My sister, Niyah, is the only Black Division 1 volleyball player on her team at Youngstown State University (YSU). Since she joined the team, she has been subjected to racial harassment, bullying, discrimination, and retaliation. Despite repeatedly reporting these appalling behaviors to the relevant authorities at YSU, nothing has been done to address them. The university's athletics department is aware of the situation, yet they have failed to take any meaningful action. The head volleyball coach, Riley Jarrett, and other complicit staff members have done nothing to support Niyah or hold the perpetrators accountable. It is disheartening to see that even the president, Dean of students, and the Title IX office, who are also aware of these issues, have allowed this toxic environment to persist. Racism has no place in sports, academics, or any aspect of life. It is critical that YSU takes a firm stand against such behaviors and upholds its commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Ignoring these issues only perpetuates the cycle of discrimination and damages the reputation of the institution. We are calling for the immediate termination of head volleyball coach Riley Jarrett, who has shown negligence in addressing and preventing discriminatory behavior within his team. Furthermore, all staff and players involved in or aware of these incidents, yet failed to act, should be held accountable and face appropriate consequences. By signing this petition, you are joining us in demanding justice for Niyah and calling on YSU to uphold its responsibility in protecting and supporting its students. Let's ensure that no other student has to endure such treatment in silence. Sign the petition and help us pave the way for a more inclusive future at Youngstown State University. She has described feeling isolated, targeted, and mistreated by her own teammates, the head coach, and the volleyball athletic director — the very people who should be her support system. She has endured racially charged comments, body shaming, and repeated humiliation, all of which create a hostile and unsafe team environment. To be transparent, the specific incidents my sister has reported include: * One of her teammates referred to her as “the tannest on the team” — a racially charged remark, especially as the only Black athlete on the roster. * Another team mate her a “whale” "cow" and "ugly" on social media and off social media. That individual also made derogatory comments about her body, implying she would “break equipment.” * Another player on the team has used the N-word multiple times and has also called her a “shadow,” online AND in real life. Without any consequences! * The Volleyball Leadership Team continue to report my sister for fabricated or minor issues, while holding others to a different standard. Showing clear discrimination * One of the players told Niyah "Bring yo black ass over here" * Another said she talks ghetto * The Head Coach Subjected her to corporal punishment and made her walk for 3 hours straight * The coach also suspended Niyah for a week because Niyah did not look at her in the eyes in huddle * As of November 17th Niyah was suspended from Volleyball by the University, in retaliation to my family and I speaking up about the treatments she's been subjected to. I would like you to keep in mind that she reported Racism, Discrimination, Bullying, and Harassment to the Athletics Department, Title IX office, and the student conduct office. She was sent a letter back stating that these occurrences were "out of their jurisdiction. These actions are not isolated — they represent a consistent pattern of racism, bullying, harassment and discrimination. And the head coach isn't oblivious to the fact that these events were taking place. What’s even more alarming is the lack of accountability from YSU’s coaching staff, specifically The Head Women's Volleyball Coach . The coach is very aware of the racist, discrimatory, bullying, and harassing culture present on her team. My sister brought it to her attention on many occasions, and the the head coach herself admitted to knowing of these events. Despite the severity of the situations, my sister has reportedly been the one disciplined — including a week-long suspension for allegedly for minute circumstances such as being late to a non-team event and “not looking the coach and another player the eye". The Head women's volleyball coach perfectly exemplified the definition of "corporal punishment" as she made my sister walk for three hours straight one day, knowing she was bouncing back from an Achilles injury and surgery that happened earlier this yea . The head coach has also made belittling comments about her abilities, stating she “isn’t that good” and that the team could “win without her.” My sister was also left completely alone in the team hotel while the team was on a trip in South Carolina — an unacceptable and dangerous situation for any student-athlete. A serious NCAA violation. When she met with the compliance department of the school to report the racism, bullying, doscrimination, and harassment, she was told she could either "quit", "wait until the end of the semester to transfer", "take a break from Volleyball" , or simply “deal with it.” None of these options hold anyone accountable or address the systemic issue of racial discrimination in this program. This is not leadership — it’s negligence. It’s enabling racism and emotional abuse under the university’s watch.