Student Filed Federal Lawsuit Against Addenbrooke Academy
A Lakewood student sued the school alleging failures to address racial harassment and threatening graffiti.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Secondary Education
Jaylen Davis filed a federal lawsuit against Addenbrooke Classical Academy in Lakewood, alleging the school failed to address racial harassment and threatening graffiti in school restrooms. The complaint claims administrators did not inform the student or his mother about the content of the graffiti.
Why it matters
The lawsuit alleges that the administration failed to investigate or prevent ongoing peer-on-peer racial harassment throughout the student's sophomore year. These claims highlight potential systemic issues in reporting and responding to student safety concerns at the institution.
The lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado covers incidents from the student's sophomore year through May 2025. It names Principal John Byrne and Executive Director Ric Netzer as defendants.
The players
Jaylen Davis
The 18-year-old student who initiated the lawsuit following his experience at the academy.
Addenbrooke Classical Academy
The Lakewood charter school where the alleged incidents of harassment and graffiti occurred.
John Byrne
The principal of the academy named as a defendant in the federal complaint.
Ric Netzer
The executive director of the academy also named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
The details
The legal complaint alleges that school officials locked a restroom containing graffiti that threatened rape and advertised a slave auction using the N-word while failing to notify the family. Jaylen Davis, who completed his junior year via online home schooling, claims the school failed to uphold obligations under Title VI and Title IX. The suit seeks damages for the administration's alleged failure to protect a student from repeated harassment.
Timeline
Spring 2024: Peer-on-peer racial harassment occurred during the student's sophomore year.
May 2025: Racist graffiti appeared on a boys' restroom wall at the school.
May 5, 2025: Jaylen Davis learned of the graffiti through a photograph.
September 30, 2026: A press release regarding the lawsuit was issued.
The Home Front
This case follows the established legal frameworks set by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 regarding institutional responsibility for student safety. It underscores the ongoing scrutiny of how charter schools manage student discipline and civil rights compliance.
Families with students in local charter schools may want to review their district's specific student handbooks regarding the reporting process for harassment and discrimination. It is helpful to know who the designated Title IX coordinator is for your child's school.
The takeaway
This case highlights the critical importance of clear communication between school administrators and parents regarding student safety incidents. Families should familiarize themselves with the grievance procedures outlined in their school's governing documents.
Further reading
For more updates on local school policies, visit the Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Yellow Scene Magazine.
