Judge Allows Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Agape Christian Boarding School To Proceed

A federal judge has ruled that a wrongful death lawsuit against a now-closed Christian boarding school can move forward. The case alleges that years of sexual and physical abuse at the school contributed to the suicide of a former student, Jason Britt, who died in February 2022 at age 29. His mother, Kathleen Britt, filed the lawsuit in October 2023, asserting that the trauma from abuse during his teenage years at Agape Boarding School played a role in his death.

The lawsuit centers on the actions of employees at Agape, who allegedly sexually assaulted Britt when he was 16. The school, located in Stockton, Missouri, was closed in January 2023 following a criminal investigation that uncovered widespread allegations of abuse. Law enforcement launched the probe in February 2021, a year before Britt’s death, after multiple former students came forward with claims of sexual and physical abuse. The investigation found that abuse, including physical harm, torture, starvation, and sexual assault, appeared to be routine at the school for nearly three decades.

Kathleen Britt argues that the school and local authorities failed to address repeated reports of abuse, leading to a delayed closure. She contends that the trauma from the abuse contributed to her son’s suicide, which was preceded by a note he left expressing the pain he endured. The lawsuit seeks to hold the school accountable for the actions of its employees and for the negligence that allowed such abuse to persist.

Defendants, including Agape’s administrators, employees, and Cedar County law enforcement, filed a motion to dismiss the case, citing procedural issues and arguing that certain defendants should be excluded. However, Judge Douglas Harpool of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri ruled that key aspects of the lawsuit, including wrongful death and child abuse claims, should proceed. The judge dismissed some parts of the case and excluded the Cedar County Sheriff Department as a defendant, but upheld the legal theory that Agape could be held responsible for the actions of its employees.

The ruling highlights the legal responsibility of institutions to protect minors in their care. It underscores the importance of accountability and transparency, especially in environments where vulnerable individuals are entrusted to others. The case also raises questions about the role of law enforcement and school officials in responding to allegations of abuse and ensuring the safety of students.

The outcome of this case may have broader implications for Christian institutions and organizations that serve minors. It reinforces the need for vigilance, integrity, and a commitment to the well-being of those in their care. As the legal process continues, the focus remains on seeking justice and ensuring that victims are supported and protected.

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