Family Sues Ill. High School for Soccer Team Hazing
DES PLAINES, Ill. — The parents of a freshman attending Maine West High School have filed a lawsuit against school officials, citing that they allowed hazing of the teen that included physical and sexual assault.
The lawsuit states that a 14-year-old student, whose name has not been released, was beaten and sodomized by a group of teammates during soccer practice on Sept. 27, the Chicago Tribune reports. Two other players were also similarly hazed. A lawyer for the family said the hazing ritual goes back at least three years and that Principal Audrey Haugan knew about the practice but did nothing to stop it. Additionally, two soccer coaches allegedly witnessed the incident and allowed it to continue.
According to officials at the Maine Township High School District 207, the district took disciplinary against 10 students and has removed five coaches from the soccer team. Six students involved in the incident face misdemeanor charges of battery and hazing.
The family seeks monetary compensation and an injunction to end the alleged hazing practice.
Additionally, the attorney for the parents announced on Wednesday that more families are joining the lawsuit, reports Chicagoist.com. The additional claims are related to a similar incident that allegedly occurred in 2008 involving the same coach.
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