A gay former student at a Catholic high school has filed a federal lawsuit accusing administrators of ignoring persistent bullying and harassment by members of the school’s storied football team.
The lawsuit, filed by a student identified as “Grandson Rudolph” and his legal guardian “Grandma Rudolph,” alleges administrators prioritized the protection of players over the safety of other students and shielded football players from discipline, according to the CBS affiliate. WTRF.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, names Ursuline High School, Vice Principal Margaret Damore, and the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown as defendants.
The suit says administrators violated Rudolph’s rights under Title IX, which prohibits sexual discrimination in federally funded schools. It also asserts three state law claims: negligence, negligent supervision, negligent training, supervision, discipline, employment, and retention.
The Rudolphs are requesting a jury trial. They are seeking a declaration that the school violated the student’s rights, an order prohibiting retaliation against the family, and financial compensation for damages including emotional distress and reputational damage, as well as claims for attorney’s fees.
During the 2023-2024 school year, Rudolph Son, then a freshman who came out as gay, endured daily abuse from football players, including homophobic slurs, physical threats, and having food thrown at him hard enough to leave visible red marks. The abuse continued outside the school grounds.
The filing also alleges that religious education teacher Nanette Jacobs participated in the abuse by commenting on the students’ appearance. Rudolph said other teachers also witnessed the behavior, but no meaningful action was taken to stop it, despite multiple complaints to principal Damore.
Grandma Rudolph called the school 20 times over 11 weeks, but there was no solution. One of the incidents reported at McDonald’s was where a football player taunted both a student and his grandmother. When she complained of the incident to school officials, including head football coach Daniel Reardon, she was met with hostility and no help.
As a result of continued abuse and school inaction, my grandson Rudolph was transferred to another school. He is currently receiving weekly counseling and will continue to receive mental health support.
The school declined to comment, citing pending litigation.
Rudolph’s lawsuit is the third federal lawsuit accusing Ursuline High School and several administrators and coaches of ignoring repeated reports of bullying, harassment and assault.
Attorney Subodh Chandra, who represents plaintiffs in all three cases, said additional lawsuits could be filed if more victims and witnesses come forward.
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
