Hearing Date: No hearing scheduled

Location: <<CourtRoomNumber>>
Judge: Calendar, H
FILED
8/21/2023 10:45 PM
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS IRIS Y. MARTINEZ
CIRCUIT CLERK
COUNTY DEPARTMENT, LAW DIVISION
COOK COUNTY, IL
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

2022L003763
ROBERT BRONSTEIN, individually, and as ) Calendar, H
Independent Administrator of the Estate of Nathan ) 24050750
Bronstein, a minor, Deceased; )
ROSELLENE BRONSTEIN, ) Case No. 2022 L 003763
individually, and as Next Friend of M.B. and S.B., )
minors, ) Hon. Scott D. McKenna
)
Plaintiffs, ) Calendar H
)
vs. ) JURY DEMAND
)
LATIN SCHOOL OF CHICAGO, an Illinois )
not-for-profit corporation, et al., )
)
Defendants. )

NOTICE OF FILING

To: See Attached Certificate of Service

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on August 21, 2023, we caused to be filed with the Clerk
of the Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Law Division, Plaintiffs’ Third
Amended Complaint, copies of which are attached and hereby served upon you.

Dated: August 21, 2023 Respectfully submitted,

ROBERT BRONSTEIN, individually, and as

Independent Administrator of the Estate of Nathan
Bronstein, a minor, Deceased; ROSELLENE
BRONSTEIN, individually, and as Next Friend of
M.B. and S.B., minors

By: /s/ Danielle J. Gould

One of Their Attorneys
 Danielle J. Gould
Victoria R. Collado
Susan J.M. Overbey
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Morgan M. Hess
Burke, Warren, Mackay & Serritella, P.C.
330 N. Wabash Ave, 21st Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60611
(312) 840-7000
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Firm ID No. 41704

Todd F. Flood
Flood Law, PLLC
155 W. Congress Street, Suite 603
Detroit, Michigan 48226
(248) 547-1032
[email protected]

Michael D. Weaver
Plunkett Cooney PLC
38505 Woodward Avenue, Suite 2000
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
(248) 901-4025
[email protected]

2
 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
The undersigned hereby certifies that she caused true and correct copies of the foregoing
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Notice of Filing and Third Amended Complaint, to be electronically served by Green Filing
Illinois LLC & electronic mail on the parties listed below on August 21, 2023, upon:
Attorneys for Defendants, Latin School of Chicago, Randall Dunn, Bridget Hennessy, Jane
Knoche, Anneliese Kranz, Kristine Von Ogden, Shelley Greenwood, and Thomas Hagerman
Michael A. Grill Michael T. Trucco
Holland & Knight LLP Jackie C. Condella
150 North Riverside Plaza, Suite 2700 Stamos & Trucco LLP
Chicago, IL 60606 One East Wacker Drive, 3rd Floor
(312) 263-3600 Chicago, IL 60601
[email protected] (312) 630-7979
(312) 630-1183
Paul G. Lannon Jr. [email protected]
Holland & Knight LLP [email protected]
10 St. James Avenue, 11th Floor [email protected]
Boston, MA 02116 [email protected]
(617) 523-2700 [email protected]
[email protected]
Attorneys for David Koo
Elizabeth Wolicki
Stephen J. Siegel
Novack and Macey LLP
100 North Riverside Plaza
Chicago, IL 60606
312-419-6900
Direct: 312-516-5653
[email protected]
[email protected]

/s/ Morgan M. Hess

3
 Hearing Date: No hearing scheduled
Location: <<CourtRoomNumber>>
Judge: Calendar, H
FILED
8/21/2023 10:45 PM
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS IRIS Y. MARTINEZ
CIRCUIT CLERK
COUNTY DEPARTMENT, LAW DIVISION
COOK COUNTY, IL
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

2022L003763
ROBERT BRONSTEIN, individually, and as ) Calendar, H
Independent Administrator of the Estate of Nathan
) 24050750
Bronstein, a minor; Deceased; ) Case No. 2022 L 003763
ROSELLENE BRONSTEIN, )
individually, and as Next Friend of M.B. and S.B.,
) Hon. Scott D. McKenna
minors, )
) Calendar H
Plaintiffs, )
)
vs. ) JURY DEMAND
)
LATIN SCHOOL OF CHICAGO, an Illinois )
not-for-profit corporation; RANDALL DUNN; )
KRISTINE VON OGDEN; BRIDGET )
HENNESSY; JANE KNOCHE; ANDREW )
SANCHEZ; ANNELIESE KRANZ; DAVID KOO; )
SHELLEY GREENWOOD; and THOMAS )
HAGERMAN, )
)
Defendants. )

THIRD AMENDED COMPLAINT

NOW COME Plaintiffs Robert Bronstein, individually and as Independent Administrator

of the Estate of Nathan Bronstein, a minor, deceased, and Rosellene Bronstein, individually and

as Next Friend of M.B. and S.B., minors (collectively, “Plaintiffs”), by and through their

undersigned counsel, and for their Third Amended Complaint against the Latin School of Chicago,

certain current and former employees and agents, and a former board chair, state the following:

INTRODUCTION

1. This action arises out of the death of Nathan Bronstein (“Nate”) by suicide

following cyberbullying at the hands of students at the Latin School of Chicago (“Latin”), which

had been reported by Nate to a Dean at the school and ignored, and the additional injury caused to

Plaintiffs by Latin’s ongoing cover up of its failures in addressing Nate’s cyberbullying report after

1
 Latin personnel learned that Nate died by suicide, including every effort to cover up Latin’s gross

disregard for the safety and well-being of Nate during his time at Latin and Latin’s willful non-
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

compliance with the Illinois School Code’s Bullying Prevention statute (the “Anti-Bullying Law”).

JURISDICTION AND VENUE

2. This Honorable Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendants because all of the

events at issue occurred in Cook County, Illinois.

3. Venue is proper pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/2-101, as all Defendants reside, and at all

times relevant to this action resided, in Cook County, Illinois.

THE PARTIES

4. Plaintiff Robert Bronstein is the father of Nate and the Independent Administrator

of the Estate of Nathan Bronstein, a minor, deceased, and a resident of Cook County, Illinois.

5. Plaintiff Rosellene Bronstein is the mother of Nate, a minor, deceased, and Next

Friend of M.B. and S.B., minor children and Nate’s siblings, and a resident of Cook County,

Illinois.

6. Defendant Latin School of Chicago (“Latin”) is a not-for-profit corporation with its

principal place of business and citizenship in Cook County, Illinois. Latin operates a private Upper

School (high school) located at or about 59 West North Boulevard in Chicago, Illinois, and was

and/or still is the employer of Defendants Randall Dunn, Kristine Von Ogden, Bridget Hennessy,

Jane Knoche, and Anneliese Kranz (collectively referred to as the “Individual Latin Defendants”),

Andrew Sanchez, Shelley Greenwood and Thomas Hagerman. Latin was at all relevant times a

member of the National Association of Independent Schools (“NAIS”). Latin and the Individual

Latin Defendants are collectively referred to as the “Latin Defendants.”

2
 7. Defendant Randall Dunn (“Dunn”) was, from approximately 2011 to July 2022, the

Head of School at Latin and, upon information and belief, a resident of Cook County, Illinois, and
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

is currently the Head of School at Rye Country Day School (“RCDS”) located in Rye, New York

and Board Chair of NAIS.

8. Defendant Kristine Von Ogden (“Von Ogden”) was, for the 2021-2022 school year

until approximately February 2023, the Upper School Director at Latin and, upon information and

belief, a resident of Cook County, Illinois.

9. Defendant Bridget Hennessy (“Hennessy”) was at all relevant times the 9th and

10th Grade Dean of Students at Latin and, upon information and belief, a resident of Cook County,

Illinois.

10. Defendant Jane Knoche (“Knoche”) is a school counselor at Latin and a licensed

clinical professional counselor (LCPC) in Illinois and was, for the 2021-2022 school year to

present, a counselor at Latin’s Upper School and, upon information and belief, a resident of Cook

County, Illinois.

11. Defendant Andrew Sanchez (“Sanchez”) is a teacher at Latin and was, during the

Fall semester 2021, Nate’s geometry teacher and, upon information and belief, a resident of Cook

County, Illinois.1

12. Defendant Anneliese Kranz (“Kranz”) is a school counselor at Latin and a licensed

clinical professional counselor (LCPC) in Illinois and was, for the 2021-2022 school year to

present, a counselor at Latin’s Upper School and, upon information and belief, a resident of Cook

County, Illinois.

1
Plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed Defendant Sanchez as of July 31, 2023 with leave to refile.
3
 13. Defendant David Koo (“Koo”) was, at all relevant times, the Chair of Latin’s Board

of Directors and, upon information and belief, is a resident of Cook County, Illinois.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

14. Defendant Shelley Greenwood (“Greenwood”) was at all relevant times until her

retirement in June 2023, Latin’s Assistant Head of School and, upon information and belief, a

resident of Cook County, Illinois.

15. Defendant Thomas Hagerman (“Hagerman) is the current Head of School at Latin,

where he started working sometime in May 2022 while officially taking the position of Head of

School no later than July 1, 2022, and, upon information and belief, is a resident of Cook County,

Illinois.

FACTS

I. The Latin School of Chicago

16. Latin is a private school in Chicago, charging over $40,000.00 per year in student

tuition for high school to most of its consumers – the parents and guardians of school age children

(referred to herein as “parents”).

17. In addition to a hefty tuition, Latin depends on additional financial support from

parents and urges them to prioritize their philanthropic contribution to Latin.2

18. Latin relies upon its image and reputation among the Chicago community as a

premier, elite, and connected school that will propel a child to success by mere association with

the school. This ensures demand for the school and, in turn, enables Latin to charge high tuition

rates and to influence, or even subtly demand, additional and significant donations to the school.

2
See https://www.latinschool.org/support-latin/latin-fund
4
 19. While Latin promotes and solicits itself to its consumers as providing a premier

education to its students, and also as an inclusive community,3 Chicago Public Schools has some
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

of the best (and more inclusive) high schools in the country, including Payton College Preparatory

High School, Northside College Preparatory High School, and Whitney M. Young Magnet High

School.

20. Part of Latin’s appeal is the community of connections it offers. Latin parents and

alumni are powerful and influential people, and families and students often benefit from the

business and networking opportunities afforded to those in the Latin community, as well as from

having an elite name on a child’s college application.4 As a result, the need to keep powerful,

influential, and connected families at the school is a priority superseded only by Latin’s need to

protect its image and reputation at all costs. When either of these priorities conflict with student

well-being and protection, following the law, protection of staff, inclusivity, morality or basic

human decency, Latin puts image and reputation first.

21. This has, over the years and certainly during the tenure of Dunn and continuing

today under Hagerman, created a toxic and unstable environment for students and staff in the

Upper School (high school)5 that is often not obvious to families in the community until it is their

child’s well-being and protection that has been trampled by Latin’s self-serving priorities.

3
See https://www.latinschool.org
4
See https://www.latinschool.org/about-us/at-a-glance
5
The allegations in this Third Amended Complaint address practices, an environment and conduct
at Latin’s Upper School. Whether and to what extent these same practices, environment and
conduct may exist or be different at Latin’s Lower and Middle Schools is not alleged herein unless
specific reference is made to the “Lower School” or “Middle School.”
5
 II. Randall Dunn’s Failure of Leadership

22. If there was any structure or foundation in the form of fair, legally compliant and
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

implemented policies and procedures at Latin’s Upper School prior to Dunn’s arrival in 2011, it

was eroded entirely by the time of the Bronstein family’s arrival at the Upper School as a result of

Dunn’s failure of leadership, disregard of the law, refusal to make decisions, severe conflict

avoidance or inability to handle conflict, and hiring people to do the hard parts of his job and then

undermining them along the way or forcing them to leave Latin.

23. Dunn’s failure of leadership, and purposeful disregard of rules and/or laws that

impeded his preferences, caused a significant exodus of senior leadership at the Upper School and

a difficulty in filling positions with the best candidates. It was a chaotic environment that impacted

both the protection of students and staff, but one that Latin (and Dunn) kept unseen by parents and

donors through generally subtle threats of repercussion should current staff speak out, and a

diligent practice of subjecting departing staff to non-disclosure agreements (“NDAs”) in exchange

for severance or settlement.

24. Dunn’s apathetic, and therefore purposeful, disregard of rules or laws that impeded

his methods was reflected when Latin had to engage with the ISBE, including, upon information

and belief, when the ISBE sought a meeting in August 2020 following the posts on the Survivors

of Latin Instagram Account and, as set out in Sections XL-XLII, infra, regarding Latin’s non-

compliance with Illinois’ Anti-Bullying Law.

25. To Latin (and Dunn), the ISBE is a nuisance; Latin believes the ISBE should not

be telling a private school what it can and cannot do. For Latin, being an elite private school

effectively means the law and rules should not apply to them.

6
 26. When the ISBE made inquiry, the goal was not to make any real or permanent

changes in the practices at Latin, but to do just enough to get past the ISBE and get back to doing
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

things the way Latin (and Dunn and now current Head of School, Hagerman) preferred.

III. “NO PARENTS” Was Dunn’s Modus Operandi at Latin

27. One critical failure of leadership on the part of Dunn that impacted the Bronsteins

in the worst and most unimaginable way, was to perpetuate a system where notification to parents

regarding any issue involving their child was optional and could be discriminately applied

depending on the circumstances, especially if parental notice would require Latin to have to

address a perceived difficult parent or trigger action by the school that could impact Latin’s image

and reputation.

A. Dunn’s Fundamental Belief Was That “Parents Should Stay Out of It”

28. After Nate’s death, one member of the Latin faculty took “great personal risk in

reaching out to [the Bronsteins] as [they] have witnessed Mr. Dunn’s tendency toward vindictive

behavior on several occasions.” They shared:

[I]t is Mr. Dunn’s fundamental belief that ‘parents should stay out of it’ and
should have no say on what happens at Latin. [Dunn] has a long history of
blocking out parents from important decisions involving their children,
believing that many Latin parents are ‘privileged’ and ‘entitled.’ We have
been told at numerous times and on numerous occasions to not
communicate with parents about matters which many of us believed should
involve families. When challenged by members of the community, [Dunn]
simply gives lip service to their concerns and keeps on doing what he was
doing. Nate is the tragedy in this situation and I wish someone would have
intervened to stop the harassing and bullying. But Mr. Dunn had the final
say like he always does and he will have the final say at Rye Country Day
School too and another child could die.

29. Dunn preferred parents to be kept in the dark as much as possible, which allowed

him (and members of his staff) to avoid conflict with parents regardless of the consequence to

Latin students.

7
 30. Parents with notice and a motivation to advocate for fairness, safety, and protection

of their child created work and conflict for Dunn and his staff, including senior administrators and
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

counselors. In circumstances involving multiple students, such as a report of bullying, notice to

the parents (especially the parents of the child reporting bullying) meant that Dunn and his senior

administrators/counselors would lose some amount of control over the situation, would have to

deal with perceived difficult or upset parents, and would risk Latin’s number one priority –

protecting the image and reputation of Latin.

31. Giving notice to parents would also make it more likely that Dunn and his senior

administrators/counselors would have to address the behavior of other students, which could be

made more difficult if the parents of those students had leverage – including big donors and

members of Latin’s Board of Trustees – and chose to use it.

32. Dunn knew he would appease the more influential parents when such leverage was

imposed,6 so better to avoid having parents notified who would then know Dunn did nothing to

address the situation he gave them notice about, or that what little was done regarding the safety

and well-being of one child was because of the status of the parents of the other children involved.

33. All these factors led to a “NO PARENTS” practice by Latin, resulting in non-

existent, discriminate and/or meaningless parental notice, including when the school received

reports of bullying and cyberbullying.

34. Dunn imposed this practice and directive upon other employees at the school,

including by preventing them from providing parental notice in circumstances of bullying and

6
As an example, one particularly influential family was not happy when their child was not playing
in a certain tennis tournament for the top eight players on a team. When the coach explained that
the student was maybe number eleven on the team, the influential parent went to Dunn and Dunn
changed the roster to appease the influential family to the detriment of another Latin student who
deserved, but lost out on, a spot in the tournament.
8
 similar abhorrent conduct by directing that only certain senior administrators and counselors

address the issue of parental notice.

FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

35. Dunn then made sure that he surrounded himself with senior administrators and

counselors willing to follow a practice of non-existent, discriminate and/or meaningless parental

notice, whether they welcomed the authorization to avoid notifying and dealing with parents or

simply demonstrated a willingness to comply with Dunn’s practices.

36. This practice of avoiding notice to parents enabled Latin to apply its deliberate

indifference when Latin students reported bullying and similar abhorrent acts by ignoring them,

blaming them, or cruelly leaving them to handle the bullying on their own.

37. The following are just a few of the hundreds of online posts where Latin students

have shared their experience at the school:

 A Class of 2022 alumni posting that “[e]veryday I spent at Latin was dreadful,”
and sharing an example where the student was put in detention, while the bullies
who had locked the student in a classroom “were left without any punishment
because their parents were big donors.”

 A post sharing that after reporting harassment as a student at Latin, the Latin
staff “victim blamed” the student and “completely threw everything under the
rug.”

 A Class of 2018 alumni sharing that Latin took no action in response to

reports of rape.

 A post sharing that complaints made to Latin about bullying behavior fell on
deaf ears because at least one of the bullies “had parents who were big donors
to the school.”

 A post sharing that there is a student currently the school who was known by
Latin to be an active threat to female students at the time of admission, and
whose prior sexual assault was ignored by the school. The poster noted, “[t]he
fact that the family is also one of Latin’s biggest donors is undeniably a factor”
in the administration’s decision making about this student.

(Exhibit B, Printout from the Survivors of Latin IG Account, at 15, 21, 56, 64 (emphasis added).)

9
 38. One key aspect of Latin’s management of its public image and reputation is

controlling both the ability and the motivation for the people in its community to speak.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

39. Latin controls its employees with the threat of loss of employment and

disparagement or other action that could prevent employment elsewhere.

40. Latin controls its former employees through NDAs and the threat of disparagement

if they speak.

41. Latin controls parents in the community with express demands for loyalty and the

constant risk that the family could be ejected from the community and their children not offered

re-enrollment for almost any reason. (Exhibit C, Enrollment Contract; Exhibit D, 2021-2022

Student Family Handbook.)

42. Latin also benefits from the reality that a family speaking out about Latin (and

tarnishing the image and reputation of the school) risks negative impact and ostracization in the

social circles of the Latin community.

43. When there was no leverage over the parent of a child who has reported bullying

or any other abhorrent conduct that could tarnish the image and reputation of the school, whether

inside or outside of the Latin community – as was the case with the Bronsteins – Latin’s “NO

PARENTS” practice applied all the more.

B. Dunn Removed a Senior Administrator Who Was Not on Board With His
Fundamental Belief That “Parents Should Stay Out of It”

44. Monica Rodriguez, the former Head of Upper School at Latin from July 2016 to

July 2018, was subpoenaed to testify on February 1, 2023 in a matter brought against Latin by a

former Latin employee. (Exhibit E, M. Rodriguez Dep. Tr.)7 Rodriguez started the deposition

7
Latin filed the Rodriguez deposition transcript in the public court record for the matter Tempone
v. The Latin School of Chicago, et al., Case No. 2021-L-001474.
10
 stating she was uncomfortable because she did “[n]ot want[] to be involved with Latin anymore.

(Id. at 10:3-8.)
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

45. Dunn fired Rodriguez and/or forced her to leave Latin for two reasons: (1) her

concerns about “[s]tudent safety as it pertains to risk management,” and (2) “a situation that

happened with [Rodriguez] and another administrator, where [they] reported something to [Dunn]

and some confidence was broken there.” (Id. at 24:18-25:6.)

46. Regarding the report, Rodriguez and another female colleague (both women of

color) reported to Dunn, in confidence, that Jed Silverstein made them feel uncomfortable in one-

on-one and small group meetings with crude and constant ogling and heavy breathing, so much so

that other people noticed the behavior. (Id. at 32:11-33:24.)

47. Dunn claimed he would conduct an investigation, which was comprised of Dunn

asking Silverstein about his actions and confirming there was nothing more to do when Silverstein

denied any inappropriate behavior. Not only was this the limit of Dunn’s “investigation,” he

informed Rodriguez that Silverstein had gotten a lawyer and implied to Rodriguez that she needed

to stay quiet. (Id. at 34:14-36:7.)

48. Dunn also brushed off his total disregard for the confidentiality of the report, by

telling his assistant (Kristin Provencher) who in turn told Silverstein. With his breach of

confidentiality, Dunn left Rodriguez to exist in an even more contentious environment with

Silverstein giving Rodriguez dirty looks, pulling rank, making negative comments about her, and

involving himself in her work. (Id. at 36:11-37:21, 39:7-15.)

49. The student safety concern arose around May 2017, after Rodriguez learned that a

female Latin student reported a sexual assault by another Latin student at a party. “I shared it with

[Dunn] and the associate head of school at the time [Shelley Greenwood] and the assistant upper

11
 school director [Karen Horvath] what was going on, and I made a strong suggestion that we needed

to tell the police or at least the student’s parents, and [Dunn] said no.” (Id. at 25:13-26:13.)
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

50. Rodriguez’s view was, whether based on Illinois law or Latin policies, “you gotta

tell the parents or the police.” (Id. at 29:4-8.) Dunn’s view was that the counselors should handle

it and decide whether or not to inform the parents or the police. (Id. at 29:9-17.)

51. Rodriguez did not know for sure whether the parents were informed or what was

communicated to the mother despite her position as the Head of Upper School. (Id. at 30:13-24.)

52. While at Latin, Rodriguez believed there were “deficiencies in the risk management

approach” to students’ mental and emotional safety. . . “those things in a school that are employed

to help make sure kids are safe.” (Id. at 44:19-45:7.)

53. Rodriguez saw an improvement in the deficiencies when a second incident arose

and she and another faculty member took the lead and were able to report the matter, including to

the family and the police. (Id. at 48:4-50:5.)

54. However, following this incident, Dunn told her she was “a great administrator and

had served the students well, but that [Rodriguez] wasn’t the right fit for Latin.” (Id. at 51:3-5.)

When Rodriguez pushed Dunn for more information, he would not answer and said he felt she

would do better at a different school. (Id. at 52:18-53:6.)

55. When Rodriguez would not resign, Dunn fired her or forced her to leave, but Dunn

gave Rodriguez a recommendation and/or served as a reference for her. (Id. at 24:6-23, 54:17-

55:11.) Separately, Dunn communicated negatively about Rodriguez.

IV. Latin Has a Prolific History, Knowledge and Indifference to Student Bullying,
Cyberbullying, Hate Speech and Student Attempted Suicides

56. Despite its promoted outward image, the Latin Defendants (and Greenwood and

Koo, former Latin Board Chair) knew, and were on notice, that Latin was not an inclusive

12
 environment where all students felt known, respected and cared for, and instead that Latin

maintained an environment that enabled bullies and was dangerous for victims of bullying,
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

including cyberbullying, hate speech and other harassment.

A. Latin’s Student Wellness Survey

57. In Spring 2014, Latin conducted its annual student wellness survey (the “2014

Wellness Survey”), which included a single question on the pervasiveness of bullying. The results

of the 2014 Wellness Survey indicated that 21% of students had been bullied at Latin.8

58. Shortly after Latin released the results of the 2014 Wellness Survey, members of

Latin’s student newspaper conducted an independent survey (the “2014 Independent Bullying

Survey”) of 40 randomly selected students to determine whether the prevalence of bullying was

even higher than Latin suggested. The results of the 2014 Independent Bullying Survey not only

confirmed the students’ hypothesis but also exposed a much more shocking and dire situation than

expected: 92.3% of those who responded said they had been bullied at Latin.9

59. In June 2014, Latin faculty reviewed and authorized the publication of the results

of the 2014 Independent Bullying Survey in the Latin student newspaper. The article was titled

“AP Stat: Bullying at Latin,” and was made available for viewing on Latin’s website, among other

places.10

60. At all relevant times, including prior to the start of the 2021-2022 school year, the

Latin Defendants, Greenwood and Koo had actual and/or constructive knowledge that:

 Latin’s bullying culture has caused students and former students of Latin to
consider, attempt, or die by suicide;

8
See Eric Gofen & Tyler Goff, AP Stat: Bullying at Latin, The Forum (June 2, 2014) (available
at https://readtheforum.org/4075/features/ap-stat-bullying-latin/) (last visited March 3, 2022)
9
Id.
10
Id.
13
  Latin has received reports of student bullying, and that bullied students have
attempted suicide, harmed themselves and/or had suicidal ideations because of
the bullying experienced at Latin;
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

 Latin knowingly and consciously disregarded, and/or selectively followed, the

policies, rules and regulations set out in the Handbook;

 Latin did not have any internal mechanisms to ensure compliance with its own
anti-bullying rules, policies, and regulations contained in the Handbook or the
mandates under the Anti-Bullying Law; and

 Latin is a dangerous environment for victims of bullying.

