Graduates of St. Thomas Academy file lawsuit against Catholic school for alleged misconduct

Two graduates filed a lawsuit against St. Thomas Academy. However, the evaluation revealed that they found insufficient evidence regarding the alleged misconduct. Image: Military Leadership|St. Thomas Academy

Two recent St. Thomas Academy of Mendota Heights grads have sued the institution in civil court. They claimed that the norms and alleged misconduct of the student body had affected them.

In court, the families of the two alums have asked for at least $50,000 in damages.

Alleged Misconduct Against St. Thomas Academy

Both claims, filed in November 2020 and January 2021, referenced events that allegedly occurred during interviews for the Cadet of the Quarter award.

According to The Catholic Spirit, one of the plaintiffs claims he felt discomfort throughout the interview but did not believe he had any other option except to file a complaint. The other student independently claims he was afraid to report the alleged misconduct since doing so would prevent him from advancing in the academic ranks.

They also revealed that no adults were present during the interviews.

Headmaster Kelby Woodard wrote to the St. Thomas Academy community, saying the people who filed the two lawsuits claim the school's atmosphere promotes bad behavior among its students. He continued that they completely reject the claims and will fight to maintain their character education curriculum.

Woodard also revealed that the plaintiffs' families didn't report the assaults until November 2021, after the students had already been disciplined for something unrelated. During an investigation, he also said the families were given a way to share crucial information about the incident confidentially.

"The investigation found insufficient evidence to validate the claims against the Academy," Woodard said, as quoted in the report.

According to the evaluation, no major or pervasive problems were found in the character development program.

The families of the two alums are asking the judge reviewing the case to award them damages of at least $50,000. They also wish the institution to implement new training, coaching, and reporting measures.

About St. Thomas Academy

St. Thomas Academy is a middle and high school in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. It is exclusively for boys and is well regarded for its academic and athletic programs.

This school prepares boys exclusively for college by providing them with a military-inspired Catholic education in leadership. Students can improve their leadership and character development abilities through the military's comprehensive leadership curriculum.

These include "integrity, self-discipline, self-reliance, brotherhood, respect for authority and devotion to duty and the community," according to the website.

Catholic, College Preparatory

By exposure to Catholic teachings and practices, students will grow spiritually and morally.

At St. Thomas, opportunities exist for teaching and learning about and practicing ethics, modesty, and mutual respect in a school setting. Despite its Catholic heritage, over 20% of St. Thomas's student body is not Catholic.

College Preparatory at St. Thomas provides a challenging academic environment that fosters students' growth and helps them develop lifelong learning and curiosity.

Additionally, it emphasizes such qualities as analysis, creativity, communication, and independent study.

The well-established academic, athletic, and learning environment at St. Thomas Academy embraces and cultivates opportunities especially helpful to boys, allowing them to flourish in their special way.