fostering a toxic environment. The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown affirmed that they conducted a timely investigation and are cooperating with authorities, denying any efforts to conceal the allegations. The case has attracted significant media and community attention, raising awareness about student safety and institutional responsibility.
Ongoing Police Investigation
The Youngstown Police Department is actively investigating the allegations detailed in the lawsuit. Authorities have yet to release detailed findings, but their inquiry is focused on verifying claims of physical and sexual misconduct on and around the football camp and throughout the program. The outcome of the police investigation may influence further disciplinary and legal actions as the case develops.
As the situation continues to unfold, all parties are awaiting the results of investigations and further decisions from school officials. The cancellation of the football game underscores the gravity of the allegations and the school’s response amid ongoing efforts to ensure safety and accountability.
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HERE Resources
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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