61. Notwithstanding this knowledge, the Latin Defendants, Greenwood, Eleannor

Maajid (Director of Diversity), Suzanne Callis (Dean of Community Learning), Kate Lorber-

Crittenden (Diversity Coordinator), Nick Baer (Upper School Dean, now Interim Upper School

Director), and Brandon Woods (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Curriculum Coordinator) turned

a blind eye and/or were prevented from responding to the well-documented toxic culture and

history of bullying at Latin, as well as the dangers and risks of bullying and cyberbullying.

62. While Latin promoted an image that it was an inclusive and supportive community

for all its students, taking steps to turn this image into a reality would have required Latin to

acknowledge the bullying culture that it had allowed to fester and grow for decades – including

during Dunn’s tenure. This of course, would never happen because, as in the instant case, doing

so would have required that Latin actually report and investigate allegations of bullying.

B. Survivors of Latin Instagram Account

63. Nate experienced first-hand, Latin’s severe indifference to cyberbullying, but sadly,

Nate was just one in a long line of students discarded by Latin.

64. Indeed, this same pattern of experience is repeated over and over in the stories set

out in the Survivors of Latin Instagram Account.

14
 65. In June 2020, a public Instagram account called @SurvivorsOfLatin was created

by an anonymous11 former Latin student to provide a forum for other former and current Latin
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

students to share their own personal experiences as victims of bullying, cyberbullying, hate speech

and other harassment while enrolled at Latin. (Exhibit B.)

66. Since creating this online forum, hundreds of individuals have publicly shared

their personal experiences while attending Latin. These posts reflect abhorrent conduct by current

and former Latin teachers and students that can only be characterized as racist, sexist, homophobic,

transphobic, belittling, cruel and simply mean. (See id.)12

67. A review of just a few of these public posts reveals a pattern of deliberate

indifference by Latin whereby Latin students who reported being victims of these abhorrent acts

were either ignored, blamed, or left to handle the bullying on their own. (See id.)

68. Notably, the posts on the Survivors of Latin Instagram Account contain references

to suicide. For example:

 A Class of 2013 alumni posting: “I have lost two friends to suicide. Both Black
women, and both went to Latin. And no one can tell me that Latin didn’t have
anything to do with that.”

 A student posting that “[e]very single year at latin, at least 2 classmates close
to me have seriously considered suicide. I was one of them. You cannot tell me
that Latin had no involvement. There was no safe space to go to . . .”

 A post from a mother whose daughter was bullied by students whose parents
were big donors (and whose complaints to Latin fell on deaf ears as a result)
and later committed suicide.

11
In a June 2020 interview for Latin student newspaper, The Forum, the owner of the Survivors
of Latin IG Account explained that the operators of the account “maintain our anonymity because
we recognize that Latin has an immensely powerful network of associates that have the ability to
damage our livelihoods. Our main intention is to protect our identities, whether that is for us, our
families, or for the people brave enough to come forward with their stories.” (Exhibit F, “June
2020 Forum Article.”)
12
The Bronsteins were not aware of Latin’s history of student bullying or of the existence of this
Instagram account until after Nate’s death.
15
  A Class of 2020 alumni posting: “I’ve had suicidal thoughts because of Latin.”
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

 An alumni posting that being in the Latin environment “caused me to be

suicidal.”

(Exhibit B, at 20, 33, 47, 64, 79.)

69. At all relevant times, each of the Latin Defendants, Greenwood and Koo, and no

later than May 2022, Hagerman, had actual knowledge of the Survivors of Latin Instagram

Account, including the content of the online posts.

70. Latin also had actual knowledge that one or more students, while enrolled at Latin,

has previously attempted suicide after being bullied by other fellow students.13

V. Latin’s Board of Trustees Was on Notice of Dunn’s Failure of Leadership, and Knew
of Its Own Leadership Failures Before and After Nate’s Death

71. At all relevant times Latin was and is a tax-exempt entity under section 501(c)(3)

of the Internal Revenue Code and a not-for-profit entity organized under the laws of Illinois.

72. In accordance with Illinois law, the affairs of Latin are to be managed by or under

the direction of a board of trustees. See 805 ILCS 105/108.05.

73. Koo is a long time Trustee on Latin’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). During the

2021-2022 school year, Koo was the Chairman of the Board and also a parent of one or more

students enrolled at Latin. One of Koo’s children was a classmate and teammate of Nate.

74. The NAIS recognizes the acute conflict of interest that can arise when the Chairman

is also a parent at the school; the NAIS expressly recommends against putting the parent of a

current student in the chair’s position. See The Board Chair Handbook, an essential Guide for

13
Information and records relating to those Latin students who attempted to commit suicide
because of bullying, and Latin’s knowledge of these instances, remains in the exclusive possession
of Latin.
16
 Board Leaders at Independent Schools, NAIS Trustee Series, John Creeden, 2019 by the NAIS, at

59.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

75. “[B]oards should appoint chairs who do not have children who are currently

enrolled in the school” so that the Board “[c]hair[] can lead and make decisions without raising

questions about possible conflicts that might affect their own children” and so that “[t]here will

never be any question . . . . about the chair’s ability to make decisions that are free from the impact

on the chair’s children.” Id.

76. In addition to Koo’s ever-present potential conflict of interest in performing his

duties as Chairman, Koo and Latin’s Board knew or should have known of Dunn’s failure of

leadership since at least 2016 when, upon information and belief, the board gave Dunn a vote of

no confidence and only a one-year contract to reflect disapproval in Dunn’s job performance.

77. The issue in 2016 related to Dunn’s hiring of a teacher/administrator and

implementation of a curriculum that upset parents. Dunn caused blame to be laid on the

teacher/administrator, who was forced to leave the school, even though Dunn, as the Head of

School, had approved the curriculum.14

78. However, this issue in 2016 was not the first or last time that Dunn showed a lack

of leadership. Latin’s Board, or at least its officers and certain others making up its more than 30

members, knew or should have known from the events in 2016, as well as prior events and events

that followed, including Dunn’s failure of leadership during COVID, that overall, Dunn showed a

concerning lack of leadership, helped create an unstructured and chaotic environment, and had

14
Having taken the fall for Dunn, the teacher/administrator warned Monica Rodriguez to be
careful, describing Dunn as “a snake.”
17
 contempt for any process that would ensure parents were informed and involved, including with

respect to their children’s safety, mental health, and well-being.

FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

79. Upon information and belief, Koo and the rest of the Board had more than enough

notice to warrant removal of Dunn as Head of School, and they did not.

80. In fact, Koo knew Dunn was failing in his duties as Head of School and he wanted

Dunn out, but rather than take the necessary steps to ensure Dunn’s ouster, Koo acquiesced to a

process that made Dunn look good and allowed him to transfer out of Latin. This was especially

important (but not appropriate) given that Dunn was and is the Board Chair of the NAIS, and he

could help or hurt Latin going forward in that role.

81. As a result, during Dunn’s tenure, and despite disapproval from the Board, Koo and

the rest of the Board acquiesced to Dunn’s proposals and their mutual goal of protecting Latin’s

reputation at all costs.

82. This is reflected in the issue spanning most of the 2021-2022 school year related to

Latin’s noncompliance with the Anti-Bullying Law. See infra Sections XL-XLII.

83. All schools in Illinois – public or private – must comply with this law, including

Latin. In addition, Latin’s Board had a “fiduciary responsibility to ensure that the policies and

practices in place support that safety assurance. All schools must track their state laws in this

area….” See The Trustee’s Guide to Fiduciary Responsibilities, Third edition, NAIS Trustees

Series, Ormstedt and Wilson, 2016 by the NAIS at 4.15

15
Latin is accredited by the regional accrediting association known as the Independent Schools of
Central States (“ISACS”). ISACS’s accreditation standards are derived from the standards,
guidelines and principles established by the NAIS.

18
 84. Dunn knew of Latin’s noncompliance with Illinois’ Anti-Bullying Law no later

than October 20, 2021. Koo, and at least certain other members of the Board, also knew or should
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

have known of Latin’s noncompliance with Illinois’ Anti-Bullying Law around October 20, 2021.

85. Despite this duty and knowledge, on February 26, 2022, after Dunn and his

administration sent a noncompliant policy to the Board for approval, the Board approved it without

understanding or knowing whether the policy was legally compliant.

86. This rubber-stamping of a non-compliant bullying prevention policy on February

26, 2022 was done with the knowledge that Nate Bronstein had died by suicide following

cyberbullying at the hands of Latin students and while Latin was not in compliance with the law.

87. Further, by this time, Latin’s Board – or at minimum, the task force created to

protect Latin from consequences related to Nate’s death and eventually this lawsuit16 – had more

than enough information to require an investigation into Dunn and his administration’s handling

of reports to the school, including Nate’s cyberbullying report, Student 5’s17 report to Coach

Moran, another parent’s report of the “fuck you” group chat, and the reports relating to the kill

yourself (“KYS”) message sent to Nate, all addressed in detail herein.

88. Indeed, the NAIS advises that the Board hire an independent third party to conduct

the requisite investigation. Specifically, the NAIS explains that a trustee may:

rely on the advice and opinions of an employee or officer of the corporation

if the trustee believes that person to be reliable and competent. However,
greater care should be exercised with respect to the latter because of
the inherent self-interest of management and other compensated
employees. This is one of the areas where the Penn State report would
suggest that school boards balance the gravity of their responsibility to a
vulnerable community with the board’s trust and delegation of authority to

16
The Bronsteins understand the following persons are or were on the Task Force: Robert
Chapman (Chair), Diane Saltoun (Secretary), Colleen Batcheler, and David Williams.
17
Exhibit A to this Third Amended Complaint is a Reference Key identifying students by name
who are otherwise identified only by number herein. Exhibit A is filed under seal.
19
 management. Where issues of child safety and well-being are concerned,
boards must remain aware of the risks and strengths of a school’s
programs and stay well-informed about any issues that arise in this
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

area. Indeed, the ongoing reporting of past abuse cases independent

schools has caused many schools to hire third-party investigators to
ensure that investigations and follow-up steps are not tainted by
internal conflicts of interest.”

Trustee’s Guide to Fiduciary Responsibilities at 11-12 (emphasis added).

89. Koo should have, but did not, take action to ensure that an untainted investigation

of Nate’s reports of cyberbullying was conducted. Koo did not direct anyone, and did not hire a

third-party investigator, to carry out this mandatory obligation that Latin was required to satisfy.

90. The Board failed to conduct an adequate investigation, if any, instead again turning

a blind eye to Dunn’s failure of leadership and blaming someone else – this time the Bronsteins.

VI. The Bronsteins Enrolled Their Children at Latin Relying on Latin’s Public Façade

91. Based on its outwardly presented image, the Bronsteins believed that Latin was one

of the best, if not the best, schools in Chicago.

92. In late 2017 and early 2018, the Bronsteins were moving from the suburbs to

Chicago and they began the application process for enrollment at private schools in the city,

including Latin.

93. During this time, the Bronsteins researched Latin on its website, attended open

house meetings and went through the application and interview process with Mark Copestake.

During this application and interview process Mr. Copestake and other Latin representatives

reiterated the messaging on Latin’s website and promoted Latin as a premier school.

94. The Bronstein children were not, however, accepted to Latin at that time and started

attending school at Parker.

20
 95. In approximately March 2021, after a year of remote learning in schools across

Chicago because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bronsteins understood that Latin would return
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

to in-person learning that fall while Parker had not yet made that commitment.

96. Nate, a 9th grader at the time, had remotely attended Parker for his first year of high

school, but with the announcement that Latin would return to in-person learning and believing it

beneficial to have Nate at the same school as his sister, S.B., who had already applied to start 9th

grade at Latin, the Bronsteins applied for Nate to also attend Latin starting in the fall of 2021.

97. The Bronsteins reasons for applying to Latin went far beyond the opportunity for

in-school learning for their children. The Bronsteins applied to Latin based largely and materially

on Latin’s own representations about what Latin would provide to the Bronstein children. These

were the same general representations Latin had made to the Bronsteins in late 2017 and early

2018, and that Latin continues to promote on its website and in Latin’s Student Family Handbook.

98. The Bronsteins relied on the representations contained on Latin’s website (see

https://www.latinschool.org/) and in the Handbook, and made by Latin representatives, including

Mark Copestake, during the application and interview process.

99. Latin made numerous representations the same as, or virtually identical to, the

following examples of Latin’s messaging on its website:

For more than 130 years we’ve put students at the heart of
everything we do. We’re committed to seeing everyone within
these walls succeed and reach their full potential through an
educational experience that will empower them to tinker, to make
mistakes, to ask questions, to change how they see the world around
them.

See https://www.latinschool.org/ (emphasis added).

21
 Excellence
 We develop the skills, knowledge and desire to solve
complex problems through a global, liberal arts curriculum
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

and master teaching.

 We identify our interests, learn to advocate for ourselves

and others and become architects of our own educations.

 We promote physical and emotional wellness because

they are essential to the pursuit of educational excellence
and our happiness.

Community
 We support and celebrate one another and take
responsibility for our words and actions, because we
shape the lives of others in our community.

 We embrace diversity within our school and in Chicago,

knowing that it deepens our learning and enhances our
empathy.

 We use our resources wisely in order to be good stewards of

our community and our world.

Integrity
 We are honest, fair and fulfill the commitments we make,
building a culture of respect and mutual trust.

 We give our best effort, take intellectual risks and learn to

persevere.

 We reflect and live with purpose, working toward goals that

embody our genuine interests.

See https://www.latinschool.org/about-us/welcome-from-the-head (emphasis added).

We have a number of resources and extensive material on our

website, so please click around to learn more about the outstanding
academic and extracurricular opportunities, the devoted faculty and
the welcoming community that make Latin an exceptional
learning environment.

See https://www.latinschool.org/admissions/admissions-welcome (emphasis added).

[The student] will be part of a caring community that encourages

you to reach your full potential without fear of failure.

22
 See https://www.latinschool.org/admissions/admissions-welcome (emphasis added).

Inclusion
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

At Latin School of Chicago, inclusion is defined as actively

creating and sustaining an environment of respect in which all
members of the community feel accepted, affirmed, empowered
and safe. We agree that creating such an environment is a shared
responsibility of all community members.

See https://www.latinschool.org/about-us/diversity (emphasis added).

Mission
Latin School of Chicago provides its students with a rigorous and
innovative educational program in a community that embraces
diversity of people, cultures and ideas. Latin inspires its students to
pursue their passions and lead lives of purpose and excellence.

Latin School achieves its mission by:

 encouraging excellence in all academic and personal pursuits

 creating an educational environment in which the pursuit of
academic excellence and intellectual growth is
complemented by a concern for the moral, physical,
psychological and aesthetic development of each student
 developing and retaining excellent faculty and staff
 recognizing the fundamental importance of honesty, civility,
public service and respect for others and the environment
 cultivating resilience, independence, leadership and moral
courage
 sustaining a diverse, inclusive and multicultural community
that affirms and values each individual
 attracting dedicated families committed to the mission of the
school
 promoting programs in all divisions that integrate our students
with the community
 developing the financial and physical resources to support the
school’s needs.

See https://www.latinschool.org/about-us/mission-history (emphasis added).

100. The representations presented on Latin’s website, contained in the Handbook, and

made by its representatives were material to the Bronsteins’ decision to apply to Latin and to send

their children to the school.

23
 101. At the time the Bronsteins enrolled their children at Latin and thereafter, Latin

failed to disclose Latin’s prolific history of bullying, cyberbullying, hate speech and other
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

harassment, Latin’s systemic failure to enforce its Handbook (including disciplinary provisions)

or follow Illinois law (including Illinois’ Anti-Bullying Law), the existence of the Survivors of

Latin IG Account, or Latin’s deliberate indifference, and failure to respond, to its endemic bullying

culture, and Latin’s “NO PARENTS” practice.

102. Prior to and during their children’s enrollment at Latin, the Bronsteins were not

aware of Latin’s prolific history of bullying, cyberbullying, hate speech and other harassment,

Latin’s systemic failure to enforce its Handbook (including disciplinary provisions) or follow

Illinois law (including Illinois’ Anti-Bullying Law), the existence of the Survivors of Latin IG

Account, or Latin’s deliberate indifference, and failure to respond, to its endemic bullying culture

or Latin’s “NO PARENTS” practice.

103. If the Bronsteins had been made aware of these things, the Bronsteins would never

have enrolled their children, Nate and S.B., at Latin.

104. In March of 2021, Nate and S.B. were informed that they were accepted into Latin

for the school year beginning in August of 2021.

105. As a requirement for Nate to attend Latin, the Bronsteins had to agree to pay tuition

for the year and sign an “Enrollment Contract” through an online portal. The Enrollment Contract

provides that: “Enrollment is for the entire school year, in compliance with the policies, rules, and

regulations of the Latin School of Chicago as stated in the Student/Parent Handbooks as revised from

time to time.”

24
 VII. About Nate Bronstein

106. Nate Bronstein was a sweet kid and dedicated sports fan who loved to play
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

competitive sports including basketball. Nate also loved video games, ran fantasy sports

competitions, was great with numbers and showed business savvy.

107. Nate was a good student, but he was inconsistent and sometimes struggled with

focus in his classes. Despite sometimes struggling or showing inconsistency in class, Nate was

proactive with teachers and wanted to perform well and get good grades.

108. Nate’s friends knew him to be a pure-hearted, hilarious kid who always contributed

to conversation. Nate was a jokester who added energy and light to the people around him. Nate

made it his mission to add levity to any situation and find a way to make his friends smile and

laugh. Joking and humor was also a coping mechanism for Nate.

109. Nate was young – he turned fifteen years old on June 6, 2021 – and faced the

stressors most young teens face, as well as a tendency to worry and experience anxiety.

110. Nate was initially comfortable, and even excited, with the idea of attending Latin.

However, as in-person activities increased in schools throughout Illinois in that Spring of 2021,

including at Parker where Nate was in 9th grade, Nate started to express anxiety about changing

over to Latin.

VIII. Mrs. Bronstein Sought to Ease Nate’s Transition to Latin in the Summer of 2021

111. In mid-June 2021, Mrs. Bronstein reached out to Latin to express that Nate was

showing signs of anxiety with the transition to Latin and sought guidance. Mrs. Bronstein was

directed to Hennessy, who acknowledged Nate’s anxiety.

25
 112. In early July 2021, Hennessy engaged with Mrs. Bronstein regarding orientation,

and in response, Mrs. Bronstein shared that after school ended for the year, Nate’s “full-fledged
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

anxiety set in” and he was no longer wanting to transfer to Latin.

113. Mrs. Bronstein again sought Hennessy’s help in preventing Nate from feeling

isolated or lost upon starting at Latin noting he was good friends with their neighbor, (Student 15),

and had recently met another boy, (Student 16), both of whom attended Latin, but Nate did not

have classes with these boys. Hennessy responded that she would help Nate connect with other

students.

114. At all relevant times, the Latin Defendants including Hennessy knew that

transferring schools in high school can be stressful for any student.

115. By June and July 2021, Latin and Hennessy knew specifically that Nate was having

anxiety about transferring high schools.

116. Latin and Hennessy determined, however, that they could meet Nate’s needs,

including his safety and social and emotional well-being.18

IX. The Latin Defendants Knew of the Serious Mental Health Risks Facing Teens, and
That Parental Notice Is Critical and Essential to The Safety and Well-Being of Its
Students

117. The Latin Defendants and Greenwood knew that Nate, along with most other

children in the Chicagoland area, had spent almost all of the prior year and half attending school

remotely – meaning at home and isolated.

18
Latin’s accrediting association, the ISACS requires that its accredited schools follow and
endorse the ISACS statement of “Principles of Good Practice in Admissions and Employment.”
Seehttps://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1566322244/isacsorg/ofyd5aj62pssyowhciid/ISACSSt
andardsforMembership.pdf
26
 118. By August 2021, the Latin Defendants and Greenwood knew that there was

collateral impact on teens from a health pandemic (COVID-19) and other societal strains that were
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

impacting kids.

The pandemic has exposed many teens to trauma and tested their
fragile resilience. The school closures, canceled proms, and
separation from friends seemed a small price to pay to save the lives
of thousands. But in exchange, the 14- to 18-year-olds who represent
the younger side of Generation Z were robbed of the capstone of
their formative years. It created an atmosphere of uncertainty and
anxiety among some teens, about both the future and their place in
it.

As if the pandemic was not enough, teens watched as police violence

and racial tensions reached breaking points. They saw angry mobs
take over cities and storm the Capitol. Then Mother Nature swept in
with deadly wildfires and other natural disasters that underscored
the threat of climate change.

Throughout COVID-19, the physical health needs of the most

vulnerable often took priority over the mental health needs of others.
But as the pandemic dragged on, health care providers expressed
concern over its long-term mental effects on youth and teens.
Against expectations, suicide rates for all ages dropped by 5.6% in
2020 compared to 2019.[] But this is not entirely unusual. Known
as the “pulling together” effect, suicide rates tend to dip during
shared experiences of catastrophe. Despite this decline, there are
indications that the pandemic has triggered a ripple of mental health
concerns across all age groups.19

119. The Latin Defendants and Greenwood recognized the ripple of mental health

concerns triggered by the pandemic by August 2021. After Nate’s death, Latin (Upper School),

sent a notice to parents claiming that in “August of 2021, Latin partnered with Elyssa’s Mission to

implement the evidence-based curriculum Signs of Suicide (SOS) through Mindwise.”

19
https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/teens-in-america-how-the-covid-19-pandemic-
is-shaping-the-next-generation
27
 120. According to the Elyssa’s Mission website, SOS “teaches students how to identify

signs of depression and suicide in themselves and their peers, while training school professionals,
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

parents, and community members to recognize at-risk students and take appropriate action.”20

121. Latin’s announcement reveals that Latin and its staff understood the need to identify

and help students at-risk for depression and suicide in the months preceding Nate’s death. The

announcement does not, however, reveal when or if any aspect of Elyssa’s Mission had in fact

been implemented in August 2021 or even at the time of Latin’s post in early March 2022.

122. The announcement also does not reveal what Latin would do upon identifying a

student at-risk for depression and suicide, but Nate’s experience demonstrates that Latin employed

a purposeful disregard for the safety and wellbeing of Nate and the Bronstein family.

123. Latin and its staff, of course, did not need Elyssa’s Mission to understand that

feelings of isolation, rejection, bullying and cyberbullying lead to mental health issues and risk of

self-harm in children. Sadly, this is now common knowledge in our society, and certainly known

to the trained and licensed professionals tasked with running a high school. The Latin Defendants

and Greenwood had this knowledge no later than August 2021.

124. Latin includes as part of its staff, counselors who are trained and licensed

professionals with whom any other staff member could consult regarding mental health issues and

risks faced by Latin’s student population.

125. Defendants Kranz and Knoche have professional knowledge and training regarding

bullying, mental health issues and the risk of self-harm in teenagers, and they are both licensed

(LCPC) and working as counselors in a school.

20
https://elyssasmission.org/signs-of-suicide/ (emphasis added)
28
 126. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) sets out ethical standards for

school counselors noting in the preamble that “School counselors have unique qualifications and
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

skills to implement a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses pre-K students’

academic, career and social/emotional development needs.” (Exhibit G at 1.)

