Ursuline President shares letter addressing allegations, lawsuits
YOUNGSTOWN On Wednesday, a letter was shared with parents and students of Ursuline High School by Ursuline President Richard Murphy.
"We want to share with you our thoughts and facts surrounding two lawsuits that have now been filed against our school," as written in the letter, penned by Murphy.
On September 2, 2025, a lawsuit was filed against Ursuline High School, along with several others, including Principal Matthew Sammartino, Assistant Principal Margaret Damore, head coach Dan Reardon, assistant coaches Tim McGlynn and Christian Syrianoudis along with several players and their families on behalf of a student who was allegedly hazed, physically assaulted, sexually assaulted and subjected to the creation and dissemination of child pornography.
On Wednesday, just over a week after the first suit was filed, a second lawsuit was filed against Ursuline High School, Assistant Principal Damore, Athletic Director John DeSantis, the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown and a member of the football team, known as "Ursuline Player 6" in the suit.
The second suit filed Wednesday alleges that the football player "Ursuline Player 6" had "violently assaulted, sexually harassed, stalked and menaced" a female student.
Murphy begins the letter by stating that nothing is more important to the Ursuline President and Board of Directors than the safety of their students.
"The situations described in these lawsuits are extremely upsetting. No students or their parents should have to deal with such challenges," said Murphy within the letter.
The letter goes on to say that support is expressed for Ursuline High School leadership, in particular Principal Sammartino, Assistant Principal Damore and Athletic Director John DeSantis.
"We also want to express our full support for the vast majority of our Ursuline community that has been unjustly affected by these allegations," said Murphy in the letter.
Murphy states in the letter that while the school has no intention of trying the lawsuits in the media or the public, they "look forward to presenting a vigorous legal defense."
"We are secure, based on everything we currently know, that our school leadership followed relevant policies," as stated in the letter.
The letter goes on to state that Murphy is secure that the school leadership acted promptly upon learning of the alleged incidents.
"School administration interviewed parents, coaches, a number of football players involved in the trip and reviewed all available evidence. For example, upon learning of the allegations involving certain members of our football team, we opened an investigation and contacted the Youngstown Police Department, and the Children Services departments in both Mahoning and Trumbull Counties. The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown was also contacted," said Murphy in the letter.
Murphy ends the letter by indicating that any additional information or updates will be released as necessary and in keeping with legal and ethical obligations.
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