Three additional Maine West High School students have come forward and joined a lawsuit alleging that the school failed to protect them against an abusive hazing ritual.
Four students are now suing the Des Plaines school over allegations that coaches sanctioned sexual assault.
Two coaches have been re-assigned over the controversy and another three have been relieved of their duties, according to a statement from the school.
According to the lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court, the school's varsity soccer coaches ordered the hazing, during which freshman varsity soccer players beaten, held down and sexually assaulted by teammates.
The fourth plaintiff in the case alleges that teammates removed his pants and underwear and threatened to harm him at least 10 different times in 2008, when he was on the school's varsity baseball team.
Coach Michael Divincenzo headed both of the teams. He has been relieved of his teaching and coaching positions pending an investigation.
Maine Township High School District 207 released a statement that says the allegations are being taken seriously and that the district contacted police and the Department of Children and Family Services immediately.
See earlier coverage at www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Suit-report-allege-hazings-at-suburban-high-school/40558.html .