127. In identifying the rights of students, the ASCA states that all students have the right

to a “physically and emotionally safe, inclusive and healthy school environment, both in-person

and through digital platforms, free from abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination and any other

forms of violence.” (Id.)

128. The ASCA identifies a long list of responsibilities that the school counselor, here

Kranz and Knoche, owe to students (including Nate) and states that, among other things, school

counselors:

 “Acknowledge the vital role and rights of parents/guardians, families and tribal
communities.”

 “Are knowledgeable of local, state and federal laws, as well as school and
district policies and procedures affecting students and families and strive to
protect and inform students and families regarding their rights.”

 “Recognize their primary ethical obligation for confidentiality is to the students

but balance that obligation with an understanding of parents’/guardians’ legal
and inherent rights to be the guiding voice in their children’s lives.”
(Id.)

129. At all relevant times, each of the Latin Defendants also had actual knowledge that

student bullying and cyberbullying created a danger and risk of suicide.

130. At all relevant times, each of the Latin Defendants knew or should have known

that, regardless of the sender’s intention, messages directed at a person (here, a teenager) about

their death and suicide, e.g., smoking Nate’s ashes and a KYS message, are suicide baiting. Such

messages have the impact of influencing and inducing the target to self-harm or attempt suicide.

29
 131. While the level of training and education Latin provided its faculty, including the

Individual Latin Defendants, is unknown, each had sufficient training and education (either outside
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

of Latin or from Latin) to know that student bullying and cyberbullying can have a severe impact

on a teenager’s mental health and lead to suicide.

132. Such training and education informed the Latin Defendants of, among other things,

(i) the risk factors for suicide, which include but are not limited to, social isolation, interpersonal

difficulties, and bullying, including cyberbullying; and (ii) the warning signs for suicide, which

include but are not limited to, withdrawal from family, friends and regular activities, increased

anger and irritability, and behaving irrationally or recklessly, including joking when inappropriate

or in managing stressful situations.

133. Based on their professional positions and training, the Latin Defendants knew that

teenagers perceive cyberbullying as more severe and harmful than traditional bullying because of

the increased potential for a larger audience through group communications and social media, and

decreased time and space limitations. The Latin Defendants also knew or should have known that

teenage users of Snapchat check the app on an average of 30 times per day.21

134. Further, published studies, of which the Latin Defendants had notice, have also

demonstrated the connection between bullying and suicide in school children.22

135. NAIS on its website, regularly publishes articles referencing studies and other data

showing the connection between bullying and suicide in school children.23

X. As Nate Struggled at Latin, The Bronsteins Tried to Help

21
See, e.g., https://piper2.bluematrix.com/docs/pdf/3bad99c6-e44a-4424-8fb1-0e3adfcbd1d4.pdf
22
See Suicidal ideation among suburban adolescents: The influence of school bullying and other
mediating risk factors. J. Child Adoles. Ment. Health, 2016 Oct; 28(3): 213-231.
23
See e.g., https://www.nais.org/articles/pages/books/trendbook-excerpt-rates-of-bullying-vary-
by-race-and-ethnicity/
30
 136. Nate’s stressors, including from the transfer from Parker to Latin, did not alleviate

upon starting classes or as the fall semester went on.

FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

137. Nate complained to his parents about Latin and students there, and that he felt like

the weird transfer kid with other students asking him intrusive and uncomfortable questions, and

seeming to question why Nate transferred in 10th grade with the implication being that something

went wrong at Parker.

138. Nate also shared with Mrs. Bronstein how he felt mistreated and ostracized by his

neighbor, (Student 15), a student at Latin that Nate believed to be his friend. Nate was in great

distress and tears in front of Mrs. Bronstein.

139. Wanting badly for this issue to get fixed and to go away for their son, the Bronsteins

attempted to engage their neighbor’s (the father) help twice. Based on their interactions with the

father, the Bronsteins believed that the parents took no concern, made no effort to help and actually

took steps to make the situation worse for Nate by telling their son about the Bronsteins’ efforts to

engage with them.

140. The Bronsteins also believe, based on information provided to them by Nate and

their own experiences with the neighbors, that the neighbor boy made efforts and took whatever

steps he could to reject and ostracize Nate at school.

141. At the same time Nate was sharing information with his parents, he was also

directing his increasing anger and blame about his experiences at Latin toward his parents, with

Mrs. Bronstein experiencing the brunt of Nate’s anger, frustration, and blame.

142. As Nate continued to express unhappiness, isolation and overall bad experiences at

Latin to his parents, outwardly presenting to them as exhausted and devasted with increased

31
 anxiety and distress, the Bronsteins reached out to try to fix the social isolation and rejection that

Nate, as well as his younger sister, were expressing to their parents about the Latin experience.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

143. Mrs. Bronstein emailed Latin’s 10th Grade Parent Chairs on or around October of

2021 to notify them that because her children were new to Latin, they were having difficulties

making connections. Mrs. Bronstein inquired whether social events could be planned so the

children could get to know each other better.

144. One member of the group indicated to Mrs. Bronstein that she would inquire, and

emailed Hennessy about the inquiry and options. Mrs. Bronstein understood, based on the

information she was provided, that Hennessy would not or could not help, and further that such

events could not be funded because it is not Latin’s role.

145. Mrs. Bronstein also reached out in confidence to other parents whose children she

believed were friends with Nate to inquire about social events, but Mrs. Bronstein believes those

confidences were breached and Nate came to learn about the communications, increasing his

focused blame on his parents for his experience at Latin.

XI. The Bronsteins Sought Help From Latin

146. The Bronsteins also turned directly to the school to communicate their concern

about Nate.

147. In response, on October 8, 2021, Kranz reached out to Nate to discuss the transition

to Latin, acknowledging that “transferring to a new school can be really tough, especially after a

year like last year, and I want to make sure you feel supported.”

148. On October 11, 2021, after Nate had not responded, Kranz reached out to

Mrs. Bronstein to ask whether she thought Nate would meet with Kranz. In following up, Mrs.

Bronstein learned that Nate had skipped school and requested a meeting with Kranz.

32
 149. Mrs. Bronstein separately communicated with Hennessy about Nate skipping

school and seeking her help. Mrs. Bronstein informed Hennessy that Nate expressed to her that he
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

hated Latin, and she did not know what to do.

150. Hennessy and Kranz looped each other into their respective e-mails “so that we are

all communicating together to best support Nate.” Hennessy and Kranz indicated that they hoped

Nate “is safe at home,” and Hennessy stated she would pull Nate from class or catch him between

classes the next day.

151. Mrs. Bronstein responded:

May I suggest not to pull him from class in front of everyone. He

already alluded that some boys were making fun of him while
playing basketball with them today, which really upset him.

He also says he is alone at lunch and has no friends.

I do feel that he just got thrown into school this year without enough
proactive support [from Latin] and now we are paying the
consequences at home and at school.

He also had an issue with [a Latin student believed to be a friend]

which threw all of us off guard, [Nate] was really upset and felt
dejected by his actions . . .

152. Hennessy responded “rest assured that any steps we take will be in Nate’s best

interest. We always take a great deal of care in making students feel comfortable in situations like

this.”

153. Mrs. Bronstein also informed Hennessy and Kranz that while her teenage son was

sharing about his difficulties at school, he did not want Mrs. Bronstein to do anything about it,

specifically that “Nate is very upset with me for meddling.”

33
 154. Mrs. Bronstein was in a difficult position in that she was trying to find help for her

child to address his poor experience at Latin, but without making it worse for Nate and the dynamic
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

between them.

155. On October 12, 2021, Kranz and Hennessy were together when Nate stopped by

Kranz’s office. Nate shared that he was struggling with making friends at Latin, but he

acknowledged that he had not made an effort to get involved. Nate also expressed his agreement

in having a meeting with Kranz and his parents.

156. Following this, Kranz e-mailed Mrs. Bronstein:

As you know, it seems like Nate is really struggling with the transition to
Latin and is really missing Parker. It sounds like he was missing his friends
yesterday and that skipping classes is not something he has ever done
before. I think the three of us should connect to develop a plan to support
him moving forward.

157. On October 14, 2021, the Bronsteins and Nate met in-person with Kranz to discuss

Nate’s recent absence from school. Nate was upset during the meeting and expressed that he felt

isolated and rejected, and ostracized by the neighbor who attended Latin, specifically that he did

not want to be at Latin because he has no friends there, and he was resentful as a result of his

experience at Latin.

158. During the meeting, the Bronsteins shared that they had called Parker about re-

enrollment for Nate mid-year or the next year, but that readmission at Parker may not work out for

Nate. The Bronsteins wanted Nate to give Latin a chance, and while Nate was frustrated, he agreed

to tryout for the basketball team to meet people.

159. In the days that followed, Mrs. Bronstein remained in communication with Kranz

and encouraged her to schedule a separate meeting with Nate, and that she continue to encourage

Nate to try out for junior-varsity basketball.

34
 160. During these communications, Mrs. Bronstein shared with Kranz that they were

communicating with Parker about a transfer, but that officials from Parker indicated that a mid-
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

year transfer would not then be possible, and that Nate could apply for 11th grade.

161. Mrs. Bronstein concluded the email by asking Kranz for help with navigating the

situation to maximize the possibility of keeping Nate at Latin while simultaneously showing Nate

that they were his advocates.

162. Around this time, Latin personnel recommended Jenny Stevens, a counselor who

was previously employed as a counselor at Latin. On October 17, 2021, Mrs. Bronstein signed a

Consent for Release of Information allowing for Ms. Stevens to share information to “support the

social, emotional, and educational development of [Nate] at Latin.” However, by October 19,

2021, Kranz and Hennessy knew that Stevens viewed herself to be counseling Mrs. Bronstein not

Nate.

163. On or around October 17, 2021, Mrs. Bronstein emailed Kranz to inform her that

Latin students were upsetting him with repeated questioning into why he left Parker, and the tone

of the questioning made Nate uncomfortable and angry as he felt there was no response he could

give that would not cause him to be judged by the students asking. Mrs. Bronstein asked Kranz to

work with Nate to come up with a response to avoid the judgment of his peers.

164. On or around October 18, 2021, Kranz responded to Mrs. Bronstein’s email from

October 15, 2021, and stated that she agreed to tell Nate his chances of being readmitted to Parker

mid-year were low and would encourage Nate to make the most of his time at Latin. Kranz further

noted that she would encourage Nate to join the junior-varsity basketball team and would report

back to Mrs. Bronstein if she learned “anything important” after meeting with Nate.

35
 165. On October 18, 2021, Kranz sent two e-mails to Nate to check in. Nate responded

to the second e-mail to state that he would come to Kranz’s office the next day.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

166. On or around October 19, 2021, Mrs. Bronstein emailed Kranz to see if Nate had

responded to Kranz’s request to meet that day. Mrs. Bronstein further stated, “Things at home are

horrific. [Nate] has gone crazy. [Mr. Bronstein and I] think we need to send [Nate] away, [Nate]

is terrorizing us and sabotaging his school responsibilities[.]”

167. Kranz responded to Mrs. Bronstein’s email from October 19, 2021, and wrote:

Yes, I am meeting with [Nate] at 10:15am today. I’m sorry that

[Nate] is having such a hard time with everything. I think [Nate]
needs to accept that he is at Latin for the foreseeable future and
realize he’s only hurting himself by not giving it a chance. [Nate’s]
in a stage where he wants to blame you though because it makes him
feel better. It won’t benefit [Nate] in the long run. I will talk to him
and let you know how it goes.

XII. Kranz Assessed Nate for Suicidal Ideation and Failed to Inform the Bronsteins

168. On or around October 19, 2021, at 8:00 a.m., Mrs. Bronstein responded to Kranz’s

email from October 19, 2021, and wrote, “I need a psychiatrist [for Nate], [Nate] needs to be

medicated. I’m afraid [Nate] is going to hurt himself or hurt me. Can [you] [please] refer me

to one that is available ASAP.”

169. Following receipt of this e-mail from Mrs. Bronstein and her request for a referral,

Kranz advised Mrs. Bronstein regarding outside resources and raised getting a safety

evaluation/assessment. Kranz recommended AMK Counseling and Compass Health Center; the

Bronsteins followed up with both facilities.

170. In responding, Kranz did not communicate with Mrs. Bronstein in any way about

the possibility that Kranz might conduct an assessment of Nate for suicidal ideation, or what such

36
 an assessment would entail, or how it might impact Nate, e.g., increase his anger directed at his

parents.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

171. A year and a half later, in April 2023 – and only after the Bronsteins made a request

pursuant to Illinois’ Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act and Latin

had no choice but to comply – did the Bronsteins learn that Kranz made the decision to assess Nate

for suicidal ideation.

172. In April 2023, the Bronsteins learned that on October 19, 2021, at 10:15 a.m., Kranz

met with Nate and assessed him for suicidal ideation (SI) because of the concern raised by

Mrs. Bronstein.

173. Kranz identified to Nate that Mrs. Bronstein raised her concern that Nate was going

to hurt himself or his mother and that was the reason she was assessing Nate for suicidal ideation

and/or revealed enough information for Nate to draw such a conclusion and blame his mother for

the assessment. According to Kranz’s contemporaneous notes, Nate denied suicidal ideation or

any safety concerns and lashed out at his mother calling her a liar and stating that nothing good

comes if she is involved.

174. During the assessment, Nate was angry, irritable, and showed resentment (verbally

and nonverbally) toward his parents for transferring him from Parker to Latin. In his agitated state,

Nate rejected Kranz’s suggestion that he be more engaged at Latin, and Nate shared the only

solution for him was a return to Parker. Nate also sought to end the meeting by asking to leave

Kranz’s office.

175. Kranz noted that Nate showed early signs of school refusal and depression in her

notes.

37
 176. Kranz communicated with Hennessy and, upon information and belief, Knoche,

Kranz’s colleague and fellow counselor at Latin, about Mrs. Bronstein’s concerns that Nate was
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

at risk of self-harm or harming another person (his mother), and her meeting with, assessment of,

and conclusions about Nate.

177. Every Latin Defendant, including Kranz, Knoche and Hennessy knew no later than

October 19, 2021, that a “professional educator makes concerted efforts to communicate to parents

all information that should be revealed in the interest of the student.” (Exhibit H at 2.)

178. Kranz and Knoche, trained and licensed mental health professionals, and upon

information and belief Hennessy, further knew on and before October 19, 2021, that Latin had a

duty to contact the Bronsteins regarding Kranz’s assessment of Nate for suicidal ideation as

required by the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors and other standards to which

Kranz and Knoche are subject to as school counselors. Specifically, each knew:

a. The ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors dictates that school counselors

working with minors in a school setting must collaborate with students’ parents, and

sets forth the following duties, among others:

Inform parents/guardians and school administration when a student

poses a serious and foreseeable risk of harm to self or others. This
notification is to be done after careful deliberation and consultation with
appropriate professionals, such as other school counselors . . . Even if the
danger appears relatively remote, parents/guardians must be notified.
The consequence of the risk of not giving parents/guardians a chance
to intervene on behalf of their child is too great. . . .

Recognize the level of suicide risk (e.g., low, medium, high) is difficult to
accurately quantify. If required to use a risk assessment, it must be
completed with the realization that it is an information-gathering tool and
only one element in the risk-assessment process. When reporting risk-
assessment results to parents/guardians, school counselors do not negate
the risk of students’ potential harm to self even if the assessment reveals a
low risk, as students may minimize risk to avoid further scrutiny and/or
parental/guardian notification. The purpose of reporting any risk-

38
 assessment results to parents/guardians is to underscore the need for
parents/guardians to act, not to report a judgment of risk.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

(Exhibit G at 3.)

b. It is especially important to provide notice to, and work with, the parents because

students sometimes deceive and minimize risk to avoid further scrutiny and the

involvement of parents. (Id.) “It is a well-known fact that students will often deny

suicidal ideation to escape the gaze of adults while confiding their true intentions to

their peers.” (Exhibit I at 2.)

c. When school counselors work with a potentially suicidal student, the end result

“must always be to notify the parent.” (Exhibit J at 1.)

d. If a school counselor (here Kranz) informally or formally conducts a suicide

assessment and considers the student to be at low risk for suicide, the counselor “still

needs to contact the student’s parents.” (Id. at 2.) The ASCA Ethical Standards call for

school counselors to report risk assessments to parents when they underscore the need

for the parent to act on behalf of the child, which was the case here with Nate. (Exhibit

G at 3.)

179. Kranz and Knoche, and upon information and belief Hennessy, knew on and before

October 19, 2021, that a significant number of people assessed for suicidal ideation deny suicidal

thoughts. See, e.g., https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/775571;

https://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.pn.2021.10.9.

180. Kranz and Knoche, and upon information and belief Hennessy, also knew on

October 19, 2021, that Nate’s accusations directed toward his mother could only be understood

within the context within which they were being made – in response to Kranz questioning Nate

about concerns of suicidal ideation raised by his mother, which made him more angry, more

39
 irritable and more resentful than he already was at his parents for the fact that he was attending

Latin where Nate felt isolated and rejected.

FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

181. Kranz and Knoche, and upon information and belief Hennessy, also knew on

October 19, 2021, that Nate’s reaction in being questioned about suicidal ideation – including his

anger, irritability, and resentment – is, itself, a key sign of suicidal ideation.

182. Following her meeting with, and assessment of, Nate, Kranz called Mrs. Bronstein.

Kranz, during this phone call and at all relevant times thereafter, failed to notify Mrs. Bronstein

that: (i) Kranz had performed an assessment of Nate for suicidal ideation, (ii) what Kranz did to

perform such an assessment, (iii) what Kranz learned, gleaned or concluded from her assessment,

or (iv) Nate was highly agitated and even more angry at his mother and father because of the

assessment.

183. Kranz took time on the call to learn more information from Mrs. Bronstein that

revealed additional key signs of suicidal ideation, specifically that Nate was skipping classes and

school, that he has not been eating and his anger at his mother was increasing. Still Kranz kept her

SI assessment of Nate and material details of her communication with Nate from Mrs. Bronstein,

including that Kranz’s meeting with Nate had increased his anger at his parents, which followed

Mrs. Bronstein having informed Kranz that she feared Nate could hurt her.

184. Though she had no information about Kranz’s assessment of Nate for suicidal

ideation, Mrs. Bronstein indicated she would contact Compass (and outside referral provided by

Kranz) because she was not sure what else to do, and because she continued to believe that Nate

needed support and was attempting to work in partnership with Latin to provide whatever support

Nate needed.

40
 185. Mrs. Bronstein ended the call because Nate was calling and texting Mrs. Bronstein

and asking to come home. Mrs. Bronstein believes this was the result of Nate’s general desire to
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

leave Latin and she did not understand how Kranz’s meeting with Nate may have angered and

agitated him.

186. At no time during or after the call on October 19, 2021 did Kranz or anyone at Latin

raise, discuss or encourage that the Bronsteins provide Consent for Release of Information forms

with respect to Compass, or any other outside counselor who the Bronsteins might engage for

Nate, to ensure information was shared with Latin for the social, emotional and educational

development of Nate.

187. All of the Latin Defendants and Greenwood knew or should have known by no later

than October 2021 of the “significant rise in teenage hospital visits for potential suicide” post-

pandemic. (Exhibit K, “2021 Mental Health Survey Article.”)

188. Latin itself reported that it had been alerted to information from its student body,

including information about bullying and mental health, to help it see wellness patterns that might

otherwise be overlooked. Specifically, in October 2021, Latin published an article in its student

newspaper titled, “Student Wellness Survey: How Latin is Addressing Mental Health.” (Id.)

189. The article discussed Latin’s annual wellness survey, which every high school

student at Latin was required to complete on October 1, 2021, and noted that “questions

surrounding ‘academic functioning and stress, school climate and bullying, mental health, social

and emotional wellness/supports, substance use, and student demographics’… alerted [Latin

officials] to wellness patterns that might otherwise be overlooked.” (Id. (emphasis added).)

41
 190. Kranz and Knoche, were interviewed for the article which cites CDC data

portraying a significant rise in teenage hospital visits for potential suicides as compared to pre-
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

pandemic times. (Id.)

191. At no time during or after the call on October 19, 2021 did Kranz or anyone at Latin

discuss with the Bronsteins or raise the need for help the school could provide, including a “safety

plan.”

192. At no time during or after the call on October 19, 2021 did Kranz, Knoche, or

anyone at Latin discuss with Nate the need for help the school could provide, including a “safety

plan.” While Nate indicated resistance to things like trying out for the basketball team, he was

never offered support in the form of a safety plan (or anything like it) by anyone at Latin.

193. An individualized school safety plan is tailored to the specific needs of the students.

A safety plan involves the school, the parents and the student and is designed to provide special

supervision to individual students and includes specific interventions which target dangerous or

potentially dangerous behavior. (E.g., Exhibit L, Safety Plan Overview found on isbe.net.)

194. Given that Nate was already reporting feeling social rejection, ostracization and

judgment from his peers at Latin, it was critical for Latin to put a safety plan in place that factored

in and addressed circumstances where Nate was feeling socially rejected, ostracized and judged.

Such a safety plan unquestionably would be triggered by Nate reporting not only feeling socially

rejected, ostracized, and judged, but also reporting that he experienced any form of harassment,

bullying, cyberbullying, as well as any level of strain resulting from negative or stressful social

interactions.

195. At no time during or after the call on October 19, 2021 did Kranz or anyone at Latin

put in place a “safety plan” for Nate.

42
 XIII. Kranz and Hennessy Met and Agreed to Wash Their Hands of the Bronsteins

196. Rather than obtain consents so that Latin could communicate with Nate’s
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

counselors (as Latin had promoted doing just days earlier) or take the steps Latin could to ensure

Nate’s safety and well-being, e.g., a safety plan, Latin preferred to wash its hands of the Bronsteins.

197. Following Kranz’s meeting with Nate on October 19, 2021, Kranz and Hennessy

consulted and “[a]greed that this is a family issue and that Latin has exhausted the supports

available to Nate, especially because he is resistant to any support.”

198. Despite an assessment for suicidal ideation, knowledge that Nate showed signs of

suicidal ideation (e.g., increasing anger/frustration/irritability, not eating, stating difficulty in

social situations, etc.), and acknowledgment of Nate’s school refusal and depression, Kranz and

Hennessy decided that Latin did not need to do anything more – a few recommendations for outside

resources was enough for them to decide their help of Nate and the Bronstein family was sufficient

and concluded.

199. On or around October 20, 2021, at 9:53 a.m., Kranz emailed Mrs. Bronstein in

response to Mrs. Bronstein’s email to Kranz from October 19, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. Kranz’s email

stated:

Hey Rose,

Hope your day got better yesterday after we spoke. I wanted to

follow-up to see what you decided for [Nate] after our conversation.
We had a fire drill later in the day yesterday, and I saw him outside
for that, so I was at least glad to see that you were able to get him
back to school.

Also, Jenny Stevens shared that she is not [Nate’s] counselor. I

know you were considering having [Nate] evaluated by Compass
(given some of the concerns you noted with him), but if you decide
to hold off on Compass for now, I hope you might be able to still
find a therapist for him. I would recommend looking into a therapist
43
 at AMK Counseling (https://amkcounseling.com/). With that said,
given that this is a family issue, I also wonder if it might be best to
look into family counseling. I would recommend The Family
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Institute if you think it might be helpful to meet as a family with a

counselor as well (https://www.family-institute.org/).

I hope this helps, but let me know if you have any questions. Given
[Nate’s] resistance to any support at Latin (and his refusal to be
open to any alternatives other than returning to Parker), I think
this issue needs to be addressed with professionals outside of
school.

Thank you,
Anneliese

200. In writing this email, Kranz was carrying out the plan to which she and Hennessy

had agreed – recommend outside resources and tell the family it’s their problem, because Nate was

not open to getting involved in school activities at Latin – while failing to mention Kranz’s

assessment of Nate for suicidal ideation and failing to address or consider with the Bronsteins a

plan to ensure Nate’s safety and protection, which could have (and should have) included engaging

with Nate’s outside counselors and implementing a safety plan with direction for Nate and his

parents when experiencing social rejection, ostracization, and isolation.

201. Mrs. Bronstein – not understanding the subtlety of Kranz’s messaging, i.e., that

Kranz would no longer be providing any help to the Bronsteins – responded that Nate left school

again.

