News Summary
Ursuline High School has canceled its upcoming football game against Farrell due to a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging severe misconduct involving a freshman player. The lawsuit details disturbing claims of hazing and sexual assault during a team camp, prompting the school to take action and begin an investigation. Allegations include a culture of intimidation and a failure by coaching staff to address reported incidents. The situation has garnered significant media attention as both the school and police continue their investigations to ensure student safety.
Youngstown, Ohio – Ursuline High School has officially canceled its upcoming football game against Farrell, initially scheduled for Friday, September 5, 2025. This decision comes as a reaction to a troubling 200-page federal civil rights lawsuit filed against the school and associated individuals, alleging serious misconduct involving a freshman football player.
The cancellation was conveyed to the Farrell Area School District via a social media post. Ursuline’s Head Coach Dan Reardon informed Farrell Head Coach Amp Pegues after the decision was reached by Ursuline’s Board of Directors.
The lawsuit, filed earlier this week, charges that a freshman football player experienced hazing and sexual assault during a team camp held from June 12-20, 2025. The allegations detail incidents where the victim was reportedly physically assaulted and sexually assaulted by teammates, with some acts recorded and shared through a team Snapchat group chat. It is alleged that coaching staff dismissed the reports as “just boys being boys,” which contributed to an environment that discouraged reporting and failed to provide protection for the students involved.
Following the lawsuit’s filing on Tuesday, numerous additional alleged victims and witnesses have stepped forward to share their experiences. Ursuline High School has stated that an investigation was initiated once the victim’s family formally reported the incidents. The school has also informed the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown and the Youngstown Police Department about the allegations.
Disciplinary actions have been implemented for some students directly involved in the alleged incidents. However, specific details regarding these actions have not been disclosed, and it has been noted that some of those involved had already exited the football program before any disciplinary measures could be enforced. Further administrative actions are planned, contingent upon the results of the ongoing investigation by the Youngstown Police Department.
The federal lawsuit accuses not just Ursuline High School but also eleven unnamed football players, Head Coach Dan Reardon, and two assistant coaches of fostering a climate of hazing that has persisted for years. Detailed accounts within the lawsuit describe instances where players reportedly lured the victim to secluded areas and subjected him to abuse while filming the events. It is alleged that a culture of intimidation prevailed, aiming to silence not only the victim but also his family, as the victim’s sister reportedly faced threats from other players.
Lead counsel for the plaintiffs has emphasized the urgency for accountability regarding the alleged events, critiquing the school’s apparent failure to safeguard its students. There are claims against Coach Dan Reardon, suggesting a pattern of ignoring misconduct among players, which has allegedly contributed to the prevailing toxic environment.
In response to the allegations, the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown released a statement asserting that they conducted a prompt investigation and maintained cooperation with relevant authorities while denying any claims of attempting to cover up incidents of misconduct.
The unfolding incident has drawn significant media scrutiny, with widespread concerns regarding the dissemination of misinformation via social media platforms. The ongoing investigation by the Youngstown Police Department remains active as they look into the serious allegations set forth in the civil rights lawsuit. Ensuring the safety and well-being of students is now a critical focus for both the school and the local authorities involved.
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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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