YOUNGSTOWN   Following a statement from Ursuline High School President Fr. Richard Murphy in support of school leadership, a response on the victims' behalf has been released.

Attorney Subodh Chandra, who serves as legal counsel for the families involved in the two lawsuits, published a statement on their behalf Thursday night.

The statement said Murphy and the Board's statement of continuing support "only reinforces the victims' conclusion that accountability at the Diocese and the school is needed."

According to Chandra's statement, the lawsuits brought against the school allege inaction by administrators and active cover-ups to protect the football team.

The response calls Murphy and the Board's statement troubling, saying they likely have not seen all the available evidence involved. The victims' statement said the evidence includes "non-disseminatable child pornography and other supporting records in the possession and control of at least one of the administrators they so strongly support."

The statement on behalf of the victims also calls into question the timing of placing tow coaches on leave and suspending another.

"Given what they've experienced, the victims are unimpressed by Murphy and the Board's feigned sympathy," Chandra wrote. "If they truly cared, they would act with transparency and seek to expose all the facts and hold all those responsible accountable."

The victims' statement follows Fr. Murphy's message that said the school "looks forward to presenting a vigorous legal defense."