202. In response, Kranz directed Mrs. Bronstein to Compass, offering no suggestion of

what Latin itself could do to help. When Mrs. Bronstein confirmed the appointment was set at

Compass and questioned why there is no response from Latin for Nate skipping school, Kranz

again deferred to Compass.

44
 203. On October 20, 2021, Hennessy e-mailed Nate (copying Mrs. Bronstein) about

missing classes and being late to math. Hennessy added that three faculty members commented
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

that Nate was not properly wearing his facemask, reprimanding him.

XIV. The Bronsteins Sought Outside Help for Nate

204. On October 21, 2021, the Bronsteins took Nate for an evaluation at Compass during

which Nate conveyed that his relationship with his parents was warm and close, but conflictual,

and that his relationship with his siblings was typical.

205. Nate identified social support from friends at Parker, but that he felt socially

isolated at Latin. Nate identified his stressors as the change in schools (Parker to Latin) and

bullying.

206. Nate did not like Compass and was opposed to in-person treatment there, and the

Bronsteins agreed to outpatient treatment only because they were trying to balance Nate’s needs

with his wants based on the information known to them.

207. Compass did not have availability for immediate participation in out-patient

treatment, but eventually a follow up at Compass was scheduled for November, after which Nate

would start counseling at AMK after Thanksgiving with participation in the Compass out-patient

program to follow.

XV. Kranz and Hennessy Continued to Brush Off Mrs. Bronstein, Which Caused Her to
Reach Out to Von Ogden

208. On October 21, 2021, following the Compass appointment, Mrs. Bronstein

contacted Kranz to follow up. Kranz responded that she would not have time to talk to Mrs.

Bronstein until October 25, 2021.

45
 209. On October 25, 2021, Kranz called Mrs. Bronstein who relayed that Nate had

shared that students at Latin were questioning why Nate transferred and that he has tried to make
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friends, but that he still felt excluded.

210. Mrs. Bronstein raised that she was not seeing programming at Latin that taught

about students being inclusive and accepting to each other. Kranz made reference to bystander

intervention training and was agitated that her reference to such training did not end the concern

for Mrs. Bronstein. Kranz also put it upon Mrs. Bronstein to come up with ideas about

programming to help transfer students and reach out to Hennessy with any ideas.

211. Mrs. Bronstein updated Kranz about Compass and finding a therapist for Nate.

Kranz did not make any comment about what Latin itself could (and should) do for Nate, including

engaging with outside counselors and implementing a safety plan.

212. At no time ever, did Kranz, Knoche, or anyone else at Latin engage with the

Bronsteins about a plan for Nate – whose triggers included peer conflict, rejection, isolation, and

ostracization – to ensure his safety upon Nate reporting, or the school otherwise having knowledge

of Nate experiencing, such triggers.

213. By October 25, 2021, Mrs. Bronstein could sense that she was being ignored by

Kranz, which increased Mrs. Bronstein’s desperation to ensure some help from Latin while Nate

was in school there.

214. On October 25, 2021, Mrs. Bronstein spoke with Knoche who directed her back to

Kranz.

215. On October 26, 2021, Mrs. Bronstein reached out to Adriana Durant (head of Nate’s

advisory group) to help Nate.

46
 216. Mrs. Bronstein also reached out to Kranz as directed by Knoche and shared the

following:
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Nate has complained to me this morning and he’s really upset [because] he
feels [] he started [Latin] and then there’s been no support for him nobody
took the time to get him acclimated and he is right. he’s struggling with the
eight day rotation on top of everything else that is overwhelming. He is
actually right he really has had no support from any department to check in
with him to see if everything’s OK

217. Upon information and belief, Kranz did not respond to Mrs. Bronstein.

218. Near the end of the school day on October 26, 2021 (Tuesday), Kranz e-mailed

Nate about checking in and Nate responded that night that he could meet the next morning

(Wednesday). Kranz did not meet with Nate, but she suggested instead that they meet two days

later, at 11:20 a.m. on Friday.

219. On October 27, 2021, Mrs. Bronstein forwarded her e-mail to Durant to Hennessy

to inquire as to how best to reach Durant, who had not responded. Hennessy provided Durant’s

contact information.

220. On October 28, 2021, Mrs. Bronstein and Durant discussed Nate and the idea of

encouraging him to get involved in clubs at the school.

221. On October 28, 2021 (Thursday night), Nate responded to Kranz and asked to meet

any day before school started. On Friday, Nate confirmed a meeting with Kranz for the following

Monday morning.

222. On October 29, 2021 (Friday), Hennessy e-mailed Nate about his unexcused

absences with no regard for what she had learned from Kranz – that school refusal was an issue

that tied to Nate’s depression and suicide risk. Instead, Hennessy engaged in a tone-deaf reprimand

noting five unexcused absence in a week’s time and noting that “further unexcused absences will

result in disciplinary consequences, starting with detention.”

47
 223. Hennessy blind copied Kranz and Durant on the e-mail.

224. Hennessy also copied Mrs. Bronstein on the e-mail, and Mrs. Bronstein -- lacking
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all of the information known to Latin and its school counselors (Kranz and Knoche) – thanked

Hennessy for her e-mail.

225. The next Monday after engaging in multiple communications with Kranz to

schedule the meeting before the Hennessy reprimand, Nate missed the meeting with Kranz. Kranz

e-mailed Nate on Tuesday about rescheduling and Nate did not respond.

226. Kranz did not contact the Bronsteins about scheduling the meeting with Nate, Nate

missing the meeting and not responding to Kranz, or any concerns she might have about Nate.

Kranz also did not again reach out to Nate.

227. On November 2, 2021, Durant e-mailed Nate noting that he missed the advisory

meeting.

228. On November 2-3, 2021, Durant e-mailed Mrs. Bronstein about Nate.

Mrs. Bronstein, still desperate for help at the school, asked for a Learning Resources contact for

10th grade and was directed to Stephen Wright.

229. On November 5, 2021, Hennessy e-mailed Nate regarding his reactions during a

school program, and Nate confirmed a time to meet.

230. Nate shared with Mrs. Bronstein that he was reprimanded at school because he

laughed during a serious program, and that he felt singled out because other kids were laughing

too.

231. On November 8, 2021, Mrs. Bronstein e-mailed Knoche and Hennessy to

understand the situation. Knoche said that Nate made light of a serious situation during the

program, but he was not reprimanded. Mrs. Bronstein asked for a link to the program and was told

48
 no link was available, but the program addressed consent, abusive relationships, feelings, and

similar topics.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

232. On November 9, 2021, Mrs. Bronstein explained she wanted details about the

program because what Nate told her is “honestly a bit disturbing.” Communications continued and

Mrs. Bronstein confirmed that she still wanted to meet on the issue.

233. Separately, on or around November 9, 2021, Mrs. Bronstein met with Von Ogden,

the Upper School Director at Latin.

234. Von Ogden was the signatory to the November 2021 update to Upper School

families about the social and emotional difficulties the school was observing in its students after

coming back from remote learning. Von Ogden states:

[W]e meet our students where they are. We are putting extra structure in
place to help them readjust, for example, to group dynamics.. . . We are
providing extra guidance and support as the reactivate and continue to
develop these skills.

(Exhibit M.)

235. Mrs. Bronstein requested the meeting with Von Ogden because she felt she needed

to escalate her concerns about Nate.

236. During the meeting, while Von Ogden took notes, Mrs. Bronstein shared about

Nate’s experience at Latin and how much he had expressed feelings of social isolation, rejection

and ostracization at the hands of other students at Latin. Mrs. Bronstein also shared that she was

trying to get Nate out of Latin and back to Parker.

237. Mrs. Bronstein also notified Latin that Nate felt singled out by his Latin geometry

teacher, Andrew Sanchez, and explained that Nate believed Sanchez was rude to him and hated

him. Von Ogden offered to speak with Sanchez about Nate, and this offer gave some relief to

Mrs. Bronstein.

49
 238. Upon information and belief, Von Ogden (Upper School Director) and also Dunn

(Head of School) knew at the time of the meeting with Mrs. Bronstein or soon thereafter about
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

communications between Nate, Mrs. Bronstein and Mr. Bronstein and school personnel, including

that Mrs. Bronstein raised concern about Nate hurting himself, that Kranz assessed Nate for

suicidal ideation, and that Kranz and Hennessy made an agreement not to further provide help

from the school to Nate along the lines of communication with outside counselors or a safety plan.

239. Upon information and belief, by the time of the Von Ogden meeting on or around

November 9, 2021, the Latin Defendants had categorized the Bronstein family, and specifically

Mrs. Bronstein, as difficult and, as a result, a family to avoid dealing with even if that foreseeably

and recklessly caused great risk to Nate’s safety.

XVI. The Bronsteins Continued to Seek Outside Help for Nate

240. While Latin did not concern itself in any meaningful or required way with Nate’s

safety and wellbeing, the Bronsteins were trying to get him help.

241. Nate was meeting with counselors, including another appointment at Compass on

November 9, 2021. Nate shared about his struggles with his parents, including his verbal

aggression and swearing toward them due to frustration with their decision to transfer him to Latin.

242. While the Bronsteins had acknowledged their regret and mistake with transferring

from Parker to Latin, Nate had nowhere to express his feelings about what he was experiencing at

Latin except to direct anger and resentment toward his parents, which exponentially increased the

conflict in the Bronstein home.

243. Nate shared part of his frustration and anger with the transfer and experience at

Latin:

50
 I talk to people in the hallways, but it’s not fun. You have to go out of your
way to get involved with other peoples’ groups, and I don’t want to deal
with that now. It takes a lot of effort mentally.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

XVII. Nate Made an Effort at Latin, but Still Struggled

244. On November 8, 2021, Nate tried out for the Latin basketball team, but he rolled

his ankle so he was not yet committed to participating on the team.

245. On November 9, 2021, Nate e-mailed with Aubrey DeNard, a Lower School

physical education teacher involved with the sports program at Latin, regarding the JV basketball

team. Nate indicated he injured his ankle, but still wanted to be considered for the team.

246. On November 10, 2021, Nate continued to message to Mrs. Bronstein that he had

no friends and he did not want to be at school during free periods and lunch. Mrs. Bronstein

emailed Durant for help.

247. On November 11, 2021, Durant had what she believed was a good talk with Nate,

encouraging that he join clubs. Nate brought up checking out the Jewish affinity group, but also

that he wanted to return to Parker.

248. On November 12, 2021, DeNard emailed Nate and the Bronsteins to share that Nate

made the JV basketball team and though injured, he should come to practices and learn the plays.

249. By this time, Wright (Learning Resources), whom Mrs. Bronstein had taken the

initiative to identify and track down, had connected with Nate and reached out to Nate’s teachers.

250. Wright communicated with Mrs. Bronstein regarding accommodations for Nate

related to his ADHD. In these communications, Mrs. Bronstein raised that Nate is butting heads

with Sanchez and believed Sanchez did not like him. Mrs. Bronstein believed Nate to be the issue

with Sanchez based, in part, on a parent-teacher conference with Sanchez, but she hoped that

51
 Wright could help the situation so that Nate could apply himself in Sanchez’s class and improve

his grade.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

251. Around this time, the Bronsteins were trying to get Nate transferred back to Parker,

but believed, based on their experience with the admissions process at private schools, that a mid-

year transfer was unlikely. Nate, however, met with Parker’s Principal Daniel B. Frank and

strongly advocated for his return to Parker. Nate’s advocacy influenced Parker accepting him for

the next semester (starting January 24, 2022), and Nate’s role in the process built up his confidence.

252. Nate’s acceptance to return to Parker brought a palpable relief to Nate and

improvement in his mental health that was witnessed by his family.

253. In addition, the Bronsteins were relieved, and believed and hoped that Nate could

get past all of the social rejection, isolation, ostracization and bullying he had talked to his parents

and counselors about by just leaving Latin and getting back to his friends at Parker.

254. On November 30, 2021, Mrs. Bronstein reached out to Von Ogden, Hennessy,

Kranz, Durant and Wright to inform them that Nate was returning to Parker. Mrs. Bronstein’s e-

mail to Hennessy copying Durant stated:

Hi Ms Hennessy,
I regret to inform you that [Nate] will be transferring back to Parker
this January. I will say, [Mr. Bronstein] and I are disappointed that
his experience at Latin did not pan out as we hoped it would.

[Nate] has emailed Mr. Wright tonight to ask for assistance in

getting organized to complete his course requirements before the
end of this semester.

Ms. Hennessy, please advise us on things [Nate] needs to

complete/turn in before he leaves.

Thank you,
Rose Bronstein

52
 255. Mrs. Bronstein separately noted to Durant that she saw improvement in Nate’s

mood with the knowledge he could return to Parker. Durant shared that she also witnessed
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

improvement in Nate.

256. By November 30, 2021, Nate shared with Wright that he was leaving Latin and

sought Wright’s guidance on the transfer.

257. Nate sent e-mails to his teachers seeking information about the status of his grades

in their classes and asking what he could do to finish as strong as possible. Nate’s teachers

responded in support and provided him with guidance. Nate also followed up with Wright who

supported the steps Nate was taking to finish the semester strong.

258. While Latin knew that Nate was leaving Latin, that did not mean the Bronsteins

were leaving Latin. Nate’s sister, S.B., intended to continue at Latin in January despite her own

bullying experiences at the school, including difficulty fitting in due to severe ostracization,

rejection and social isolation by fellow students at Latin.

259. Latin knew that S.B. was being bullied because of repeated communications

involving Mrs. Bronstein and S.B. during the Fall of 2021 to Latin, including to Knoche and

Durant, wherein Latin was informed of bullying severe enough to cause a physical reaction from

S.B.

260. On December 8, 2021, Nate went to a counseling session during which he was

expressive, open, and alert. Nate expressed that he did not believe he needed any counseling and

was only there at the requirement of his parents.

53
 XVIII. The Weekend Before Finals, Nate is Cyberbullied by Latin Students

261. As an injured member of Latin’s JV basketball team, Nate attended practices to

FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

help out and learn plays, and also attended games in support of the team. The coaches of the JV

basketball team were Dustin Moran (head coach) and Nick Haldes (assistant coach).

262. As was customary at Latin, at the start of the season, the team created group chats

with and without coaches included on the chats. The team-only student chat was labeled “Hoop

Dreams,” and included the members of the JV basketball team, all of whom were Nate’s classmates

in the 10th grade at Latin.

263. The team used the Hoop Dreams group chat to communicate about games,

meetings, practices and to stay connected. Some members of the team posted frequently in the

Hoop Dreams chat and dominated the conversations. Other members of the team, like Nate, rarely

posted in the group chat.

264. Despite being injured and unable to play, Nate showed up to team practices,

attended games, and supported the team.

265. On Thursday, December 9, 2021, the Parker and Latin freshman and JV boys’

basketball teams played their games at the Parker gym. Nate attended the game in support of Latin,

sitting on the bench with the Latin team during the game.

266. Student 2 was another player on the team and someone with whom Nate had

become friends. They had at least one friend in common who used to attend school at Parker with

Nate.

267. Near the end of the December 9 JV game, when Latin had a large lead, Coach

Moran called Student 2 into the game, but then immediately told him to sit back down, seemingly

because Coach Moran was not happy with how Student 2 responded to entering the game.

54
 268. After the game, group pictures of the team were taken and posted on the Hoop

Dreams group chat. While Nate was included in those pictures, he was on the side or in the back.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

269. Also, while the players joked around and celebrated their win on the Hoop Dreams

group chat, Nate minimally participated and gave a “thumbs down” to one of the derogatory posts

about Parker.

270. By this time, Nate had told at least some of his teammates that he was transferring

back to Parker for the next semester.

271. The next evening, December 10, 2021, was the varsity boys’ basketball game

between Parker and Latin, held at the DePaul University arena. This was a big game. Latin and

Parker are rivals, and this century-long rivalry between Latin and Parker has led to

unsportsmanlike, derogatory, and disparaging conduct among the students. The Latin

administration is and was aware of this rivalry and imposed rules of conduct upon its students and

arranged for the presence of Latin faculty at these games as a result.

272. Nate, as well as his friends from Parker, Student 2 and other members of the JV

Latin basketball team were all at the game. Nate was sometimes with Student 2 during the game,

spending time with Parker friends and sometimes moving between the two sides.

273. At one point during the game, Student 2 used Nate’s phone to make a post on the

Latin JV boys basketball team’s Instagram page. The post was a live screenshot photo of the varsity

basketball game scoreboard showing Parker leading the game by a wide point-margin, with a “W”

overlaying the photo (the “W Post”).24

24
Nate claimed more than once, and to more than one audience, that Student 2 posted the “W
Post” from Nate’s phone.

55
 274. During the game, Latin students, including members of the JV boys’ basketball

team, saw the post. Members of the JV basketball team were confused about the post, including
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

how it came to be posted and who made the post. While the post was promptly taken down,

members of the JV boys’ basketball team came to believe that it was Nate who made the post.

275. While some viewed the W Post as a joke or, at least, something to let go especially

given that Latin came back and won the game, others viewed the W Post as a serious betrayal not

to be taken lightly. Many were angry because, in their view, Nate had picked Parker over Latin

and wanted the team to know it.

276. While at the point of the W Post, Parker was winning the game, Latin came back

and won the game by one point. This caused the Latin students to rush the floor in celebration.

277. During or after this celebration, some members of the JV team started going after

Nate for the W Post, which Nate later tells Hennessy is a “fuck you” group chat.

Student 3
nate bro
ur kicked25

Student 4
what happened

Student 3
he posted on the jv hoops account
of us losing
and said w
snake ass nigga26

Student 5
followed a bunch of parker accs
and posted onna story

25
This word is used to describe when someone is “forcibly excluded from internet chat.” See
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=kicked
26
This phrase is used to describe “a person who is shady and secretive.” See
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=snake%20ass%20nigger

56
 Student 6
Na get him tf27 out
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Student 7
nah kick him28

Student 8
fuck you nate

Student 7
he’s not coming back anyways

Student 9
Nate not cool

Student 10
Fuck u bronstein

Student 11
Everybody hates Nate

Nate

Student 4
L

Student 10
L

Student 2

Nate

27
“tf” means “the fuck.” See https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=tf
28
“kick him” means out of the text chain
57
 Student 2
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

You Won!

Student 8

the fucking feds

Student 12
Bronstein is shivering right now

Student 6
Scared out of his mind

58
 Student 2
Laughed at “Bronstein is shivering right now”
Laughed at “Scared out of his mind”
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Student 7
Loved “Bronstein is shivering right now”

Student 6
W right bronstein

Student 8
fuck you nate!!! you a bitch!

Student 12
Bronstein is silent
He has nothing to say

Nate
Im in shambles

Student 4
lronstein

Student 2
Laughed at “Im in shambles “

Student 13
[] gonna get the best top

Student 6
Fr29
[Posting a video of the game]

Student 10
L30 Nate
Rest in piss31 Parker

(Exhibit N, Hoop Dreams Text Chain Anonymized Excerpt (12.10.21).)

29
“Fr” means for real
30
“L” is a reference to [Parker] taking a loss. See https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=L
31
“Rest in piss” means pissing on someone’s grave, which here is a reference to Parker.
See https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Rest%20In%20Piss
59
 278. These text messages are all directed at Nate and only Nate, with the students calling

him names, swearing at him, and putting up a picture as if Nate was a “wanted” criminal.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

279. Nate’s responses at this point reflect his coping mechanism – humor – but this type

of peer attack was a stressful, dangerous trigger for Nate. (Exhibit J at 2 (“In adolescence, indirect

clues [of mental health and suicide risk] could be offered through joking[.]”).)

280. Soon Nate, who remained the sole target of the “fuck you” group chat, started

pleading for the students who were ganging up on him to stop:

Student 8
nate fuck you on bro you a lame

Student 2
luv u nate don’t let the haters get to u‼

Student 8
in case you forgot nate fuck you!

Student 4
Emphasized “in case you forgot nate fuck you!”

Student 10
Emphasized “in case you forgot nate fuck you!”32

Student 6
Boys remember that we got 9am practice tmrw with some speed work

Student 9
Yay

Student 10
Bronstein I say this with pure respect but don’t show up tmr

Nate
Please stop texting about me

Student 5

32
After Nate’s death, Student 10 removed his emphasis on this specific post.
60
 33
Also heard u threw for Parker

Student 3
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

if u didn’t post that shit on the instagram it would be fine

u made that choice bud
not our fault

Nate
you don’t gotta tell me to fuck of 5 times
Seems excessive

(Exhibit N, Hoop Dreams Text Chain Anonymized Excerpt (12.11.21).)

281. Nate was next asked why he made the W Post, and Nate told the team that he did

not create the post or put it up. Instead, Nate said Student 2, whom all or some of the team knew

to be a prankster, had made the post from Nate’s phone.

Student 14
Nate I have a genuine question why would you think that was a good idea. What
did you look to gain

Nate
Especially for a post I didn’t create

Nate
Posted by [Student 2]
[1 Reply]

Student 3
mhhhmmm

Student 5
Mmmmmmm [Reply to “Posted by [Student 2]”]

Student 13
Cap asf34

33
“threw for Parker” is a reference to Student 5 hearing that Nate was throwing a party for Parker
kids that night.
34
“Cap” is a verb meaning “[t]o lie and deceive,” and “asf” is a wrong way of abbreviating the
words “as fuck,” which is more typically “af.” See
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cap%20as;
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=asf

61
 Student 5
Did u throw for parker?
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Student 13
Why would [Student 2] do that

Nate
I don’t mind the backlash but the fuck you is a little excessive NGL

Student 3
so did u or did u not post the photo?

Nate
It was [Student 2] from my phone

(Exhibit N, Hoop Dreams Text Chain Anonymized Excerpt (12.11.21).)

282. Despite having participated on the text chain prior to this point in support of Nate,

Student 2 does not weigh in that night or, upon information and belief, at any point thereafter,

about his role in the posting of the W Post.

283. The participants in the text chain, in turn, did not demand that Student 2

acknowledge or deny his participation in the W Post. Instead, some of them continued attacking

Nate:

Student 5
and did u or did u not throw for parker

Student 16
Removed an exclamation from “fuck you nate!!! you a bitch!”35

Nate
?

Student 3
also why did u play for latin basketball?

Student 5

35
Student 16 did not participate in the text chain beyond this one exclamation, which he removed
after Nate informed the group he did not put up the W Post.
62
 They said u threw for parker tm36
tm*
Emphasized “also why did u play for latin basketball?”
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Student 3
if ur gonna join a team and watch us play and practice then how are u gone sit on
the other side on game day?

Nate
I enjoyed playing basketball but unfortunately I injured my leg and the recovery
took much long than expected

Student 3
it’s not adding up

Nate
It was expected healed 1 month ago

Nate
I was also unaware of my return to Parker at the time

(Exhibit N, Hoop Dreams Text Chain Anonymized Excerpt (12.11.21).)

284. As the messaging continued, Student 5 started to appreciate, by Nate’s reactions,

that the group interrogation appeared to be impacting Nate in a negative manner and Student 5

could see that Nate might feel ganged up on. Student 5 still wanted Nate to see his point of view,

but also to attempt to calm Nate and the group down.

