Hank Nuwer, Author; Hazing Deaths Database

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NORMAN, Oklahoma –

Norman Public Schools is hit with a federal lawsuit in connection with rape allegations last year involving its wrestling program.

Two wrestlers accused teammates of rape while on a school bus returning from a tournament.

Now the case may go to trial.

In this federal lawsuit, filed just two days ago, court documents name one of the victims and his mother as the plaintiffs.

The 45-page document alleges the victim, a Sophomore at the time, was sexually assaulted on a school bus by three upper classmen because his coaches, school staff, and the administration failed to condemn or investigate the practice of hazing.

The suit also claims the student’s civil rights were violated when the district failed to enforce its bullying, sexual harassment, and school bus policies.

The three wrestlers accused of carrying out the assaults also face suit for not following policy.

Moderator: The following feature was written by veteran reporter Christine Vendel covering the Tim Piazza case. Because of unprecedented videotaping of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, this case is of maximum importance. I am pleased she used the database as a small aid to her coverage of 15 hazing cases in Pennsylvania.

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These are the men facing the most serious charges:

“The fraternity members facing the most serious charges – involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault  — are: Beta Theta Pi fraternity president Brendan Young, 21, of Malvern; pledge master Daniel Casey, 19, of Ronkonkoma, N.Y.; Gary DiBileo, 21, of Scranton; Nick Kubera, 19, of Downingtown; Luke Visser, 19, of Encitas, Calif.; Joe Sala, 19, of Erie; Michael Bonatucci, 19, of Woodstock, Ga.; and Jonah Neuman, 19, of Nashville.”

Here is the link to story by reporter Christine Vendel