4 area schools dealing with hazing allegations

Four area schools — two colleges and two high schools — are dealing with allegations of hazing in their sports departments.

Under Ohio law, hazing is defined as "doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person." It is considered a fourth degree misdemeanor.

Current allegations are:

University of Dayton

This week, the I-Team revealed details of allegations of hazing in the University of Dayton football team in 2014. A lawsuit brought by a former player alleges the school knew about the hazing, which left him with permanent brain damage.

It’s unclear whether UD police investigated the allegations at the time as a criminal matter, or merely as a potential violation of the university’s code of conduct.

Wright State University

Wright State University is being sued by former tennis players who oppose the school’s decision to expel them over hazing allegations.

One case involves claims that a team culture of “mutual horseplay and banter” included a ritual that involved poking teammates in the rectum.

Trotwood-Madison School District

Trotwood-Madison City School District and three former football players were sued in November for alleged hazing and sexual assault with a broomstick in 2011.

The suit said the details of the assault were well-known to students and staff at Trotwood-Madison and that at no time did an administrator, staff member or coach approach the victim to check on his welfare.

Tri-Village High School

The Darke County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating allegations of hazing on the Tri-Village High School boy’s basketball team.

Three boys have reportedly stepped forward claiming to be victims, and four students have been suspended. The Darke County prosecutor announced it will not file charges.

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