'Sexualized hazing' explained as young wrestlers seek millions of dollars from high school
Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault which some readers may find distressing.
Former wrestlers on a high school team have brought lawsuits worth millions of dollars over 'sexualized hazing' which they claim took place on the team.
Three men who were previously members of the Liberty High School wrestling program have filed a suit against the Peoria Unified School District.
In the suit, they claim that they 'were subjected to sexual hazing, sexual harassment, and attempted and/or actual sexual assault by fellow members of the team.'
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Hazing is a form of initiation which is widespread on college campuses and high schools in the US, and can take on extreme forms.
Of the three claimants, who have not been named publicly, two are demanding a settlement of $8 million, while the third has demanded a settlement of $4 million, according to a report by ABC.
This month, the claimants filed a notice of claim, a precursor to a lawsuit, against the school district in Arizona.
Liberty High School is known for its powerhouse wrestling program, which often goes to state level championships.
Eric Brenton, the longtime wrestling coach at Liberty High School, has been named on the lawsuit.
Mr Brenton is currently on administrative leave from the school, while Peoria Police Department investigate the matter.
This is also not the first time that sexual harassment in hazing has been a concern for parents at the school.
Over a year ago, Peoria Police Department and officials from the school district conducted investigations into allegations of sexualized hazing on the wrestling program.
These included allegations relating to the wrestling room as well as on a trip out of town.
A police report referred to a video which allegedly showed a wrestler getting on top of a teammate, placing his genitalia on his face and moving up and down.
Kim Cobb, the parent of a former Liberty High School wrestler, has spoken up publicly of her concerns about the alleged practices at school board meetings.
“Any adults or parents who think this is acceptable behavior, boys being boys, the way it always has been, or a rite of passage, is part of the problem,” she said.
In a message sent to families of wrestlers at the school last week, which has also been shared with UNILAD, school district officials wrote: "We recognize the concerns within the Liberty wrestling community as this situation is yet to be resolved, and most importantly, the uncertainty many of our wrestlers may be feeling about the future of the program. We want to reassure you that we remain committed to providing you and our wrestlers the answers that you deserve.
"When new information or allegations surface about a past investigation, it is our obligation to reopen and thoroughly investigate such allegations. Given the nature of the allegations, the sensitivities involved, and pending litigation, the district is working closely with legal counsel and law enforcement.
"We continue to conduct outreach to current and former wrestlers to request interviews, and this process takes time."
The message added: "We intend to review all available information and reach a fair and appropriate resolution consistent with district policy and law."
Kit Roberts