Student 5
Chill on him bro37

Nate
But I’m glad I am now looking at the texts I received

36
After Nate responded with a “?” meaning he did not understand what the inquiry about “throw
for parker,” Student 5 attempted clarification by adding “tn” meaning “tonight,” but instead made
a typo twice putting “tm” instead.
37
Student 5 intends a total message here as follows:
Chill on him bro
Nate u know u fucked up
and u should also know that no one is
srsly mad at u we dont care
However, Nate responded at the same time, so the messages crossed.
63
 Student 5
Nate u know u fucked up
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Nate
Leaving*
I didn’t even post it y’all get like 40 views at most anyways (no disrespect)

Student 5
and u should also know that no one is srsly mad at u we dont care

Nate
Y’all clearly mad if your telling me fuck off at ‘12 AM

Student 5
its not ab views its ab disrespect

Nate
Im still on your mind in the dead of night

Student 3
Emphasized “its not ab views its ab disrespect “

Nate
Move on I didn’t post it
I apologize for allowing it to be posted
But the disrespect is way too fucking far

Student 5
nigga38 i just told them to chill on u
but onb39 u should know [Student 10] and everyone else is joking
[1 Reply]

Student 7
ay let’s just all chill
we good

Student 5
no one cares that u are going to parker or that u made sum mistakes bro ur good40

38
The term “nigga” can be used in both a friendly way and as an insult, “[s]o it all depends on the
mood: good mood and nigga means friend, bad mood and nigga means enemy.” See
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=nigga
39
“onb” could mean “On Bro,” “on blood” or as a replacement for “god.”
See https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Onb
40
Student 5 again attempts to convey a complete message that is broken up:
64
 Student 14
I’m gonna wake up tomorrow do shit I actually have to do like finals. I could give
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

two shits about what you post but it was a dumbass decision

Student 5
u gotta see it from our pov tho u join our team our family be a part of the family
just go get sum milk and disrespect us indirectly on ur way out
its shitty

Student 8
^41

Nate
Liked “u gotta see it from our pov tho u join our team our family be a part of the
family just go get sum milk and disrespect us indirectly on ur way out”
Took things too far from someone else’s post

Student 5
but i guarantee no one is rly tripping bro its all love

Student 7
at least done post something on our account
don’t

Student 10
Exactly don’t take everything too seriously [Reply to “but onb u should know
[Student 10] and everyone else is joking”]

Student 5
Emphasized “at least done post something on our account”

Nate

no one cares that u are going to parker or that u made sum mistakes bro ur good
u gotta see it from our pov tho u join our team our family be a part of the family just go
get sum milk and disrespect us indirectly on ur way out [Nate gives a thumbs up]
its shitty
but i guarantee no one is rly tripping bro its all love
its jokes bro
no one is srs
ik uk that
41
“^” reflects agreement with a statement.
See https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=%5E

65
 I agree but y’all been telling me to fuck off for five hours move on

Student 7
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

like it’s different if it’s on urs

Student 5
its jokes bro

Nate
Especially if someone else took my phone and posted it

Student 5
no one is srs
ik uk42 that

Nate
Some pretty harsh jokes

Student 10
Well if u want us to stop being on ur ass abt it then u hush that’s my advice for u

Student 8
lmao43 nate

Student 5
[Student 10] thats only taking steps backwards
i feel u but leave him be bro
if he dont get it he just doesn’t

Student 10
Well idc44 who did what just calm down and don’t take everything so directly

Student 3
^^45

Student 10
We dont actually hate u lol

Student 3

42
“Ik” means “I know.” See https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ik The statement
intended here is “I know, you know.”
43
“lmao” means “laughing my ass off.” See https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=lmao
44
“Idc” means “I don’t care.” See https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=idc
45
^^ means agreement. See n. 42.
66
 fax46

Nate
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Liked “fax”

Student 5
Nate like I said just know u fucked up and move on stop caring what we are
saying in a gc47

Student 8
yeah nate trussss48

Student 5
dnd49 or leave
either way its love bro

Student 5

Student 12
Yea Nate bro, we dont hate you
We’re just giving you shit for that
It’s still bogus of you tho

Student 8
nate once you go to parker it’s on sight50 but luv until then

Student 10
Yea dw abt51 it if we offended u ik52 I can speak for everyone saying our bad it’s
not that actually that serious to us

(Exhibit N, Hoop Dreams Text Chain Anonymized Excerpt (12.11.21).)

46
“fax” means “[s]omething that is very true. So true that it cannot just be called true. It’s fax.”
See https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=fax
47
“gc” means “group chat.” See https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=gc
48
“tru” means “basically what it says, a ‘true’ or ‘real’ thug.”
See https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Tru (second definition)
49
“dnd” means “do not disturb.” See https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=dnd
50
“on sight” means that “when you have [a] beef with somebody you automatically fight them.
There is NO talking it out.” See https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=On%20sight
51
“dw abt” means “don’t worry about.” See https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=dw
52
“Ik” means “I know.” See https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ik
67
 285. When the group chat finally ended that night for Nate, he had experienced hours of
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

bullying via text for, as Nate said, allowing the W Post to be posted by someone else from his

phone. Upon making clear to the participants in the group chat that he wanted the attack to stop,

the participants transitioned into passive reassurance while still blaming Nate for the W Post. None

of the active participants acknowledged or accepted that Nate said he did not put up the W Post.

286. The participants in the group chat then appeared to move on to communicate about

basketball practice the next morning without further concern about the dispute or Nate.

287. The exchange with Nate did, however, weigh on Student 5. The next day at

basketball practice, Student 5 was in a private conversation with Coach Moran. Student 5 told the

coach that Nate posted the W Post on the JV team’s Instagram page and everyone went after Nate

in a group chat.

288. Student 5 informed Coach Moran that Nate seemed worked up about it and upset.

Student 5’s purpose in talking to Coach Moran was that, in case Nate was genuinely upset (as he

seemed to Student 5), Student 5 wanted Nate to be able to talk to someone to make sure he was

OK, and the team should be checked and told not to communicate like they did.

289. Student 5 also implied to Coach Moran that there was more than the Hoop Dreams

(“fuck you”) group chat.

290. Coach Moran’s inquiry to Student 5 to get more details about what happened to

Nate was limited, and Coach Moran did little to no follow up on the report Student 5 brought to

him.

291. Coach Moran either had no training or insufficient training from Latin regarding

steps to take when student conduct and conflict issues arose, including bullying, cyberbullying,

68
 and harassment by and among the students on the team he was coaching, or he disregarded such

training and procedures in failing to take necessary action in response to Student 5’s report.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

292. Coach Moran had no training or insufficient training from Latin regarding steps to

take when a student is reported as having had an experience that could impact that student’s safety

and well-being particularly when they could be an at-risk student, e.g., a student at risk of self-

harm, subject to a safety plan., or he disregarded such training and procedures in failing to take

necessary action in response to Student 5’s report.

293. Coach Moran did not need to know whether Nate was a student at risk of self-harm

and/or subject to a safety plan, but he knew or should have known that such students could be

players on the basketball team he coached. Latin should have provided training and had procedures

in place to require that Coach Moran, at a minimum, report Student 5’s report to Latin personnel

who would have more information about issues of the safety and well-being of Nate. Latin either

failed to have such training and procedures in place and to ensure that Coach Moran was trained

and knowledgeable about such procedures, and/or Coach Moran disregarded such training and

procedures in failing to take necessary action in response to Student 5’s report.

294. Further, Illinois’ Anti-Bullying Law, addressed in detail at Sections XL-XLII,

infra, required Latin to have a policy in place that would have triggered Coach Moran to inquire

further to Student 5 at the time of his report, or to report the matter to personnel at Latin so that

they could immediately provide parental notification and investigate. Latin did not have a

compliant bullying prevention policy in place on December 11, 2021 or prior, and as a result, failed

to train and ensure compliance by Coach Moran with the requirements of Illinois’ Anti-Bullying

Law as set forth in a compliant policy.

69
 295. Upon information and belief, Coach Moran did not contact anyone at Latin about

Student 5’s report.

FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

296. Coach Moran did not contact the Bronsteins or the parent of any other participant

in the group chat from the night before.

297. Coach Moran did not communicate with the team about the group chat or in any

way “check” them about their conduct on the group chat.

298. Coach Moran did not conduct any inquiry or investigation himself (including

simply asking more questions of Student 5) to understand the extent of the bullying conduct

directed at Nate.

XIX. After the Strain and Distress of the “Fuck You” Group Chat, Nate Discovered He Is
the Subject of a Widespread and Derogatory Snapchat Post

299. The bullying conduct directed at Nate did not end with the “fuck you” group chat.

Instead, after the Parker-Latin game on December 10, 2021, Students 4, 6, and 10 were together

in-person with Student 1, a member of the varsity basketball team.

300. Student 1 did not see the W Post himself, but he was told about it by other students

who were angry at Nate for the W Post they believed he posted.

301. This made Student 1 angry at Nate. Student 1 took a selfie picture of his own face

with his middle finger up in the air and put the words “FUCK BRONSTEIN” across the picture

(the “Snapchat Post”). (Exhibit O (filed under seal).)

302. Student 1 sent the Snapchat Post through the social media platform, Snapchat, to at

least five friends, including the friends who were physically with him after the game and Student

8.

303. Student 1 was not part of the “fuck you” group chat, but the friends he was with

were on the chat.

70
 304. Student 1 sent the Snapchat Post out, including to these friends and others who were

participating on the group chat, while the group chat continued and while the friends Student 1
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

was with were participating in the group chat.

305. After Student 4 opened and viewed the Snapchat Post from Student 1, he created a

new version by adding “ong” to reflect his agreement with Student 1’s message,53 and posted his

version to a group of approximately 16 people.

306. Thereafter an unidentified poster received and viewed the Snapchat Post and added

the words “Bronstein Pack” and an emoji of a face blowing smoke out of its mouth to that version.

53
See https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ong
71
 (Exhibit P (unredacted version filed under seal).)

307. It is unknown at this time how many people the unidentified poster sent his version
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

of the Snapchat Post to, however, this version continued to be posted and re-posted, ultimately

reaching hundreds of Latin students over the course of that weekend, including Nate. This version

of the Snapchat Post is referred to further herein as the “Widespread Version of the Snapchat Post.”

308. Student 10 received and viewed the Widespread Version of the Snapchat Post and

reposted it to a group of friends.

309. Student 21 received and viewed the Widespread Version of the Snapchat Post and

reposted it to approximately 40 recipients.

310. Student 22 received and viewed the Widespread Version of the Snapchat Post and

reposted it to approximately 200 recipients.

311. Many other students received and viewed the Widespread Version of the Snapchat

Post and reposted it ensuring its viewing by hundreds of people.

312. Nate understood the “ong” to mean “on god” or agreement, and the “Bronstein

Pack” with the emoji of a face blowing smoke out of its mouth to mean “smoking someone’s

ashes,” i.e., smoking Nate’s ashes.

313. Nate’s stated understanding of the Widespread Version of the Snapchat Post is

consistent with the phrase “[last name of Nate] Pack” being derived from the phrase “Opp Pack”

and is a reference to the phrase “smoking a Tooka pack,” a lyric from the 2015 song “Off The

Tooka” by Chief Keef, a well-known Chicago rap artist and self-proclaimed member of the Black

Disciples, a Chicago gang, in which Chief Keef sings about smoking marijuana laced with the

ashes of his deceased “opp” (meaning “opponent” or “enemy”). The phrase “[name of enemy]

72
 Pack” has since been used colloquially as an indirect death threat54 and a disrespectful reference

to a deceased enemy.55 Data from Google Analytics shows that searches for the phrase “Tooka
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Pack” in the state of Illinois spiked exponentially in the year 2020.56

XX. Nate Reported Cyberbullying to Hennessy, and that He Wanted It to Stop

314. After receiving the Widespread Version of the Snapchat Post, Nate contacted

Hennessy by e-mail on December 12, 2021 to report that he was the victim of cyberbullying at

the hands of Latin students.

315. Nate informed Hennessy that a student posted on Snapchat, “FUCK BRONSTEIN”

and then many more students reposted a version of the Snapchat.

316. Nate told Hennessy that he was extremely frustrated and beyond angry, stating

that no student should have to deal with cyberbullying.

317. Nate also provided a copy of the Widespread Version of the Snapchat Post to

Hennessy, which revealed three names to her, Students 1, 21, and 22 as persons who would have

posted some version of the Snapchat Post.

318. Hennessy responded to set up a meeting with Nate the next morning (Monday).

319. On Monday, December 13, 2021, Nate met with Hennessy in the morning.

Hennessy’s handwritten notes suggest that Nate attempted to contact Student 21 or 22, who he did

not know personally, to ask them to take the post down. Nate was not successful in his efforts.

320. Nate explained to Hennessy what he understood the Widespread Version of the

Snapchat Post to message, including that “ong” means agreement and “Bronstein Pack” with the

emoji of a face blowing smoke out of its mouth to mean smoking Nate’s ashes.

54
See https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/smoking-on-that-x-pack#fn6
55
See https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Opp%20pack
56
See https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=all&geo=US-IL&q=tooka%20pack
73
 321. Nate also explained something to Hennessy about the W Post with her notes

reflecting both that Nate posted something and that someone else posted from Nate’s phone.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

322. Nate explained to Hennessy something about the group chat noting the negative

tone of the group chat, specifically that it was a fu (“fuck you”) chat directed toward Nate.

323. Nate reported that the cyberbullying was directed at him, but behind his back.

Students did not send the message directly to Nate, but the students knew or certainly should have

known the message would get back to Nate. Regardless, Nate learned that he was a target of student

anger and someone who should die and whose ashes should be smoked and/or the butt of a mean

joke everyone else was in on behind his back.

324. Nate had become the center of unwanted, mean-spirited, intentional and/or

thoughtless attention at the hands of Latin students. This would be a huge stressor for any child let

alone for Nate, who had suffered from and struggled with social isolation, rejection and

ostracization within the Latin community for months.

325. Nate told Hennessy what he wanted – to make the cyberbullying stop.

326. Hennessy received Nate’s cyberbullying report knowing that an “intolerable loss of

face,” such as cyberbullying that reaches hundreds of students, as was the case here, heightens the

risk of suicide.

XXI. Nate is Bullied Again and Gets the Message From Hennessy that He Brought This on
Himself and that Latin Would Not Help

327. What Hennessy said to Nate and/or stated she would do following the meeting with

Nate is not reflected in Hennessy’s notes.

328. Near the top of Hennessy’s notes it is written “keep posted with more” and then a

line is drawn to a note above (as if added after the fact, potentially after the meeting with Nate)

with *No Parents* surrounded by asterisks, and circled.

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 329. Upon information and belief, including Hennessy’s and the Latin Defendants’ prior

treatment of the Bronsteins and categorization of them as difficult, and Dunn’s top down practice
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

to avoid and limit parental notice, particularly in circumstances of student conflict, Hennessy and

the Latin Defendants (including Von Ogden and the school counselors) made or acquiesced in the

decision to not to notify the Bronsteins of Nate’s report, and to mislead and/or manipulate Nate to

attempt to validate their unlawful decision not to notify Nate’s parents of the cyberbullying.

330. Even assuming, as Latin claims, that Nate in any way requested that his parents not

be informed of his cyberbullying report, Hennessy caused, influenced, manipulated and/or

supported a “NO PARENTS” conclusion because, in consultation with or at the direction of others,

including potentially the school counselors and Von Ogden, Hennessy and/or other Latin personnel

did not want to be troubled with contacting the Bronsteins and were looking for a “justification”

to avoid doing so.

331. Hennessy’s victim-blaming assessment of the situation, wherein she turned Nate

into a wrongdoer who needed to pause before he posted, no doubt influenced any position by Nate

to want to avoid contact of his parents, although this was not a choice he could make nor one upon

which Latin and its agents were entitled to solicit or take into consideration.

332. At no time, did anyone at Latin notify the Bronsteins of Nate’s cyberbullying report,

which provided notice to Latin of the Snapchat Posts and the “fuck you” group chat.

333. At no time, did anyone at Latin conduct an investigation into Nate’s cyberbulling

report.

334. As a condition of enrollment, Latin maintained the right to “inspect any personal

technology device on campus [including smart phones] and all files contained on that system,”

75
 (Exhibit D at 9), but Latin took no action to inspect the smart phones of Students 1, 21, and 22,

or any members of Latin’s JV basketball team.

FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

335. After meeting with Nate, Hennessy did not even reach out to Student 21 or Student

22, both of whom were identified by name on the Widespread Version of the Snapchat Post. As a

result, Hennessy did not come to learn what these students knew about the cyberbullying of Nate,

which would have included that more than three people posted some version of the Snapchap Post,

which reached hundreds of students.

336. Certainly, learning about the breadth of the Snapchat Post would have made

abundantly clear to Hennessy the true gravity of the situation, and enabled Hennessy to identify

the student who added the smoking Nate’s ashes message.

337. Hennessy also did not learn that Student 22, along with Student 1 and likely other

participants in the “fuck you” group chat, continued the “FUCK BRONSTEIN” conversation later

on Saturday (December 11, 2021) during a FaceTime call when Student 22 was encouraged to

create a second “FUCK BRONSTEIN” post that Student 22 sent to as many as two dozen people,

including Student 21. (Exhibit Q (filed under seal unredacted).)

338. Hennessy also did not reach out to Coach Moran regarding the “fuck you” group

chat involving members of the team that Coach Moran coached. Or she did and then did nothing

about Student 5’s report to Coach Moran.

339. Hennessy also did not reach out to any participant in the “fuck you” group chat

directed at Nate the prior weekend or even other members of the team, or she did and then did

nothing to stop continuing bullying conduct directed at Nate nearly five hours after their meeting

when Student 10 posted the following picture of a middle school-aged Nate (otherwise posted at a

restaurant) on the group chat at 1:43pm on December 13, 2021:

76
 Student 5
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Student 5
fuckkkkkk57

Nate
Just leave me alone, I don’t even go to your school anymore

Student 2
Emphasized “Just leave me alone, I don’t even go to your school
anymore ”

Student 10
Bruh I didn’t send it cuz it’s u it’s just funny and since u don’t
wanna be part of this I guess forget any of this

[[Student 10] removed Nate from the conversation]

Student 8
damn

Student 12
Lmao bro

57
Student 5, who had reported the group chat to Coach Moran reacted in frustration that Student
10 was keeping anything going with Nate.
77
 Student 4
wild
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Student 20
Nigga transferred back to Parker

(Exhibit N, Hoop Dreams Text Chain Anonymized Excerpt (12.13.21).)

340. While Student 10 claims the picture was posted as a joke, Student 10 and Nate were

not friends. Also, this was not posted privately to Nate, but in front of the same “fuck you” group

chat participants that bullied Nate over the weekend. While Student 10 believes his post was a joke

and not bullying, Nate did not see it that way.

341. For her part, Hennessy had failed to take action that could have prevented the post,

or to have adequately responded to Nate to ensure the necessary and critical levels of support that

Nate needed after reporting cyberbullying to her.

342. As Nate’s day continued, he outwardly coped as he almost always did with his

friends – using humor. Sadly, however, that same evening, as Latin was failing to act, Nate was

searching about suicide on his MacBook, including searching for the percentage of people who

survive hanging by suicide and recover from suicide by hanging.

XXII. Latin Was on Notice That Hennessy Showed a Disregard for Conduct Becoming of a
Dean.

343. Dunn and the leadership at Latin had notice of Hennessy’s disregard for the duties

and responsibilities required of her position no later than June 26, 2020, when the following was

posted on the Survivors of Latin IG Account:

Arjah’Nay Herron, Class of 2013

I’ll never forget the time during project week when I went to Southern
California with Mr. Gilden and Ms. Hennessey. They had us playing truth
or dare and Mr. Gilden asked me if it were true that black boys’ penises
were bigger than white boys. At the moment I was shocked and kind of
uncomfortable. But the teachers had been the main reason I chose that
project, so I never said anything. Also that wasn’t the weirdest part, Ms.

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 Hennessey dared students to lick Nutella off of each other. I went home
after that week, stunned.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

(Exhibit B at 32.)

344. Latin knew about this post on or around the date it was posted. Latin even

communicated with the ISBE to suggest it was taking steps to address the posts on the Survivors

of Latin IG Account.

345. Whether and what Latin may have done regarding its notice as to Hennessy in this

instance is unknown except that Latin continued to allow Hennessy to act and have the authority

to engage with students, including in a manner that could risk and impact the safety and well-being

of those students.

346. Hennessy again revealed a disregard for her duties and responsibilities, and

specifically Nate’s safety and welfare, including by failing to provide notice of Nate’s

cyberbullying report to the Bronsteins (who could, among other things, provide critical

information to Nate’s counselors) and failing to do anything to ensure steps were taken to stop the

cyberbullying as Nate requested.

347. Further, at some point, whether during the meeting with Hennessy or after, Nate

came to realize that Hennessy and Latin were effectively rejecting, denying, and/or disputing his

cyberbullying report and had declared the situation instead as something Nate brought upon

himself.

348. Indeed, Hennessy and Latin did reject, deny, and/or dispute Nate’s cyberbullying

report, as demonstrated by: (a) Hennessy’s demeaning re-categorization of the cyberbullying as a

social media incident to Nate, (b) Hennessy’s message to Nate that he should think before he acts

next time (specifically, that he should pause before he posts), and (c) Latin’s messaging after

Nate’s death that Nate was involved in misconduct and that no other student did anything wrong,

79
 as revealed by implied and direct messaging communicated internally, directed toward the Latin

community (individually and as a group), and directed toward RCDS where Dunn was to be the
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Head of School staring in July 2022.

349. While the decision not to notify the Bronsteins was not made by Hennessy entirely

on her own and was made in consultation with and/or at the direction of Von Ogden and/or other

Latin Defendants, see supra ¶ 329, Hennessy was the one who engaged directly with Nate and

made clear she did not hear his cry for help, whether she consciously realized the cruelty of her

actions or was simply blinded by her and Latin’s belief that they were justified in writing off the

Bronsteins and disregarding Nate’s safety and well-being.

XXIII. Hennessy’s Action in Response to Nate’s Cyberbullying Report Served Only to Fulfill
Latin’s Self-Interest

350. The extent of any response by Hennessy to Nate’s cyberbullying report was

intentionally and grossly inadequate and, upon information and belief, was done with the

knowledge and/or acquiescence of the Latin Defendants.

351. On December 13, 2021, Hennessy communicated with Student 1 to set up a short

meeting. (Exhibit R (filed under seal).)

352. Student 1 e-mailed Hennessy in advance of a meeting to explain his participation

with the Snapchat Post, including claiming that: (a) his friends told him that Nate was annoying

him, (b) students were mad about how Nate wore his facemask, and (c) Student 1, who did not see

the W Post, was told (incorrectly) by friends that it said “Imagine having a terrible basketball

team.” Student 1 said he felt bad about the post and said he would take the consequences for the

posts by him and his friends. (Id.)

353. When Student 1 met with Hennessy, Student 1 told her that he and Nate had already

exchanged messages on Snapchat apologizing to each other.

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 354. Hennessy took everything Student 1 told her at face value, without question or

skepticism, which was entirely outside of the standard for Dean of a school handling student
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

conflict and discipline issues.

355. Hennessy knew that cyberbullying and other similar conduct calls for student

discipline under the Handbook. Hennessy also knew that Student 1 could have been motivated, in

drafting his e-mail to Hennessy and otherwise communicating with her, to try to avoid discipline

for his role in posting the Snapchat Post. It’s common knowledge, and known to Hennessy, that

the more a person’s conduct seems justified, the less there might be punishment for their conduct.

356. However, the word of a teenage boy was enough for Hennessy to re-categorize

Nate’s expressly documented cyberbullying report identifying multiple Latin students (including

three by name) and the “fuck you” group chat directed at Nate by some members of the JV

basketball team, as simply a social media incident involving Nate and Student 1, with Nate being

a wrongdoer who had engaged in misconduct bringing the cyberbullying upon himself.

357. Hennessy then contacted a parent of Student 1 and told that parent that there was a

social media dispute between her son and another student that was resolved between them, but no

discipline was required, and that the issue was resolved.

358. Again, Hennessy did not contact the Bronsteins at all.

359. On December 14, 2021 at 2:36pm, after meeting with Student 1 in the morning,

Hennessy was ready to close out any inquiry in response to Nate’s cyberbullying report. Nate

agreed to meet with Hennessy on Thursday before his 11 a.m. class.

360. On December 16, 2021, Hennessy e-mailed Nate that they must have missed each

other to “close the loop,” although it is not known to the Bronsteins at this time whether Hennessy

81
 was in her office prepared to meet with Nate, or whether she was the reason they missed each

other.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

361. In her e-mail, Hennessy revealed to Nate her disregard of Nate’s cyberbullying

report by referring to “social media behaviors” between Nate and another student. Hennessy

suggested everything had been addressed and that she had confidence that everything was resolved

before reprimanding Nate to “pause” before posting online going forward.

