High school coaches “temporarily reassigned” after ritual sodomy incident
Huffington Post reports,
The family of a Illinois high school freshman is suing the Maine Township High School District 207, claiming that Maine West High School officials sanctioned hazing of the unnamed teen as part of a years-long ritual at the school. . . .
The lawsuit claims that the 14-year-old and at least two other boys were sexually assaulted during soccer practice in September — during school hours and condoned by coaches. The complaint alleges that teammates shoved the three boys to the ground and beat them. The older players then held them down, pulled down their pants and underwear and sodomized them.
The plaintiffs contend that the ritual dates back several years as part of initiation for being promoted to the varsity soccer team. They also say that Principal Audrey Haugan knew or should have known about the ritual, and two soccer coaches both witnessed and permitted the practice to continue. . . .
Doctors confirmed evidence of sexual assault, according to the Daily Herald. . . .
District officials said that 10 students are facing disciplinary action. Two soccer coaches have been temporarily reassigned with pay and three others who are not Maine West teachers have been terminated from coaching. Six students were petitioned to juvenile court, each charged with one count battery and one count hazing, according to Des Plaines police.