Catholic High School Boys Charged with Attempted Sex Assault in Hazing at St. Francis de Sales High

Four Catholic high school baseball players have been charged with sex crimes in connection with a hazing-related locker room assault of a classmate with a baseball bat, according to Chicago Police.

The teen-aged boys who attend St. Francis de Sales High School, 10155 S. Ewing Ave., were arrested Saturday and charged as juveniles with attempted sexual assault, the Chicago Tribune reported late Saturday.

A dozen students — five participants and seven bystanders — were suspended in April because of what school officials described as “bullying.” A parent and school officials reported the March 23 attack to police, reports the Chicago Sun-Times.

The teens are expected in court June 8.

In April, new Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich announced that the archdiocese was cooperating with police. The school, which touts “charity, tolerance and understanding” as part of its mission, issued this statement to parents:

The safety and well-being of our students at St. Francis de Sales High School is a top priority. Yesterday, April 28, after we completed an extensive investigation of a reported bullying incident, consequences were imposed on all students involved.

Our students are educated in a community of faith committed to academic excellence and our caring environment enables students to feel safe and be successful. It is important for the St. Francis de Sales community to be mindful of the care and concern we show towards everyone. I hope you will take time to discuss with your child the sense of safety at St. Francis de Sales, as well as the treatment of fellow classmates.

Some parents told the Sun-Times the incident was being blown out of proportion and misinformation was making the rounds on social media.

“There was no intention to harm the person or bring fear to the person. This was kids goofing around,” Nehemia Barker, whose son was suspended for five days, told reporters.

Others were very angry.

“I am very upset. I’m almost speechless. I can’t believe that something like this would happen,” Lasaundra Perkins, a parent, told ABC 7 Chicago, adding that she had spoken with the victim and his family. “It was serious what happened. They were not just horse playing.”