Judge Sets Settlement Conference for Lawsuit Against Dayspring Christian Academy

A federal judge has scheduled a settlement conference for a lawsuit against Dayspring Christian Academy in Mountville, Pennsylvania, which alleges violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The case, which centers on claims of bullying and alleged sexual harassment by a former student, is set to proceed before Judge John Michael Gallagher on November 30 at the United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Allentown. The plaintiff, identified in court documents as CM, is represented by Philadelphia criminal attorney James Munnelly, who noted that the conference does not guarantee a settlement.

The 26-page complaint, filed in January by Munnelly on behalf of CM and his family, alleges that the school’s administrators failed to intervene in yearslong bullying and alleged sexual harassment. The suit names LS, the son of the school’s Head of School, Dan Stone, as a defendant. According to the complaint, LS allegedly targeted CM with disability-related slurs, stabbed him with pencils, whipped him, and participated in incidents described as “rounding,” which involves poking objects into CM’s anus.

In March, an attorney representing LS filed a response denying that LS took part in or witnessed the “rounding” of CM. However, the response admitted that LS apologized to CM’s parents regarding the incident. LS also denied allegations that he bullied CM or intended to cause “harmful or offensive contact.” Meanwhile, Hillary Weinstein, an attorney representing the school and its board, filed a motion in March requesting dismissal of the complaint, but Judge Gallagher denied the motion on all but one count.

Dayspring Christian Academy, located in Mountville, serves approximately 400 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The legal proceedings highlight the complex responsibilities of educational institutions in safeguarding vulnerable students and addressing grievances related to disability rights. As the case moves toward a potential resolution, the focus remains on the legal standards for institutional accountability and the protection of minors within a faith-based educational setting.

The pursuit of justice in such cases reflects a broader commitment to mercy and accountability, principles that resonate with the call to seek justice for the oppressed. In the context of community and institutional integrity, the legal process serves as a mechanism to uphold truth and care for those who may be marginalized or harmed. The outcome of the settlement conference will be a significant step in determining the extent of the school’s liability and the remedies available to the plaintiff.

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