362. Hennessy next chose to use extremely odd language in concluding her e-mail to 15-

year-old Nate, using the phrase “per your advice” to justify that she did not plan to reach out to

Nate’s parents regarding the “incident.”

363. Upon information and belief, Hennessy did not write the December 16 e-mail to

Nate alone; rather, someone else wrote the e-mail and/or directed Hennessy on the substance of

the e-mail.

364. Further, Hennessy is not credible in suggesting, in her oddly worded e-mail, that

Nate gave any “advice” to her when he met with her to report cyberbullying, including because it

was inappropriate and unlawful for Hennessy to disregard her duties regarding a minor’s safety

and well-being or in complying with Illinois’ Anti-Bullying Law, by taking the “advice” of a child

on the question of parental notice.

365. Certainly, she never asked for or considered Nate’s “advice” on her parental notice

duties when she reprimanded Nate for skipping school and not wearing his facemask above his

nose, on which she copied Mrs. Bronstein.

366. Even if Nate had in any way asked that his parents not be contacted, or somehow

acquiesced by not responding to Hennessy’s December 16, 2021 e-mail, Hennessy had made it

crystal clear that what was at issue in her view was Nate’s misconduct and any notification to the

82
 Bronsteins would be to admonish Nate for the social media incident, rather than to address the

documented bullying of Nate by Latin students, thus putting Nate in an impossible position with
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

nowhere to turn.

XXIV. Nate Showed His Friend a Kill Yourself Message He Received Before He Died

367. Prior to his death, Nate showed a friend a KYS (kill yourself) message that he

received from a Latin student.

368. Nate sent the friend a photo of the message (upon information and belief, through

Snapchat), and the friend remembered it so well because at the time, the friend was like “holy shit

wtf.”

369. The Bronsteins do not know exactly when the KYS message was sent, only that it

was sent before Nate’s death.

370. Regardless, had the Latin Defendants done their jobs, any number of different

outcomes would have occurred regarding the KYS message, including that: (a) the message may

never have been sent, e.g., if Coach Moran had addressed the team or Hennessy and others at Latin

had conducted the required investigation after Nate’s report, or (b) the message, if already sent,

would have been addressed with Nate in context and with proper professional guidance.

371. On December 14, 2021, after Nate reported cyberbullying to Hennessy, Nate had a

Zoom counseling session with AMK Counseling.

372. Nate had previously expressed to his parents that he did not need counseling and

while Nate had shown improvements in behavior following knowledge of his return to Parker, his

parents believed he should finish out the planned counseling with AMK and the out-patient

program at Compass.

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 373. During the December 14, 2021 counseling session, Nate continued to state that he

did not need counseling, but the therapist noticed and acknowledged several Band-Aids on
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

multiple fingers.

374. The Bronsteins have no information that Nate told any counselor at AMK about the

cyberbullying at this session, or at any point thereafter.

375. The Bronsteins have no information that Nate told any counselor outside of Latin

about the cyberbullying at any time.

376. Upon information and belief, if Nate’s therapist/counselor at AMK or Compass had

known about the cyberbullying and Nate’s experiences with Hennessy that followed his report of

cyberbullying, the therapist/counselor would have responded in a meaningfully different way to

Nate and would have been able to realistically assess the danger to Nate, a teenage boy with anxiety

over peer relationships, of having to internalize cyberbullying and Latin’s deeply dismissive

reaction to his cyberbullying report.

377. Upon information and belief, the therapist/counselor also would have been able to

encourage Nate to share more, including disclosure of the KYS message to a therapist/counselor

and not just to a teenage friend who was ill-equipped to address such a message, particularly as to

Nate.

XXV. Latin Did Not Enforce Its Own Handbook

378. Latin parents were required to sign an enrollment contract and agree to support the

rules, policies and regulations of the school as described in Latin’s 2021-2022 Student/Family

Handbook (the “Handbook”). (Exhibits C-D.)

84
 379. The Handbook provides, in part, that “Latin will be an inclusive, welcoming and

supportive school for all students . . . and will strengthen support for new students . . .” (Exhibit
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

D at 8 (emphasis added).)

380. Latin’s Handbook identifies “major rules of the school [that] reflect Latin’s values

of excellence, community and integrity.” (Id. at 4.)

381. One of the major rules is titled “Harassment, Bullying and Cyberbullying” and

states, in part:

For the wellbeing of every member of the school community, Latin

seeks to build a climate of respect, trust, integrity and growth. When
anyone in the community is uncivil, disrespectful, disruptive or
guilty of harassment, bullying or cyberbullying, the whole
community is diminished. Such behaviors seriously compromise the
ethical and educational quality of life at Latin, and we treat these
violations very seriously.

(Id. at 4.)

382. Another major rule is titled “Off-Campus, Vacation and Out-of-School Behavior”

(the “General Off-Campus Behavior Policy”), which states, in part, that:

[A] student who engages in serious misconduct away from school

– including but not limited to conduct that is illegal or would be
illegal if committed by an adult; conduct that endangers the safety
or well-being of . . . other persons . . .; or conduct which brings
disgrace to the Latin community – has violated a major rule of
the school and is subject to disciplinary action.

Id. (emphasis added).

383. The Latin Upper School “Student Conduct” section of the Handbook reiterates this

point and explicitly states: “Any student behavior, on or off campus, which falls outside of

[Latin’s guiding principles] or that violates school values in a way that reflects poorly on the Latin

School community, can result in disciplinary action.” (Id. at 83 (emphasis added).)

85
 384. The Student Conduct section also addresses “Harassment, Bullying, Cyberbulling

and Hate Speech,” and provides:

FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Harassment
***
Harassment is any behavior that has the intention or effect of
harming or intimidating others, of creating a hostile or offensive
environment, or of interfering with another’s school or work
performance. It can take many forms – verbal, written (including
postings of text, photos or video on the Internet), visual, physical,
psychological . . .

Bullying
Bullying is a form of harassment and will not be tolerated at Latin.
It is generally defined as aggressive behavior by an individual or
group that may be repeated over time and has the intention or effect
of harming others. Bullying usually occurs when there is an
imbalance of power and can take many forms including, but not
limited to, actions such as physical violence, intimidation, teasing
and name calling and social exclusion.

Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is also a form of harassment and is defined as cruelty
to others by sending or posting harmful material using the Internet,
cell phones or other digital media. It differs from the more
traditional forms of bullying in that it can occur at any time and
its messages and images can be distributed quickly to a wide
audience. . . .

Hate Speech
Latin prides itself on celebrating and respecting the racial, ethnic,
social, cultural and religious differences that are represented in its
community. Speech that divides the upper school student body runs
counter to our guiding principles and the mission of our school.
Therefore, hate speech of any kind is expressly prohibited.

(Id. at 86-87 (emphasis added).)

385. In addition to agreeing to comply with the Handbook and its stated rules, policies

and regulations, students would, from time to time, hear from Latin faculty about the anti-bullying

and harassment provisions in the Handbook. For example, on or around October 1, 2021, Latin’s

Upper School Dean, Joe Edwards, addressed in The Forum, Latin’s student newspaper, a recent

86
 United States Supreme Court decision suggesting that “serious or severe bullying or harassment

targeting particular individuals” is one circumstance that could permit a public school to regulate
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

a student’s off-campus speech, Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. by and through Levy, 141

S.Ct. 2038, 2045 (2021). The article quoted Mr. Edwards as follows:

“[The] Handbook states that any student behavior, on or off

campus, which falls outside of the school’s guiding principles can
result in disciplinary action. We take any report of troubling
behaviors very seriously and evaluate the impact that a student or
students’ words and actions (in-person or online) have had on
individual students and/or the school community.
...
My sense is that Latin’s policies already align with the Supreme
Court’s [Mahanoy] ruling. That is, students have significant
latitude in posting things that are critical of the school, and there
exist many examples of those.”

The article continues:

“However, Mr. Edwards mentioned how free speech protections

stop when either in-person or online speech includes
harassment, bullying, cyberbulling [sic], hate speech, sexual
misconduct, sexual harassment, or a bias incident.
...
[quoting Mr. Edwards] ‘Speech originating off-campus does not
change the impact of or the seriousness with which we take those
behaviors as significantly disruptive to the well-being of
individuals and the community.’”

(Exhibit S, “Forum Mahanoy Article” (emphasis added).)

386. The name calling, swearing and relentless group interrogation in the “fuck you”

group chat constituted harassment, bullying and cyberbullying, and violated Latin’s stated major

school rules. The behavior of participants in the group chat was aggressive and had the effect of

harming Nate. The “fuck you” group chat reflected intimidation, name calling and social

exclusion.

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 387. All versions of the Snapchat Post constituted harassment, bullying and

cyberbullying, and violated Latin’s stated major school rules. The posts were cruel and mocking,
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and certain to get back to Nate,58 including because the messages and images could be (and were)

distributed quickly to a wide audience.

388. The sending of a KYS message, constituted harassment, bullying and

cyberbullying, and violated Latin’s stated major school rules. Such a message is aggressive and

cruel, and it has the effect of harming Nate.

389. Each of these violations of Latin’s stated major school rules impacted and

endangered the well-being of Nate, brought disgrace to the Latin community and should have

subjected participants to varying degrees of disciplinary action by the school.

390. However, despite having stated rules, policies and regulations set out in the

Handbook relating to bullying and harassment, Latin does not actually enforce these rules, policies,

and regulations with respect to its staff or students and/or it only does so selectively.

391. Despite having stated rules, policies and regulations set out in the Handbook

relating to bullying and harassment, Latin also does not have any mechanisms in place to ensure

compliance with these rules, policies, and regulations.

XXVI. The Bronsteins Engaged With, and Observed, Nate During Winter Break, but Lacked
Information (Withheld by Latin) Critical to Nate’s Safety

392. By winter break, Nate, who funneled and directed all of his frustration and

unhappiness with his experience at Latin at his parents, was improved in his behavior toward his

parents in that his rage had dissipated, although he remained reactive and negative in his tone.

58
As stated in the Handbook, “anything you share within social media, even within a closed
network, is not private. It can and will be shared, stored and spread globally.” (Exhibit D at 9.)
88
 393. Nate also continued to express blame and negativity at his parents for sending him

to Latin. This confused the Bronsteins because they believed the issue should have been resolved
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with Nate’s imminent return to Parker.

394. The family went to Florida over the winter break and Nate engaged in a manner

that the Bronsteins believed was typical of a teenage boy – focused on electronics instead of being

on the beach with his family.

395. However, Nate was withdrawn enough that Mrs. Bronstein asked a friend to fly

down so that the trip would be fun for Nate. Nate appeared to have fun with his friend, but the

Bronsteins now know, too late, that Nate continued to research suicide during this time.

396. During this time, Nate was apparently connected to some of the Hoop Dreams

group chats. One version of the main team chat shows Nate being removed again on December

29, 2021. Also, Nate researched how to leave a group chat on January 2, 2022, and appears to have

remained part of a Latin JV basketball team group chat with Coach Dustin as of January 3, 2022.

397. Once the family was back from Florida, Nate started a job working for, but not

with, Mr. Bronstein.59 Mr. Bronstein’s employees reported that Nate worked hard and was

respectful on the job.

398. In addition to the job, Nate continued to attend counseling.

399. The Bronsteins never told any outside counselor about the cyberbullying or

Hennessy’s handling of Nate’s report of cyberbullying because they were never told by Latin, and

otherwise never knew, about them.

59
Students at Latin and Parker returned to classes in early January, however, while Latin was
starting a new semester, Parker was finishing the first semester and would not commence the
second semester until January 24, 2022. As a result, Nate had not yet returned to Parker for school,
and had a window of a few weeks where other students would be in school and he would not. The
Bronsteins wanted Nate to stay busy and doing something during this time.
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 400. If the Bronsteins knew about the cyberbullying, Nate’s report to Hennessy, and

Latin’s gross mishandling of the report, they would have, among other things:
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a. advocated for Nate, including against Hennessy’s efforts to minimize and turn
Nate’s cyberbullying report against him;

b. understood that something much bigger was going on – i.e., cyberbullying as well
as rejection and invalidation by Latin as to Nate’s feelings about the experience that
necessarily impacted Nate’s mood and dynamic at home – when the Bronsteins
otherwise believed things should be improving and Nate should be moving on from
his anger about Latin because he was returning to Parker. The Bronsteins would
have realized there was a critical and horrible end to Nate’s “Latin experience” over
which he expressed and directed so much negativity toward his parents, and
would have adapted their support to Nate as a result;

c. communicated with Nate not to minimize the experiences with his peers and instead
to fully address the issue with his counselors; and

d. communicated with Nate’s counselors, who have the expertise to have (1) drawn
out the fuller picture of Nate’s cyberbullying experience, including the KYS
message, and (2) explored, assessed and helped Nate with: (i) his true feelings about
the circumstances of the W Post and the experience of the “fuck you” text chain
and the Snapchat posts, and (ii) the impact of having the adults in the room at Latin
fail to provide much needed support and fail to take action against the bullies,
instead suggesting to Nate that those students did nothing wrong and blaming Nate
for his own victimization.

401. Latin failed to notify the Bronsteins of critical information because Hennessy, Von

Ogden and the Latin Defendants just did not want to have to deal with the Bronsteins or Nate, who

were soon to be gone from Latin anyway.

402. Nate then left Latin with the weight of the group cyberbullying messages (that he

was hated and should die) pressing down on him, and the added weight that Latin did not care and

would not do anything about it.

403. On January 12, 2022, just one day before Nate’s death, Hennessy was in

communication with Mrs. Bronstein about S.B. During this communication Hennessy took it upon

herself to affirmatively lie to Mrs. Bronstein, when as part of her “evidence” for S.B’s own

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 bullying situation being unique and not the fault of Latin, Hennessy stated falsely: “I have not been

made aware of any similar reports at Latin, but, of course, we do not know much of what goes on
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

in private social circles.”

404. Hennessy, of course, was aware of many other similar reports at Latin and, in

particular, she was aware of the group cyberbullying that Nate had reported directly to her just a

few weeks prior, and that Latin had intentionally withheld this information from the Bronsteins

(and was continuing to do so) despite layers of legal duty to report it to Nate’s parents.

405. From the time Nate reported directly to Hennessy through January 13, 2022, Nate’s

cyberbullying experience, including from posts after Nate reported the cyberbullying to Latin,

continued to detrimentally weigh on and impact him. He bore that weight alone.

406. On January 13, 2022, Nate engaged in a seemingly normal manner, including

joking with friends, communicating with family, attending a math tutoring session, attending a

Compass session during which Nate reflected he that he was relatively calm and emotionally under

control although still blaming his parents for the Latin experience, planning a trip with a friend

(Mrs. Bronstein was buying the plane ticket that evening), and playing video games with friends

right before he went into the bathroom and hung himself.

407. Mr. Bronstein found Nate unresponsive and hanging from the shower in the

bathroom with a noose tied around his neck.

408. Mrs. Bronstein and Nate’s sisters followed soon after and rushed to save Nate.

Mr. Bronstein and Nate’s older sister performed CPR on him while waiting for the ambulance.

409. Nate was transported to the hospital by City of Chicago emergency medical

services at a cost of $300.00.

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 410. While in the hospital, Nate received various emergency drugs and emergency

services at a total cost of approximately $1158.99, which was paid by Plaintiffs’ to Blue Cross
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Blue Shield on or around February 17, 2022.

411. Later that evening, Nate was pronounced dead by suicide. He was 15 years old.

XXVII. After Nate’s Suicide Following Cyberbullying by Latin Students and Rejection by
Latin Staff, Everyone at Latin Immediately Went on the Defensive

412. On January 14, 2022, Mrs. Bronstein contacted administrators at both Parker and

Latin to share about the tragedy that had occurred and to request that no mass e-mails be sent out

to the respective communities at that time because the Bronstein family was still trying to contact

their own family members and needed some privacy as they tried to process what had happened.

413. The family was concerned that if a mass e-mail went out and people started to reach

out to them in those early days, it would have overwhelmed them.

414. The person Mrs. Bronstein reached at Latin was Knoche who, in turn, told others

such that Dunn, Greenwood (Assistant Head of School), Michael Szczepanek, (Chief Financial

Officer), and Von Ogden were also informed of Nate’s death on January 14, 2022.

415. Von Ogden then contacted Katie O’Dea, Director of Communications and Strategic

Initiatives, to direct O’Dea to engage with others to remove the Bronsteins from all contact and e-

mail lists so that they would not receive any communications from Latin.

416. O’Dea found Von Ogden’s request odd, in part, because it was not part of her

typical job duties to handle such requests and because Von Odgen did not explain why she was

asking O’Dea to take these actions.

417. O’Dea later learned that the Bronsteins were also removed from the contact list

accessible to other Latin families on RomanNet, the school’s intranet site.

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 418. O’Dea eventually learned that Nate had died by suicide from another person, likely

Greenwood, and O’Dea found it perplexing that she had not been contacted by Dunn about Nate’s
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death.

419. Dunn was not only the Head of School; he, along with O’Dea, Greenwood and

Szczepanek, made up Latin’s crisis response team. The death of a student, no matter the cause,

was a matter for the crisis response team to address.

420. O’Dea expressed her surprise to Greenwood that a meeting had not been called to

address Nate’s death. Thereafter, a conference call was scheduled for the next morning.

421. In addition to administrators at Latin coming to learn about Nate’s death, Latin

students were also starting to hear about it. Late in the evening on January 14, 2021, Student 3

reached out to other students, some of whom had also participated in the “fuck you” group chat,

to share during a FaceTime call that he had heard that Nate died by suicide.

422. Student 3 also reached out to Coach Moran the next evening (January 15) about

what he had heard about Nate’s death, that he hoped it was not true, and that he wanted the coach

to know before things start spreading around. Student 3 suggested to Coach Moran that Nate was

being bullied at Parker (though Nate had not yet returned to Parker). Student 3 also noted some JV

team members were upset about the W Post (which Coach Moran acknowledged knowing about

to Student 3), but that he believed the issue was resolved with Nate.

423. The Bronsteins do not know if Coach Moran already knew about Nate’s death when

engaging with Student 3.

424. Earlier that morning, on Saturday, January 15, 2022, Latin personnel, including

Dunn, Greenwood, Von Ogden, O’Dea, and likely Hennessy and Szczepanek participated in a

93
 conference call to discuss Nate’s death. Early in the call, O’Dea inquired as to whether bullying

was involved and was told bullying was involved.

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425. O’Dea believes that at this meeting and/or around this time, Hennessy provided

something of a high-level overview of the bullying Nate had endured, without specifics.

426. O’Dea inquired as to why Nate’s mother was not informed about the bullying, and

Von Ogden responded to the effect of, “oh Katie, if you knew this mother you would understand

why.”

427. Again, the Latin Defendants, including Kranz, Hennessy and Von Ogden, had all

decided that their self-serving assessment of Mrs. Bronstein as difficult excused them from the

duties and responsibilities of their positions and mandated by Illinois law.

428. Far from Von Ogden’s November 2021 message to the Latin community claiming

that Latin would provide “extra structure” and “extra guidance and support” to help students

handle group dynamics coming out of remote learning and the pandemic, the Latin Defendants

concluded that Nate and the Bronstein family did not deserve even a modicum of support from

Latin, even in the face of Nate reporting cyberbullying to the school.

429. O’Dea also took away from the meeting that Von Ogden and others viewed Nate

as a wrongdoer who would be done at Latin in a matter of days after reporting cyberbullying, and

that his death was ”not on Latin’s watch” because Nate no longer attended the school on the day

he died. In sum, the message from Von Ogden and others was that the Bronsteins were difficult,

Nate was no angel, Nate was a Parker student, and there was nothing at all Latin needed to do

because it was not Latin’s problem.

430. That same Saturday, a parent e-mailed representatives at Latin (including Dunn) to

request a meeting about the bullying of Nate and his death and, upon information and belief, shared

94
 some amount of detail about the “fuck you” group chat. Latin delayed engaging with this parent

for three days.

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431. Upon information and belief, in the interim, Dunn, Koo (whose child was a member

of the Hoop Dreams group chat, but did not participate actively in the “fuck you” portion of the

chat) and potentially Greenwood, Von Ogden, and Szczepanek communicated over the weekend

in a crisis response mode, while specifically excluding O’Dea who was part of the crisis response

team and would normally be part of such communications.

432. Upon information and belief, Dunn, Koo and others spent time during that three-

day weekend (January 15-17, 2022) reviewing the “fuck you” group chat and figuring out how to

explain and minimize the bullying that Nate had reported to Hennessy on December 13, 2021, and

which included significant number of students, some of whom have parents who were connected

with the school and/or were members of the Board.

433. Also, over that long weekend, Latin families were coming to learn about Nate’s

death. Students were sharing what they knew and/or had heard about Nate’s death, while parents

were learning about the “fuck you” group chat and/or the various Snapchat Posts to the extent they

did not already know about these things. One parent who knew about the “fuck you” group chat

declared to another, there’s going to be a lawsuit.

XXVIII. Participants on the Hoop Dreams Group Chat Addressed Nate’s Death

434. By the time students were back in school on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, there was

significant chatter among the student population regarding Nate’s death and the cyberbullying he

had endured at Latin.

435. That morning, communication on the Hoop Dreams group chat started with one

student suggesting that they all go back and reread the (“fuck you”) chat, and acknowledging that

95
 the group chat went too far, and that the way they were cursing at Nate and ganging up on him

was sad. (Exhibit T (filed under seal).)

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436. This student also shared this is something they can all learn from, and another

student agreed adding that he re-read the chat and assumed Nate’s suicide was on them and started

to struggle with that thought, but shared that it was likely that there was more stuff going on. (Id.)

437. The realization that a teammate had died by suicide following the “fuck you” group

chat was hitting these students hard and they were looking for ways to cope, including by assuming

something else was going on with Nate and talking about the group chat as a “joke” that Nate

somehow did not take right, similar to Student 10’s view of his December 13, 2021 post directed

at Nate. (Id.)

438. The students’ coping is understandable – having to consider their own actions

and/or inaction when it came to the cyberbullying Nate endured and accepting that their conduct

played a part in Nate’s emotional distress, would be a heavy weight to bear.

439. The students were processing that bullying, being mean to, and ganging up on a

person can have severe and terrible consequences, making it important to consider the potential

impact of conduct regardless of whether they define it as bullying or otherwise believe they are

justified in the moment, especially when the person’s resilience and circumstances are not known.

440. This was a lesson these students could have and should have been taught before

Nate’s death, and certainly at the point of the report to Coach Moran and Nate’s cyberbullying

report to Hennessy.

441. When that did not happen, and these students were left to process Nate’s suicide

instead of a cyberbullying lesson, it complicated the ability of some of these students to see and

accept how their actions were wrong and violated major school rules.

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 442. Nate’s suicide should not have prevented the cyberbullying lesson or potential

discipline, but it did change how the lesson needed to be taught and what these students needed to
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be told, including that the “more stuff” going on for Nate was that the Latin Defendants had

knowingly and intentionally failed Nate by: (a) not having a safety plan in place for Nate, (b) not

ensuring communication with Nate’s outside counselors, (b) not notifying Nate’s parents of the

cyberbullying report, (c) not investigating Nate’s cyberbullying report, (d) re-characterizing Nate’s

cyberbullying report identifying multiple students (and the JV team group chat) as a social media

incident with only one other student, which Nate brought on himself, and (e) leaving Nate to bear

the burden of his distress over the cyberbullying alone.

443. The students did not know that it was the Latin Defendants’ failures that served to

exacerbate the weight and impact of the cyberbullying on Nate instead of showing support for Nate

by taking his cyberbullying report seriously and taking even the minimally appropriate step of

notifying his parents to ensure Nate would get the help and support he needed following the

cyberbullying.

444. While this lack of knowledge on the part of these students in no way excuses the

bullying behavior many students engaged in or the fact that they should have been disciplined for

their conduct, it does help to explain why Latin – to the dismay and confusion of many other

students at the school – broadcast the message that no one did anything wrong, instead of, in a fair

and appropriate way: (a) disciplining students for conduct in violation of major rules of the school,

and (b) taking responsibility for the Latin Defendants’ blatant disregard for the mandates of Illinois

law and their duties to take steps to ensure Nate’s safety and well-being.

