A former student of the Missouri  Military Academy in Mexico has filed a personal injury lawsuit after attempting suicide during 2020-2021 school year.

According to online court records, on January 29m 2021, the plaintiff, a minor attempted suicide at his house in order to "not have to go back to the MMA." The plaintiff was hospitalized due to the attempt and reportedly told medical personnel that he would rather die than return to the academy. The lawsuit also claims over the years, other students assaulted the plaintiff on multiple occasions. The minor claims he told school administration of the assault, however nothing was done.

 In a statement released to the Mexico Ledger, president of MMA, Richard V. Geraci says "At Missouri Military Academy, we hold the safety and wellbeing of our cadets as our highest responsibility. The allegations in the lawsuit are wholly unfounded.

The Academy intends to defend itself. 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.

To foster all-around support and to ensure the best possible education for their sons, we maintain transparency and a strong partnership with parents. We are proud of the high school and middle school education that we provide to the young men who are accepted into our Academy. This education is centered on our core values, which include respect, honor, and integrity."

Missouri Military Academy President Richard V. Geraci

OUR MISSION

MMA empowers young men to unlock their potential through a program of academic excellence, character and social development, and leadership training within a structured environment.

The former MMA student is asking for a trial by jury and $25,000.