Connecticut Student Says School Treatment Exceeded All Bounds of Decency

A new lawsuit against Indian Mountain School in Lakeville is shining a spotlight on how Connecticut’s private schools handle staff misconduct, racial bias, and student safety. The case centers on an African American student, called C.J. in court papers, and claims an employee’s behavior escalated from a heated exchange to outright physical assault.

This situation raises tough legal and ethical questions for independent schools across the state.

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Lakeville School Sued After Alleged Assault on Student

The lawsuit, filed by C.J.’s parent, focuses on an incident that allegedly happened on November 9, 2023, at Indian Mountain School. The school sits in Lakeville, close to the New York border and not far from Torrington and New Milford.

The complaint says staff member Mike Wilson confronted the student around 4:15 p.m. That interaction, according to the suit, quickly went beyond discipline or classroom management and turned violent.

Details of the November 2023 Incident

The filing claims Wilson first got into a verbal confrontation with C.J., then crossed a line into physical abuse. Court documents accuse Wilson of repeatedly pushing the student and eventually putting C.J. in a chokehold.

The parent says this was an unjustified and dangerous use of force on a minor. Prosecutors later charged Wilson with second-degree unlawful restraint and third-degree assault.

He pleaded guilty and received a conditional discharge with a suspended sentence. That means he avoids jail time as long as he follows the court’s terms.

Allegations of Racially Motivated Misconduct

The lawsuit also highlights what it calls a racial dimension to Wilson’s behavior. In a state where places like Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford are debating equity and inclusion in schools, the claims out of Lakeville feel relevant far beyond this one campus.

The complaint describes a pattern of racially motivated abusive and harassing behavior by Wilson toward C.J. in the weeks or months leading up to November. If proven, these allegations could have serious consequences for both Wilson and the school.

Pattern of Behavior and School’s Knowledge

The suit alleges Wilson’s actions weren’t just a one-time lapse, but part of ongoing misconduct directed at the African American student. The parent says Wilson harassed and mistreated C.J. with a racial undertone before the physical confrontation ever happened.

Importantly, the lawsuit claims Indian Mountain School had either actual or constructive knowledge of this conduct. In legal terms, “constructive knowledge” means the school should have known about the behavior, even if no one told administrators directly.

Claims of Negligence and Inadequate Training

The civil case argues that Indian Mountain School failed in its duty of care to protect C.J. and respond to warning signs. That duty is a big issue for private schools all over Connecticut, from prep schools in Greenwich to smaller day schools in places like Danbury and Norwalk.

The complaint accuses the school of negligence, especially regarding how staff are trained and supervised when it comes to discipline, racial issues, and physical force.

What the Lawsuit Says Indian Mountain School Did Wrong

According to the filing, the school’s alleged failures include:

Not properly investigating earlier concerns about Wilson’s interactions with C.J.

Letting a staff member with a supposed pattern of racially hostile behavior keep working with the student.

Not providing enough training on de-escalation, anti-bias practices, and safe physical contact.

Failing to put in place or enforce policies to prevent harassment and physical abuse.

Damages Sought and Ongoing Legal Process

The lawsuit seeks compensation for both physical and emotional harm. It also asks the court for punitive damages against Mike Wilson personally, a move that’s usually reserved for conduct a jury might see as especially egregious or intentional.

The complaint says C.J. suffered physical injuries from the alleged chokehold and emotional distress from both the incident and the pattern of harassment. The family says the impact still affects C.J.’s well-being and education.

Attorney’s Statement and School’s Response

Attorney Max Silverberg, who represents the plaintiff, says the case is still active. He sounds pretty confident about holding both Indian Mountain School and Wilson accountable in civil court.

Silverberg points out that the family wants more than just damages—they want real accountability for what they see as a deeper, systemic problem.

Indian Mountain School hasn’t commented on the lawsuit. That’s not surprising; most schools in Connecticut, honestly, tend to stay quiet during ongoing litigation.

As the case moves forward, it’s likely to get attention from families and educators across the state. Especially in places where people are already talking about race, discipline, and keeping students safe.

Here is the source article for this story: CT student claims way he was treated ‘exceeded all reasonable bounds of decency.’ He blames a school

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