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 XXIX. A Parent Reported The “Fuck You” Group Chat – The Third Official Report of the
Chat to Latin Personnel
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445. On Tuesday, January 18, 2022, the parent who had emailed the school the prior

Saturday met with four Latin administrators – Dunn, Von Ogden, and Hennessy, as well as Dean

Joe Edwards – to discuss the culture and recent history of bullying at Latin, specifically including

the bullying of Nate, and specifically the fact that Latin had not taken prior action to address this

conduct.

446. The parent provided Latin with, at least, portions of the “fuck you” group chat.

Upon information and belief, nothing this parent shared with Dunn, Von Ogden, and Hennessy

was new to them, nor triggered any action by Latin to this additional reporting of the “fuck you”

group chat.

447. O’Dea learned about the “fuck you” group chat for the first time during a meeting

later that day, which included Dunn and Greenwood. O’Dea viewed the “fuck you” group chat to

be bullying and noted the prominence and/or position of some of the parents whose children

participated or were identified on the chat.

448. Whether at this meeting or another, O’Dea recalls Von Ogden defending the group

chat stating that it was not complete, it was cut off and this is just what kids do.

449. O’Dea viewed the situation as serious, but Dunn, Greenwood, and Von Ogden did

not react in the same way, so O’Dea, who is a communications professional and not a trained

expert engaging with high school students, waited for direction from the people O’Dea understood

to know more about, and to be responsible for handling, the situation.

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 XXX. A Student Reported the KYS Message to Hennessy

450. Following Nate’s death, his friend shared with other Latin students about the KYS
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(kill yourself) message that Nate had showed his friend prior to his death, stating that Student 8

sent the message.

451. Nate’s friend also reported the KYS message to Hennessy.

452. On January 18, 2022, Kranz and Knoche addressed the student body at an

assembly-like meeting. During this meeting, Nate’s name was never stated, and the message

presented was that no one did anything wrong and that students should talk to the counselors if

they have anything to share or discuss.

453. On or before January 19, 2022, Knoche wrote an e-mail to, and/or following up on,

the boys JV basketball team, and she encouraged them to reach out to Kranz or herself.

454. After receiving the Knoche e-mail, Student 8 met with Kranz and shared that he

had heard others saying that he had sent a KYS message to Nate. Student 8 denied sending such a

message to Nate and told Kranz he was upset about, and confused by, students saying he sent it.

455. The Latin Defendants have never acknowledged anything about the KYS message

to the Bronsteins.

456. Latin never initiated notice to any other parents related to Nate’s friend’s report of

the KYS message to Hennessy, or Student 8’s communications to Kranz.

457. The Latin Defendants have never investigated the allegation/report of the KYS

message or the claim that it is rumor as required by the Anti-Bullying Law.

458. At some point following and/or around the time of these communications related

to the KYS message, O’Dea was in a meeting with Dunn, Greenwood, Von Ogden and Kranz.

99
 O’Dea, in her role as the Director of Communications, sought clarity on all aspects of the bullying

of Nate.
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459. In response to O’Dea’s inquiry, Kranz disclosed the KYS message. Von Ogden

immediately and adamantly responded that there was no documentary proof of the message,

implying that without visual evidence of this reported Snapchat message, it was not an issue that

Latin needed to address in any way and not something for O’Dea to consider.

460. The Latin Defendants knew that Nate’s friend reported to Hennessy about the KYS

message, and that the same student accused of sending the KYS message participated in the “fuck

you” group chat Nate reported to Hennessy.

461. The Latin Defendants also knew that Snapchat is used by teenagers, in part, because

the messages disappear, and therefore the lack of documentary proof was not a legitimate basis for

disregarding the report of the KYS message.

462. It was not, however, in the Latin Defendant’s interest to even acknowledge the

report of the KYS message, but instead impliedly, by its lack of action, to treat the report as false

rumor.

463. As a result, the Latin Defendants, acting in their own self-interest and again

avoiding the requirements of Illinois’ Anti-Bullying Law, left the matter of the KYS message to

swirl among its student population to the detriment of all students involved.

464. The Bronsteins came to learn about the KYS message through friends of Nate. The

reporting friend remembered the message shown by Nate because it was shocking, i.e., “holy shit

wtf,” shared seeing it with multiple other students, and reported the KYS message to Latin

(Hennessy). The Bronsteins believe Nate’s friend.

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 465. Upon information and belief, Nate’s friend was directly or indirectly rejected by

Hennessy in the process of reporting the KYS message, similar to Nate reporting cyberbullying to
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Hennessy and having it turned against him.

XXXI. Dunn Sends the Mass E-mail the Bronsteins Asked Him Not to Send, and Blames
Them for Latin’s Inability to Meet the Needs of Its Students

466. On January 20, 2022, one week after Nate’s death, Dunn – without engaging in any

communication with the Bronsteins and without even having offered condolences to them – sent

a mass e-mail regarding Nate’s death to all Upper School Families stating, among other things:

For those who may not be yet aware, I wanted to share that the Latin
community has recently experienced a tragedy. Understandably, the
impacted family has asked that the school not make any type of
formal/public announcement so I can not share more in writing. However,
I felt it was important to acknowledge it so that you understand what your
student may be hearing about at school and dealing with emotionally.

I realize how cryptic this note sounds and please forgive me. Over the past
few days it has been extremely challenging to respond fully and openly to
the needs of our students and families with a limited ability to communicate.
...

(Exhibit U.)

467. After effectively blaming the Bronsteins for Latin’s inability to handle the

emotional needs of its students, when, in fact, the school’s desperate need to cover up failure after

failure in handling Nate’s cyberbullying report was the driving force behind Latin’s actions, Dunn

directed students to reach out to counselors and parents to reach out to Von Ogden.

468. That evening, the Bronsteins received a copy of Dunn’s e-mail and Mr. Bronstein

contacted Koo because he did not have Dunn’s e-mail address. Mr. Bronstein noted that his family

appreciated that Latin wanted to provide support, but they were in disbelief that Latin did not reach

out to the Bronsteins first to solicit their input and permission, or “even extend condolences on

behalf of the school.”

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 469. Mr. Bronstein specifically pointed out Dunn’s language about being “cryptic”

making it sound like the Bronsteins had something to hide, and his feeling that the “note is
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disrespectful to our wishes and is very hurtful.”

470. Mr. Bronstein also noted:

Further, considering the utter lack of community and incredibly unpleasant

experience that both of our children experienced at Latin, it is
unconscionable that Latin now has the temerity to charge our family for
Nate and [S.B.]’s tuition for the latter half of the year. I ask that you show
the decency to promptly refund these charges.

471. At the time of this request, Mr. Bronstein only knew that his children had a terrible

experience at Latin. Mr. Bronstein did not yet know that Nate was cyberbullied by Latin students,

Nate reported cyberbullying, or that Latin had denied the Bronsteins the chance to save their son

from the weight he was bearing alone after Latin effectively told Nate he wasn’t worth helping.

472. For his part, Koo did not mention the cyberbullying or Nate’s report to Hennessy –

which he had known about by January 20, 2022. Instead, Koo offered perfunctory condolences

and Dunn’s e-mail address.

473. On January 21-22, 2022, Mr. Bronstein engaged in e-mail communications with

Dunn to discuss Nate’s suicide and Latin’s public response to it. Dunn also expressed perfunctory

condolences to Mr. Bronstein, and they set a time to talk the following Monday.

474. At this same time, parents of Latin basketball players were upset about COVID

testing and mask requirements. One parent noted the school’s focus on COVID while Latin

ignored a suicide noting that it was not important to these school officials. Other parents

expressed concerns directly to Dunn about the school’s failure to handle mental health concerns

of students with consideration to a student suicide.

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 475. On or about January 24, 2022, Mr. Bronstein and Dunn had a telephone

conversation lasting approximately ten minutes. Dunn made no mention of the cyberbullying,
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Nate’s report to Hennessy, or the Latin Defendants’ utter disregard for Nate’s safety and well-

being, or the fact that Dunn and others had spent several days in crisis meetings conspiring to

conceal all of this information.

476. During the call with Mr. Bronstein, Dunn offered, unprompted, that the junior

varsity basketball game had been cancelled due to COVID concerns. This was a lie because, in

fact, the game was cancelled due to the extreme toxicity between Latin and Parker, whose students

were aware of the cyberbullying of Nate at Latin. At that time, Mr. Bronstein did not know why

Dunn offered this information, but he had no reason to doubt what Dunn told him.

477. On January 25, 2022, a different reason for the cancellation of the JV and freshman

basketball games were shared with the teams:

Out of respect for the loss that both the Latin and Parker communities are
experiencing, we are writing to inform you that together with the Parker
administration we have decided to pause and not play the previously
scheduled Freshman & US Boys JV games for this coming Thursday,
January 27th. Although both schools are working to move forward, the
decision has been made that now is not the time to play these contests.

478. While couched as respect for Nate’s loss, Dunn knew the issue was blame and anger

directed by Parker students at the Latin team for the cyberbullying of Nate that certain of the Latin

team participated in. At this time, Dunn and the Latin Defendants could have revealed their own

and significant conduct in failing Nate, but instead left the minor students on the JV basketball

team to bear this blame alone.

479. What the parents of the JV basketball players – who were not informed about

Latin’s treatment of Nate or its strategies for avoiding responsibility for Nate’s death, but who

could see Latin was not supporting their children – did not realize is that it was preferrable for the

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 Latin Defendants to have blame directed at Latin students over Latin’s administration and

personnel, regardless of the consequences to those students.

FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

XXXII. No Later Than January 18, 2022, the Latin Defendants, Greenwood, and Koo Were
All in to Protect Latin at the Expense of the Bronsteins

480. By no later than January 18, 2022, the Latin Defendants, Greenwood, and Koo had

prior knowledge: (i) of the specific bullying and harassment that had been directed at Nate,

(ii) that Nate had requested help from administrators at Latin as recently as mid-December 2021,

(iii) the identities of specific students who had engaged in cyberbullying, (iv) that Latin had refused

to inform Nate’s parents or any of the parents of the students who had participated in bullying and

other misconduct,60 (v) that no disciplinary action or other consequences had been imposed by

Latin with respect to those students, and that no consequences would be imposed, (vi) of the failure

of Latin to adhere to its own policies and the Anti-Bullying Law, and (vii) that Nate had died by

suicide days earlier.

481. The Latin Defendants, Greenwood, and Koo, acting in concert, agreed to conceal,

conspired to conceal and concealed all of the above information from law enforcement authorities,

from the full Latin Board, from other constituents of Latin and, most importantly, from Nate’s

family.

XXXIII. Despite Latin’s Best Efforts to Withhold Information, the Bronsteins Discovered
the Cyberbullying.

482. From the time of Nate’s death on January 13, 2022 through the early afternoon of

January 27, 2022, the Bronsteins were fraught with despair and deep unimaginable pain trying to

60
Student 1’s parent was not informed of any bullying or even sent the Snapchat Post with her
son’s face. Instead, Hennessy minimized the events to this parent, who was told in vague terms
about a social media incident that was resolved.
104
 make any possible sense of their son’s death. While nothing could take their despair and pain away,

the Bronsteins started to uncover what drove their son to suicide.

FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

483. To start, two parents whose children were friends with Nate, and struggling with

their own grief, were starting to hear about the cyberbullying and the names of students involved.

Those parents contacted Mrs. Bronstein and shared what they had heard about a text chain and

Snapchat posts, and that Nate had complained to a teacher about it. The parents also told

Mrs. Bronstein to speak directly with the mother of Student 2 because she knew everything.

484. Mrs. Bronstein did not know the parent of Student 2, but she called her, and the

parent asked to visit in person.

485. Mrs. Bronstein next called Mr. Bronstein to come home.

486. While waiting, Mrs. Bronstein e-mailed Dunn at 12:19 p.m.:

Mr. Dunn,
I am just finding out that our son Nate was being targeted while he was at school.
- Snapchat created which said “Fuck Bronstein” and a meme or video, might
involve Latin [sic] and Parker logo (dont know date)
- JV Basketball group text chain where [Student 8] singled Nate out repeatedly
on a school group text thread (don’t know date) I have been given three names
so far:
Student 8
Student 1
Student 23

I am demanding that we get copies of these group texts, chats, memes and whatever
else circulated. And, I am demanding an in-person meeting with myself, my
husband Rob, these 3 boys and their parents today.

487. Mrs. Bronstein also called Dunn, but he did not answer.

488. Mrs. Bronstein then called another number and demanded to speak to Von Ogden,

reiterating what Mrs. Bronstein had just learned, including that Nate had complained to a teacher

about a text message.

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 489. Von Ogden did not correct or contradict Mrs. Bronstein, nor disclose that Nate had

reported cyberbullying in an official manner to Hennessy (a dean), via e-mail and including a copy
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

of the Widespread Snapchat Post.

490. When Mrs. Bronstein asked why they were not notified after Nate complained to a

teacher about the text chain, Von Ogden provided a convoluted explanation about students needing

to advocate for themselves, and that respecting confidentiality between a student and counselor

was like that between a parent and counselor. Von Ogden’s response was confusing to the

Bronsteins and sounded coached.

491. During this call with Von Ogden, Mrs. Bronstein requested an urgent meeting with

the school.

492. Von Ogden, who did not try or could not muster an ounce of compassion for the

Bronsteins, who had just learned their dead son was cyberbullied under her watch (which Von

Ogden, of course, already knew), told Mrs. Bronstein that everyone was busy and they did not

have time for any meeting with the Bronsteins that day.

493. Understandably, Von Ogden’s response further upset and angered Mrs. Bronstein.

Mr. Bronstein, who had come home and overheard part of the call, then took the phone and told

Von Ogden to make time because they were coming in.

494. Following this call, the mother of Student 2 arrived at the Bronstein home and

provided more detail as to information the other two parents had shared, including providing

printouts of portions of the “fuck you” group chat and later texting Mrs. Bronstein a version of the

Snapchat Post.

495. The parent also told the Bronsteins that during the fall semester, Sanchez (the math

teacher) accosted Nate in front of the entire class in response to Nate’s comment about

106
 mathematical proofs and Sanchez ultimately announced to the class that Nate “was going nowhere

in life.”
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

496. The parent also shared that she had reported the bullying and Mr. Sanchez’s

beratement of Nate to the school on January 18, 2022.

XXXIV. The Bronsteins Met With Dunn and Greenwood and Their Silence

497. Dunn e-mailed the Bronsteins and set a meeting to take place at 3:30 p.m. on

January 27, 2022 at the Lower School in Greenwood’s office. This choice of location was

intentional, with the purpose of keeping the Bronsteins from the Upper School, its students, and

its personnel.

498. Dunn and Greenwood attended the meeting with the Bronsteins on January 27.

Greenwood, wearing a mask, kept her eyes on the floor and did not meaningfully participate in the

meeting.

499. Dunn often remained silent when presented with questions from the Bronsteins,

including why the Bronsteins were not notified when Nate complained to a teacher, and why Latin

had such a toxic and bullying environment.

500. Dunn, addressing the Bronsteins vacantly and robotically, repeatedly stated that

“there is a process” to avoid having to answer the Bronsteins’ questions. Dunn also tried to garner

sympathy for the cyberbullies and made empty, and deeply disregarding and insensitive, comments

to the Bronsteins, whose child had just died, about how they (the Bronsteins) needed to understand

that the community is traumatized and needed to heal.

501. Dunn initially did not answer when Mr. Bronstein asked why Dunn went out of his

way to lie about the cancellation of the JV basketball game for COVID, but eventually Dunn

admitted that he had lied and that the game was cancelled due to the toxicity between Parker and

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 Latin as a result of Nate’s death. Dunn shared that the varsity basketball game would still be

played.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

502. When Mr. Bronstein asked Dunn whose advice he had sought regarding Latin’s

(deplorable) handling of the matter, specifically inquiring about attorneys and the Board, Dunn

indicated he had spoken only with the Chair of Latin’s Board – Koo.

503. The Bronsteins demanded action in the form of discipline of the students who

participated in the bullying, firing the JV basketball coach, and preventing all students who

participated in the bullying from playing in games, at least until such time as the discipline would

be meted out.

504. During this meeting Dunn offered no information and he did nothing to correct any

misunderstandings regarding Nate’s report of cyberbullying. Importantly, Dunn never identified

the extent of the failures of the school in handling Nate’s report of cyberbullying to Hennessy, of

which he was aware.

505. Dunn did suggest, falsely, to the Bronsteins that the school was engaged in some

sort of “fact finding” effort and that parents of students involved in the bullying would be

contacted.

506. In a state of a shock as to what they had come to realize that day about Latin’s

complete and utter disregard for their son, and what appeared to be a concerted effort involving at

least Dunn and Koo to make sure the Bronsteins never found out about it, Mr. Bronstein demanded

an update by the next afternoon on any “fact finding” and punishment relating to the cyberbullying

and actions taken in response – something the Bronsteins were entitled to before the death of their

son.

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 507. While there was still so much that the Bronsteins did not know, the realization that

Latin had ignored what, at the time, the Bronsteins understood to be Nate’s complaint to a teacher
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

or counselor regarding the “fuck you” group chat, and had otherwise tried to prevent the Bronsteins

from learning about it – devasted the Bronsteins on a new, searing level of pain and distress.

XXXV. Dunn and Von Ogden Feigned Doing Something to Address the Bullies

508. The next day, Friday, January 28, 2022, at 9:06 a.m., Hennessy e-mailed the JV

basketball team:

Dear JV basketball team:

Ms. Von Ogden and Mr. Cronsiter [sic] would like to speak with the team TODAY
during Clubs Block (9:35 am) in room 411. Please spread the word to fellow
teammates!

We will see you in 411 in just about half an hour. This gathering will be a fairly
quick meeting, and you can head to your clubs block afterward.

Thank you!
Ms. Hennessy

509. During this “quick meeting,” the attending administrators (Von Ogden) told the JV

team members that they had done nothing wrong in participating in the “fuck you” group chat and

that counselors were available to them, but that the school would be contacting parents about the

group chat.

510. One student informed his parent that they would be contacted about the group chat,

and the parent expressed concern about associating the group chat with Nate’s death. According

to the parent, Nate was screaming and crying for help and the adults failed him. It is unlikely this

parent knew how right they were and that the adults who had failed Nate – Hennessy, Kranz,

Knoche, Von Ogden, and Dunn – were the same adults allowing the blame to be pointed at their

children.

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 511. Despite Von Ogden’s messaging to the students on the JV basketball team, Latin

did not actually contact any parents on the team. This was just a show set up by Dunn and Von
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Ogden so they could look like they were doing something when they updated the Bronsteins on

their “fact finding” later that day.

512. Regarding Student 1, the one student whose parent was called in December 2021,

Dunn contacted those parents to downplay what was in fact happening with the Bronsteins – that

they were discovering the bullying that had been reported to Latin in more than one way, but that

Latin never bothered to notify the Bronsteins – and to reiterate that Latin had looked into the posts

by Nate and Student 1 and no discipline was required.

513. The next day, after Mrs. Bronstein had received a version of the Snapchat Post from

another parent, she contacted the mother of Student 1.

514. Mrs. Bronstein was extremely upset at having just learned about all that Nate had

endured in December 2021, when she should have been informed of this information by Latin

before her son was dead, so that she could have tried to save him.

515. The mother of Student 1, who had assumed that the Bronsteins were also contacted

in December 2021, was confused during the call and by the version of the Snapchat Post

Mrs. Bronstein had sent to her because it was different than what had been explained to her back

in December. Given the circumstances, the mother of Student 1 did not engage significantly on

the call except to offer condolences.

516. The parents of Student 1 then contacted Dunn and offered to have a discussion with

the Bronsteins facilitated by the school.

517. Dunn knew that Mrs. Bronstein had requested such a meeting the day before, but

Dunn ignored the requests of both sets of parents.

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 XXXVI. The Bronsteins Met With Dunn and Von Ogden, but Dunn Does Not Mention the
Offer Made by Student 1’s Parents to Meet
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518. On January 28, 2022 at 4:00 p.m., Dunn and Von Ogden met with the Bronsteins.

The Bronsteins went to the meeting deeply skeptical, but still hoping for action from Latin in

investigating the cyberbullying and taking appropriate action, and Latin learning from its failures.

519. Dunn opened the meeting by declaring that he had made good on his promise and

he had progress to report:

 All parents of students who participated in the texts, etc have either been
contacted or are in the process of being contacted, appropriate disciplinary
action will be taken

 Latin has evaluated its current resources to support traumatized and grieving
students and feels confident they are handling this appropriately

520. When asked for a timeframe to address notification of parents and disciplinary

action, Dunn claimed he could not commit to a timeframe, but he assured the Bronsteins he was

on it.

521. Mr. Bronstein stressed that he and Mrs. Bronstein wanted full accountability and

commitment and a plan to ensure this never happens again, which necessarily required Latin to

acknowledge and reflect on the failures of its staff.

522. Mr. Bronstein noted that it is one thing to punish 15-year olds, but it is more

important that the school take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge and learn from its failures.

523. These comments by Mr. Bronstein caused Dunn, and Von Ogden in particular, to

go into a defensive mode. Von Ogden claimed that Nate asked that his complaint not be shared

with his parents and noted that it is Latin’s position that students advocate for themselves

(apparently even when facing a cyberbullying attack and notwithstanding Illinois law). Even with

the limited information they had about Nate’s complaint to a teacher (and at this point believing

111
 Hennessy might be a counselor), the Bronsteins knew that Von Ogden’s comments were

outrageous and deeply concerning.

FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

524. Mrs. Bronstein told Von Ogden cyberbullying is something parents need to be

informed about, not something students should have to advocate for themselves about, which were

points Von Ogden already understood after years in education. As Mrs. Bronstein noted, bullying

is not like getting a poor math grade, but a serious situation and notice would have helped the

Bronsteins understand Nate’s angry, frustrated behavior at home and could have allowed them to

help him.

525. Mr. Bronstein added that the school may have had a legal obligation to report to the

cyberbullying to the Bronsteins. Dunn and Von Ogden avoided response, but they knew this was

true.

526. During this meeting, Von Ogden brushed off Mrs. Bronstein’s inquiry about

whether and what Von Ogden had done to follow up with Sanchez (the geometry teacher) the prior

fall, which was more critical to understand now that the Bronsteins had just been informed of

Sanchez’s abusive actions toward Nate during class. Von Ogden avoided responding claiming she

needed to look at her notes.

527. The Bronsteins also raised the school’s failure to act upon Mrs. Bronstein’s many

communications with Latin regarding the treatment of Nate and S.B. by other students at the

school. After Mrs. Bronstein raised a specific instance from a few weeks prior where she had made

an inquiry to Von Ogden about S.B., Von Ogden defended herself by suggesting that no response

to Mrs. Bronstein was necessary because S.B. was ultimately leaving Latin at some point.

Outraged again, Mr. Bronstein stated that the school could not dismiss the concerns of a student

112
 on the grounds they might soon leave the school. Dunn and Von Ogden avoided any response,

appearing stumped.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

528. Despite the frustrating and excuse-riddled responses from Dunn and Von Ogden,

the Bronsteins expressed that they were seeking accountability and improvement of the school,

which would require an outside investigation and involvement of the full Latin Board given that

the staff were compromised and conflicted. As Dunn had revealed the day before, he had only

involved the Board Chair, Koo, who was also compromised and conflicted given that his son was

a silent witness to the bullying.

529. Dunn reacted by welcoming such an inquiry because Latin, according to Dunn, had

nothing to hide.

530. Mr. Bronstein made clear that if litigation was the only option the Bronsteins would

go that route, but that they hoped Latin would do the right thing.

531. Mr. Bronstein offered to have another meeting that needed to include representation

from the Board where a serious plan to investigate the cyberbullying and failures of the Latin staff

would need to be presented. Mr. Bronstein further expressed his surprise that the Board was not

already involved beyond Koo alone considering the obvious conflicts of staff and the very real risk

of financial and reputation exposure.

532. Dunn never mentioned that the parents of Student 1 offered to meet with the

Bronsteins for a discussion to be facilitated by Latin – not during this meeting or at any time

thereafter.

