SouthernWorldwide.com – A family in New York has initiated legal action against a Christian school, the Archdiocese of New York, and a former soccer coach. The lawsuit claims their teenage son sustained injuries due to the school officials’ failure to adequately supervise students prior to a high school athletic event.
Furthermore, the lawsuit contends that the injured student was the one penalized, based on accusations of using a racial slur.
The complaint, lodged with the New York Supreme Court in Dutchess County, was filed by S.O. on behalf of his minor child, L.O. L.O. is identified as a student and soccer player at Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie. The defendants named in the suit are the school, the Archdiocese of New York, and a former coach.
According to the legal filing, the case originates from an alleged incident on September 19, 2025, involving L.O. and another member of the school’s soccer team. The complaint states that this teammate allegedly grabbed L.O. and forcefully slammed him onto a concrete surface. This action resulted in abrasions to L.O.’s arm, back, and hip. Crucially, the complaint asserts that the coach was not present at the time of the incident.
Following the altercation, the complaint details that the coach reportedly questioned the team. However, the coach did not engage with L.O. separately from the other player involved. The filing indicates the coach’s attention focused on L.O.’s remark, where he allegedly stated that if he were a “camel,” the other player would be an “ape.” The coach purportedly interpreted this as a racial slur.
Subsequently, the coach allegedly instructed L.O. to turn his jersey inside out and benched him for the remainder of the warm-up period and the subsequent game. The complaint emphasizes that the coach did not assess L.O. for any injuries or inquire about his well-being, despite being informed that L.O. had been hurt.
Reports indicate that the coach was later dismissed from the school. The filing clarifies that L.O. and his parents did not seek the termination of the coach. It further alleges that the decision to dismiss the coach was made independently by the school and/or the Archdiocese.
The lawsuit advances a single cause of action: negligent supervision. It posits that the school, the Archdiocese, and the coach had a legal obligation to supervise students during the athletic event. This duty, the complaint argues, was breached by failing to ensure an adult’s presence before and during the physical altercation.
The family is seeking compensation for a range of damages. These include compensation for physical injuries, emotional distress, psychological harm, humiliation, property damage, and other financial losses. They are also requesting legal costs and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
It is important to note that these allegations have not yet been substantiated in a court of law. A statement from legal counsel highlighted the importance of context, noting that a child was injured on school property during a period requiring supervision. The hope expressed was for the school to collaborate with the family to foster a positive school environment for the student and to guarantee the safety of all students moving forward.
