Incident Details Unfold
The complaint details events from April 2024, when the victim’s mother alerted guidance counselor Louise Kotel about a threatened cafeteria fight by an ex-friend. Kotel reportedly informed Damore and staff, assuring the mother they were “on standby,” yet the assault proceeded unchecked. Attackers allegedly slammed the 14-year-old’s head into a wall, punched her repeatedly, and left her dazed with memory loss and vomiting—symptoms of a concussion—while no immediate medical aid came from the school nurse or officials.
Post-incident, Damore allegedly dismissed the victim’s explanations and failed to notify her mother promptly, prioritizing a meeting over supervision. The aggressor received a five-day suspension, but the victim missed two weeks of school due to injury and fear, eventually transferring out. Plaintiffs claim Damore confessed to inadequate staffing in the cafeteria, underscoring negligence in training and response protocols.
Pattern of Legal Challenges
This suit, led by Cleveland attorney Subodh Chandra, portrays a “systemic breakdown” at Ursuline, prioritizing reputation—especially athletics—over student safety. Prior federal lawsuits since September 2025 alleged football-related hazing, sexual assaults, bullying of a gay student, and harassment by players, with Damore named in all for alleged cover-ups. One expanded case added victims from 2022-2025 camps; another targeted a star player’s stalking.
Football fallout included the 2025 season cancellation and head coach suspension amid hazing claims. Chandra questions why Damore and others retain positions, urging Diocese accountability.
School’s Defense and Community Impact
Ursuline’s spokesperson stated the school reviewed the incident thoroughly, took appropriate actions, and denies child protection failures, vowing a vigorous defense. The Diocese initially sympathized but shifted after attorney mentions, per the suit. Victims across cases report transfers, highlighting eroded trust in the private Catholic institution.
As litigation mounts, Youngstown watches closely. Chandra invites more witnesses, signaling potential escalations. Families demand reforms to safeguard students beyond scandals.