In the case of Beverly Cage, as next of friend of minor John Doe, versus KIPP Academy Chicago and Donnell McDavid, filed on May 15, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Case No. 24-CV-966), the plaintiff alleges civil rights violations under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and other claims.
The complaint details that between 2022 and 2024, John Doe was subjected to bullying and improper disciplinary actions at KIPP Academy Chicago. Specifically, Assistant Principal Donnell McDavid allegedly left John Doe alone in a classroom without access to food, water, or bathroom facilities on multiple occasions. On October 20, 2023, McDavid reportedly threatened violence against John Doe and locked him in a classroom for over three hours.
The plaintiff's attorneys, Blake W. Horwitz and Hayden L. Dinges from The Blake Horwitz Law Firm Ltd., argue that these actions caused significant mental anguish and emotional injuries to John Doe. Additionally, on February 22, 2024, another student distributed marijuana edibles at school resulting in severe intoxication for John Doe and others; KIPP staff failed to provide necessary medical care.
Beverly Cage seeks judgment against Donnell McDavid for false imprisonment and violation of constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment. She also demands that KIPP Academy be held liable under respondeat superior doctrine for McDavid’s actions and seeks damages for negligent supervision and willful misconduct.