Students at Liberty High School in Peoria, Arizona, have reported horrifying patterns of sexual hazing and assault within the school’s wrestling program — and yet, the adults responsible for protecting them have failed to act.

Wrestlers say they were routinely “tea-bagged,” groped, “nut-tapped,” and even assaulted with a broomstick kept in the practice room. Multiple students described being held down by teammates while others rubbed their genitals on them — all while coaches sat nearby, saying nothing. The school’s own internal records show head coach Eric Brenton acknowledged hazing occurred. In one text to a student, he even referred to it as a “right of passage.”

Despite this, Coach Brenton has not been held accountable. He was placed on a brief, paid suspension — not for enabling hazing, but for unrelated recruiting violations. He has since returned to full coaching duties. Meanwhile, Peoria Unified School District has never opened a Title IX investigation, even though federal law requires one when a school becomes aware of sexual harassment or assault.

This is not just a failure — it’s a betrayal. Students were abused. Coaches looked away. Whistleblowers faced retaliation. And to this day, some school officials continue to downplay or deny what happened.

We demand the following:

• The immediate termination of Coach Eric Brenton from all roles within Peoria Unified School District.
• A full and independent Title IX investigation into the reports of sexual hazing and the district’s response.
• Safe, clear pathways for students to report abuse without fear of retaliation.

No child should suffer sexual humiliation. No coach should be allowed to stay in power after allowing abuse. And no district should ignore its legal and moral duty to protect students.

Sign this petition to demand justice, accountability, and safety for every student at Liberty High School — now and in the future.

Photo: Patrick Breen/The Republic