Missouri Military Academy calls abuse lawsuit ‘unfounded’

MEXICO, Mo. (KMIZ)

The leader of the Missouri Military Academy said Wednesday that the school will defend itself against "unfounded" allegations that officials allowed physical abuse against a former student.

The former student filed the personal injury lawsuit this week. The lawsuit refers to beatings, attacks and group fights that took place over three school years between 2018 and 2021.

The lawsuit stated that on Jan. 29, 2021, due to the continuous abuse, the student attempted suicide so he didn't have to return to the school. The student was hospitalized as a result of the attempt. He allegedly told hospital staff that he would rather die than return to school.

The former student says the school knew about the attacks but failed to act.

MMA President Richard Geraci said in a statement Wednesday that the school considers student safety and well-being its highest responsibility.

"The allegations in the lawsuit are wholly unfounded," Geraci said in the written statement.

"The Academy intends to defend itself," Geraci said. "We follow our Academy’s guiding principles of love, honor, and truth. Our policies, education, and training of cadets on acceptable behavior are robust. We have established procedures and documented training to ensure the prohibition of bullying, hazing and other inappropriate conduct."

The academy is a boarding school for high school and middle school boys.