Lawsuit claims Des Moines Christian ignored bullying, asks court to order school to act

William Morris, Des Moines Register
·2 min read

A former Des Moines Christian School family is suing to force the religious institution to address what they say is unchecked bullying.

Mark and Jana Scharnberg of West Des Moines filed suit last week against the Urbandale-based private school and several of its administrators and employees. They allege that the school failed to take action in response to serious bullying against their children and other students.

Many of the specifics of the alleged bullying were filed in separate affidavits under seal, but the complaint does note one instance, caught on video, where a Des Moines Christian student threatened to rape another student.

The Scharnberg's children no longer attend Des Moines Christian, attorney Jennifer De Kock confirmed. Nonetheless, they are asking the court for an injunction against the school, claiming that they and other families at Des Moines Christian will suffer "immediate and irreparable harm" if the school is not ordered to comply with Iowa anti-bullying laws. They also seek undisclosed damages.

More: After student shoved by bully suffers collapsed lung, DMPS settles lawsuit for $30,000

In a statement, De Kock said the family brought the case in the hope it will benefit current and future Des Moines Christian students and staff,

"The Scharnbergs ask that Des Moines Christian properly train their administrators, teachers, and students to understand and follow state law when responding to bullying, harassment, and threats of violence, so that every DMC student and family can feel confident they are safe," she said. "The Scharnberg’s goal is to hold Des Moines Christian to its responsibilities under Iowa law, to create and enforce policies that all students and staff can understand to ensure consistency and accountability."

Des Moines Christian does not yet have counsel listed representing it. Head of School Cade Lambert did not return a message seeking comment.

From February: Southeast Polk schools accused in lawsuit of ignoring homophobic bullying, biting

Reporter Samantha Hernandez contributed to this report.

William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com or 715-573-8166.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines Christian School accused of ignoring bullying, rape threats