533. Dunn knew that the Bronsteins wanted to meet with Student 1’s parents.

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 534. Dunn also knew that such meeting would have quickly provided the Bronsteins

information that would have revealed Latin’s wrongdoing and would have prompted many
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questions that the school never wanted to have to answer.

XXXVII. Latin Feigned Efforts at Resolution With the Bronsteins

535. On January 30, 2022, Dunn e-mailed Mr. Bronstein by talking vaguely and in

circles about accountability and change while stating that first the community needs to heal. Dunn

made no mention of Board involvement, investigation into the cyberbullying, Latin’s response to

it, or any serious plan to investigate.

536. Having heard nothing but empty fluff from Latin’s Head of School, but not yet

realizing how much Latin needed to hide and bury its conduct, the Bronsteins obtained counsel,

Todd Flood (Flood Law), who wrote Dunn on February 3, 2022, copying the Board, and sharing

what the Bronsteins had learned in the prior week. Attorney Flood pressed that Latin needed to act

quickly to avoid a lawsuit. (Exhibit V.)

537. Attorney Flood also wrote letters to the parents of students, including those students

on the JV basketball team, asking them to preserve documents and electronic data and noting if

their child may have participated in the bullying of Nate.

538. Latin also started to communicate through counsel around this time, predominantly

through Paul Lannon of Holland & Knight.

539. One request made through counsel was for Student 1 to be benched for the Latin-

Parker game that was eventually played on February 23, 2022 pending the “fact finding” Latin

claimed to be doing. Attorney Lannon suggested this was a reasonable request and, upon

information and belief, he relayed the request to Dunn.

114
 540. Dunn, however, could not bench Student 1 pending a “fact finding” because there

was no ongoing “fact finding” or investigation effort actually happening, and to explain or suggest
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as much to Student 1’s parents would be confusing to them because they believed the matter was

resolved in December 2021. Also, Dunn had reiterated to them in late January 2022 that there

would be no discipline of their son.

541. Upon information and belief, Dunn’s plan instead was to see if he could scare the

parents into pulling their own son from the game by claiming Latin had concerns for his safety if

he played; and, if the parents agreed, Dunn could claim to Attorney Lannon that Latin benched

Student 1.

542. After Dunn communicated to the parents of Student 1 about his safety at the game

and they asked questions and inquired about engaging law enforcement, Dunn claimed Latin had

additional security protocols for the game, but it was still concerned for Student 1’s safety. Dunn

then implied that the Bronsteins did not want Student 1 to continue to play basketball.

543. Ultimately, Attorney Lannon told Attorney Flood that mental health experts were

consulted and advised that Student 1 should not be benched – even for one game – pending the

alleged “fact finding.”

544. Thereafter, Latin continued to feign that it was doing some sort of investigation

and/or “fact finding” and reported as much to the Bronsteins through counsel. This was a lie.

545. On or around late March or early April 2022, the Bronsteins, their counsel,

including Attorney Flood, Attorney Lannon, Dunn, Greenwood and Board member, Dara Milner

met. The message of the meeting was more of the same – effectively fluff while trying to pacify

the Bronsteins with some suggestion that Latin was doing something.

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 546. What the Bronsteins know now is that Latin and its representatives were hoping to

continue toward a superficial solution under false pretenses to avoid a lawsuit while continuing to
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

prevent the Bronsteins from uncovering the truth.

547. At no point, was Latin serious about any investigation or “fact finding,” or sharing

even an iota of true information with the Bronsteins, because doing so would quickly reveal the

mountain of lies that the Latin Defendants were standing on.

XXXVIII. Faced with Latin’s Refusal to Investigate and Provide Information, the Bronsteins
Filed Suit

548. Having no other option to get answers and ensure accountability, the Bronsteins

filed this lawsuit on April 25, 2022. Media interest followed.

549. As the Bronsteins told their story, Latin declared or implied that they were liars

whenever they could to whoever they could, using fancier words like “disparage” and “defame.”

550. Latin’s efforts included something of a grassroots campaign, started from the

moment the Latin Defendants learned of Nate’s death, in which the Latin Defendants said things

to parents and others in the community to help shape the narrative that the Bronsteins were

difficult, Mrs. Bronstein was crazy, and Nate was no angel. This campaign worked as rumors

spread around the City of Chicago. Any mention of the lawsuit in social circles within and outside

of the Latin community generally included, “I heard” comments mirroring the narrative Latin

sought to spread.

551. Latin, armed with its own highly paid public relations team behind the scenes, also

used every influence in the media to try to stop the presses on any story that would be negative

about Latin.

552. Dunn and Greenwood also messaged to faculty, staff and the Board that the

Bronsteins’ allegations were false, i.e., that they were inaccurate, misplaced and unfounded.

116
 553. Dunn and Greenwood shared this same message with Latin students. For example,

in a school-wide meeting with students on April 26, 2022, Greenwood did everything she could to
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

suggest that the Bronsteins’ lawsuit was solely a reaction to sadness and anger at the loss of Nate.

The idea was to message that the lawsuit and any negative impact on Latin and those sued was the

Bronsteins’ fault, not the wrongdoing of anyone (students, administration, faculty) at Latin.

554. At the April 26, 2022 meeting, Greenwood, with Dunn’s acquiescence, lied to

students in Latin’s Upper School, claiming that Latin had reviewed the “incidents at issue,”

apparently referring to the cyberbullying, and that Latin did “acquire our conduct policy and

procedures,” which is a non-sensical statement, but was intended to suggest to the students that

Latin had complied with its own policies and procedures.

555. However, Greenwood and Dunn knew, at the time of this messaging to students,

that Latin had discarded Nate and the Bronstein family in the fall of 2021 and certainly at the point

Nate reported cyberbullying. They knew the bullying conduct at issue violated major school rules

and warranted discipline. They also knew that Latin was not in compliance with Illinois’ Anti-

Bullying Law at the time Nate was cyberbullied, reported cyberbullying and died, as well as on

April 26, 2022, the very day that Dunn and Greenwood were messaging students. Nothing in

Latin’s policies or the law was followed; Dunn and Greenwood publicly insisted the opposite.

556. On April 28, 2022, Latin messaged its entire community about Nate’s death and

this lawsuit, stating that Latin disagreed with the assertions made and believed it would prevail.

Latin then attempted to sell its bullying prevention and disciplinary policies and a practice of

compliance in an effort to persuade its community that it did everything right here. Greenwood,

who signed the statement, was lying to the Latin community. (Exhibit W.)

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 XXXIX. The Head of School Changes Created Problems for Latin

557. Before the Bronsteins filed their lawsuit, Dunn and Latin were in a difficult
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position. The Bronsteins were threatening a lawsuit if Latin was not going to investigate and take

seriously the cyberbullying of their son and his complaint to the school. However, to avoid the

lawsuit, Latin would have to expose its toxic environment and its own misconduct, of which the

treatment of Nate was only the tip of the iceberg. (See, e.g., Exhibit B.)

558. Latin decided to press forward with its strategy to blame the Bronsteins while

continuing to leave its students to grapple with the consequences.

559. Latin’s conundrum was not just limited to a scandal arising from the suicide of a

student; it was also dealing with inquiry from RCDS where Dunn had been hired as the next Head

of School, while at the same time, Latin had an incoming Head of School (Hagerman) who ended

up bringing his own scandal with him to Latin.

A. Rye Country Day School (RCDS) Needed to Quash Any Dunn Scandal

560. Exactly when RCDS commenced its inquiry into Dunn’s and Latin’s connection to

Nate’s death is not known to the Bronsteins, but no later than February 4, 2022, RCDS’s board

was warned about Dunn by a former, long time faculty member at Latin who shared:

I have kept my mouth shut about many of the systemic issues the school has
suffered under [Dunn’s] hegemony, but now a child is dead, and I am not
the only one who worries that any school under his--I am hesitating to use
the word leadership, here, as you can see--thumb is at risk.

He has destroyed the soul of that school. It was an amazing place at one
time.

I am at great risk of breaching an NDA, one of many [Dunn] has forced

upon the disappeared, but I cannot shut my mouth any longer.

561. Members of RCDS’s board communicated with Dunn and Koo following receipt

of this e-mail from one of Latin’s former, long-time faculty members. Upon information and belief,

118
 Dunn and Koo downplayed and denied the concerns raised by the former Latin faculty member

and any issue regarding Nate’s death.

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562. Rather than reveal the truth about the dangers inside a school run by Dunn, or the

gross mishandling of Nate’s cyberbullying report, upon information and belief, Dunn and Koo

maligned the reporting former faculty member and the Bronsteins, claiming that they are difficult

or crazy and Nate was at fault, and otherwise claiming that Nate did not die on Latin’s watch

because he had become a Parker student, and that neither Dunn nor anyone at Latin had done

anything wrong.

563. After having announced Dunn’s arrival to replace a prior Head of School who had

run RCDS for decades, it was in the interest of RCDS, with the school year approaching, to have

a message, any message, other than Dunn being a problem to share with the RCDS community.

At the time and now, Dunn is the chair of the NAIS, making him a high-ranking Head of School

for RCDS to lay claim to and to avoid conflict with. RCDS wanted to avoid questioning from its

constituents regarding its choice of Dunn as Head of School.

564. RCDS did get significant inquiry from its parent community, particularly after the

Bronsteins filed their lawsuit on April 25, 2022 and media interest followed.

565. On May 22, 2022, the RCDS sent the following message to its community:

To Members of the RCDS Community:

Many of you have learned of the suicide by a tenth grade student at the
Francis Parker School in Chicago this past January. From September
through December of last year, the student attended Latin School of
Chicago, where Randall Dunn currently serves as Head of School. The
parents of the tenth grader filed suit last week against Latin School, several
teachers, and administrators, including Mr. Dunn, and numerous parents
and students at the school. We expect Latin School to respond formally as
part of the legal process in due course.

119
 This is an incredibly sad and tragic situation, and our hearts go out to both
the family and the entire communities of both Francis Parker and Latin
School. The details surrounding this young man’s struggles, as set forth in
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the family’s legal filing, are difficult to read and serve as a stark reminder
of the stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues that can afflict
teenagers and other members of our communities, particularly as we come
out of the pandemic.

We were notified by Mr. Dunn when the suicide occurred, and since that
time, we have been in contact with Mr. Dunn and Latin School to better
understand the situation. Nothing in these conversations or our overall fact
finding has given us any reason to doubt that Mr. Dunn is eminently
qualified to lead RCDS. Across our many interactions, we have seen Mr.
Dunn to be compassionate, ethical, and experienced educator, and we
support his efforts to manage through a truly difficult, sad, and complex
matter.

As a board that includes 26 current parents, our paramount concern-and

duty-is always making sure we have the right team in place to maintain a
safe and supportive environment for all RCDS students, we will continue to
monitor the situation, gather additional facts as appropriate, and let you
know if you there are additional developments that affect our community.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to
us.

Very truly yours,

RCDS Board of Trustees

566. Doing little more than engaging with Dunn – the person accused by multiple

sources of severe wrongdoing in his running of a school – RCDS gave its community the

impression there was “fact finding” upon which they could conclude impliedly that Dunn did

nothing wrong relating to the Bronsteins, and stating expressly that Dunn was eminently qualified

to lead RCDS.

567. When the Bronsteins learned of this message to the RCDS community, they sought

to find out what investigation and “fact finding” was shared with the RCDS board, and why Latin

would share such information with this third-party, but not the Bronsteins.

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 568. What the Bronsteins now know is that there was no “fact finding” shared with the

RCDS board and none conducted by the RCDS board. Rather, a slew of misrepresentations
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presented by the Latin Defendants and/or their representatives were simply accepted by RCDS as

good enough to appease the RCDS board and induce that board to adopt the messaging promoted

by Latin, including that Nate was a Parker student.

B. Latin Needed to Quash Any Hagerman Scandal

569. With Dunn heading to RCDS, Latin had its own incoming Head of School to sell

to the Latin community.

570. On January 25, 2022, Latin announced its next Head of School, Hagerman. Koo

sent out a notice to the Latin community noting that “Dr. Hagerman was unanimously

recommended by the Head of School Search Committee to the Board of Trustees which

unanimously approved his appointment.” Among other things, Koo expressed that Hagerman “has

been a champion for wellness of students, faculty and staff.”

571. The next day, Hagerman resigned as Superintendent of the Scarsdale Board of

Education, the second highest paid school chief in New York, effective at the end of the school

year.

572. At this time, Hagerman was involved in a year-long IRS fines cover up.61 The

Scarsdale School District had reportedly made an error in payroll taxes, leading to $1.7 million

IRS fine (penalties and interest) and the obligation to pay $843,558 for payroll taxes owed.62

61
https://westchester.news12.com/scarsdale-schools-superintendent-resigns-amid-probe-into-irs-
fines-cover-up
62
https://yonkerstimes.com/scarsdale-schools-superintendent-resigns-after-irs-1-7-fine-becomes-
too-much-of-a-distraction/

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 573. The Scarsdale School Board learned of the tax issue by March 25, 2022, and the

matter became public news, making Scarsdale taxpayers furious and tying Latin to another
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

potential scandal.

574. On or around April 20, 2022, Hagerman penned a message to the Latin community

to explain the IRS fine cover up.63 In doing so, Hagerman meaningfully misquoted Scarsdale

School Board President, Karen Ceske, to suggest that the school board was working with the IRS

toward a resolution when it was Hagerman’s administration that was working with the IRS while

keeping the school board in the dark until they were blindsided by the news on March 25, 2022,

almost ten months after Hagerman learned about the fines.

575. Hagerman’s misrepresentations in his message to the Latin community reached the

Scarsdale School Board and the Scarsdale community, and caused them outrage. (Exhibit X.) The

Scarsdale School Board threatened Hagerman with a lawsuit, and he agreed to resign early,

effective in May 2022.

576. Hagerman ultimately acknowledged that the statements reflecting knowledge of the

tax fines should have been attributed to him, not Ceske, and that it was his administration, not the

school board, involved in the IRS negotiations. Hagerman also claimed his misrepresentation to

the Latin community was an accidental editing error.

577. Notably, O’Dea, the Director of Communications at Latin, initially helped

Hagerman with the structure of the message, but it was Hagerman who cut and pasted sections and

edited the quotes used in the statement.

578. Oddly, or perhaps knowing that his quotes were not accurate, Hagerman asked

O’Dea to co-sign the message, which she declined to do. O’Dea also told Koo about the odd

63
https://www.latinschool.org/cf_enotify/view.cfm?n=1634&m=de&u=23140&e=20238
122
 request and Koo agreed this was Hagerman’s message to explain, to ensure accuracy of, and to

sign off on.

FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

579. After Hagerman was called out for his misrepresentations by the Scarsdale School

Board and the Scarsdale community, and not having O’Dea to blame as a co-signer, Hagerman

asked O’Dea to take the blame, which she declined to do.

580. Before he had even taken over as Latin’s Head of School, Hagerman was already

revealing deceptive and concerning behavior, both in terms of his cover up in Scarsdale and his

messaging to the Latin community. This concerning behavior was apparently known all too well

by the Scarsdale community, which commented on an environment that imposed silence (much

like Latin under Dunn):

[Hagerman] was a stickler for the rules but made exceptions for himself. He
was an advocate of ‘communication,’ but it was often one-sided and left no
room for opposing views.

His legacy includes many decisions that were made from the top down,
often polarizing stakeholders and silencing objectors. . . .

One aspect of [Hagerman’s] reign is sure to change with his departure.

Undoubtedly the Board of Education will look to restore transparency and
trust, and allow for free speech without fear. So many community members
had things to say, but hesitated to identify themselves, including those
quoted above. Hopefully we will no longer hear people say, ‘Can I comment
off the record? I am too scared to use my name.’

(Exhibit Y.)

581. Latin desperately needed to minimize the Hagerman scandals (the IRS cover up,

then the misrepresentations to the Latin community and early resignation in May 2022),

particularly with the Bronstein lawsuit looming, which provided even more motivation for Latin

avoid further cracks in the façade of prestige upon which it depended.

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 XL. Illinois’ Anti-Bullying Law Required Parental Notice Promptly Upon the Report
of an Allegation of Bullying, and an Investigation That Kept Parents Informed
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582. Illinois’ Anti-Bullying Law, 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7 (Lexis through P.A. 102-241 of

the 2021 Legis. Sess.),64 sets out the findings of the General Assembly, including “that a safe and

civil school environment is necessary for students to learn and achieve and that bullying causes

physical, psychological, and emotional harm to students and interferes with students’ ability to

learn and participate in school activities.” 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7(a).

583. The General Assembly, by its stated purpose, seeks to disrupt and prevent the

statutory presumption of harm through the bullying prevention policies schools must implement

and follow under the law, which ensures notice to the adults whose job it is to care for students –

parents, principals, administrators, counselors – of the reported bullying so that they can

“intervene,” step in, protect, support and advocate for their student, thereby giving the parents the

right and opportunity to prevent the harms identified.

584. When a school fails to follow these steps, the presumption is that physical,

psychological, and emotional harm to the student will result.

585. The General Assembly further directs that “bullying is contrary to State law” and

schools must state as much in writing. 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7(b)(2) (second subsection (b)(2)

addressing policy on bullying) (emphasis added).

586. Illinois’ Anti-Bullying Law provides that:

No student shall be subjected to bullying:

(1) during any school-sponsored education program or activity;

64
Illinois’ Anti-Bullying Law was passed in 2006, and has been amended from time to time
including most recently on June 9, 2023, however, the allegations herein cite the law as it existed
during the 2021-2022 school year, which required “prompt” notification to parents and guardians
of all students involved in an alleged incident of bullying, as opposed to 24-hour notification
required under the recent amendments.
124
 (2) while in school, on school property, on school buses or other school vehicles,
at designated school bus stops waiting for the school bus, or at school-sponsored
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

or school sanctioned events or activities;

(3) through the transmission of information from a school computer, a school

computer network, or other similar electronic school equipment; or

(4) through the transmission of information from a computer that is accessed at a

nonschool-related location, activity, function, or program or from the use of
technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by a school
district or school if the bullying causes a substantial disruption to the
educational process or orderly operation of a school. This item (4) applies only
in cases in which a school administrator or teacher receives a report that
bullying through this means has occurred and does not require a district or
school to staff or monitor any nonschool-related activity, function, or program.

105 ILCS 5/27-23.7(a)(1)-(4) (emphasis added).

587. Illinois’ Anti-Bullying Law then mandates that all elementary and secondary

schools in Illinois, whether private or public, “shall create, maintain, and implement a policy

on bullying” that meets twelve (12) specific criteria set out in the statute as follows:

(1) Includes the bullying definition provided in this Section.

(2) Includes a statement that bullying is contrary to State law and the policy of
the school district, charter school, or non-public, non-sectarian elementary or
secondary school and is consistent with subsection (a-5) of this Section.

(3) Includes procedures for promptly reporting bullying, including, but not limited
to, identifying and providing the school e-mail address (if applicable) and
school telephone number for the staff person or persons responsible for
receiving such reports and a procedure for anonymous reporting; however, this
shall not be construed to permit formal disciplinary action solely on the basis
of an anonymous report.

(4) Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy
rights, includes procedures for promptly informing parents or guardians of
all students involved in the alleged incident of bullying and discussing, as
appropriate, the availability of social work services, counseling, school
psychological services, other interventions, and restorative measures.

(5) Contains procedures for promptly investigating and addressing reports of

bullying, including the following:

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 (A) Making all reasonable efforts to complete the investigation within 10
school days after the date the report of the incident of bullying was received
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and taking into consideration additional relevant information received

during the course of the investigation about the reported incident of
bullying.
(B) Involving appropriate school support personnel and other staff persons
with knowledge, experience, and training on bullying prevention, as
deemed appropriate, in the investigation process.
(C) Notifying the principal or school administrator or his or her designee of
the report of the incident of bullying as soon as possible after the report is
received.
(D) Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student
privacy rights, providing parents and guardians of the students who are
parties to the investigation information about the investigation and an
opportunity to meet with the principal or school administrator or his
or her designee to discuss the investigation, the findings of the
investigation, and the actions taken to address the reported incident of
bullying.

(6) Includes the interventions that can be taken to address bullying, which may
include, but are not limited to, school social work services, restorative
measures, social-emotional skill building, counseling, school psychological
services, and community-based services.

(7) Includes a statement prohibiting reprisal or retaliation against any person who
reports an act of bullying and the consequences and appropriate remedial
actions for a person who engages in reprisal or retaliation.

(8) Includes consequences and appropriate remedial actions for a person found to
have falsely accused another of bullying as a means of retaliation or as a means
of bullying.

(9) Is based on the engagement of a range of school stakeholders, including

students and parents or guardians.

(10) Is posted on the school district’s, charter school’s, or non-public, non-

sectarian elementary or secondary school’s existing Internet website, is
included in the student handbook, and, where applicable, posted where other
policies, rules, and standards of conduct are currently posted in the school and
provided periodically throughout the school year to students and faculty, and is
distributed annually to parents, guardians, students, and school personnel,
including new employees when hired.

(11) As part of the process of reviewing and re-evaluating the policy under
subsection (d) of this Section, contains a policy evaluation process to assess the

126
 outcomes and effectiveness of the policy that includes, but is not limited to,
factors such as the frequency of victimization; student, staff, and family
observations of safety at a school; identification of areas of a school where
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bullying occurs; the types of bullying utilized; and bystander intervention or

participation. The school district, charter school, or non-public, non-sectarian
elementary or secondary school may use relevant data and information it
already collects for other purposes in the policy evaluation. The information
developed as a result of the policy evaluation must be made available on the
Internet website of the school district, charter school, or non-public, non-
sectarian elementary or secondary school. If an Internet website is not available,
the information must be provided to school administrators, school board
members, school personnel, parents, guardians, and students.

(12) Is consistent with the policies of the school board, charter school, or non-
public, non-sectarian elementary or secondary school.

105 ILCS 5/27-23.7(b)(1)-(12) (emphasis added).

XLI. Dunn Disregarded Illinois’ Anti-Bullying Law (and the ISBE) Because It Conflicts
With His “Parents Should Stay Out of It” Beliefs

588. On September 15, 2021, Laura Haslam with the ISBE contacted Dunn, via e-mail,

to provide notice that Latin’s bullying prevention policy was due by September 30, 2021.

589. Latin failed to submit any bullying prevention policy to the ISBE by September 30,

2021.

590. On October 20, 2021, Haslam again contacted Dunn via e-mail, stating that Latin’s

“bullying prevention policy submission has NOT been received” and needed to be submitted

“now.”

591. Dunn did not bother to communicate with the ISBE, but tasked his assistant, Kristin

Provencher, to engage instead.

592. On October 21, 2021, Provencher sent an email to Derreck Langwith at the ISBE

stating that she thought Latin had already submitted its policy and was up to date. Langwith

directed Provencher to the ISBE’s Student Care department.

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 593. Following this communication, Latin (Provencher) and the ISBE engaged in

communication about Latin’s policy, and Latin’s submitted policy for the Upper School was
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

“disapproved,” no later than November 18, 2021.

594. On November 19, 2021, Provencher informed Haslam that she would need to

communicate with the folks at Latin about the “disapproved” status and requested a due date from

Haslam, who informed Provencher the due date was the already passed date of September 30,

2021.

595. On November 19, 2021, Provencher asked if Latin could “customize our responses

to allow for state acceptance,” noting that “it is quite an undertaking to change our policies.”

Haslam responded that while customization of the bullying prevention policy was an option, “the

12 policy items within the IWAS system are required to be within the policy as per 105 ILCS 5/27-

23.7.” Haslam added that “you are always able to add and change your policy as long as the

minimum requirements laid out in the IWAS system/school code are included.” Provencher

acknowledged this email on November 30, 2021.

596. On December 14, 2021 – two days after Nate Bronstein reported cyberbullying to

Hennessy and Latin failed to promptly notify parents/guardians or commence the required

investigation – the ISBE’s Haslam inquired to Provencher on the status of Latin’s bullying

prevention policy, offered her help and requested a pdf copy of the policy even if not updated in

all areas.

597. Provencher responded to the December 14, 2021 e-mail by attaching Latin’s 2021-

2022 Student Family Handbook, which was the same or virtually the same as the policy provided

by Latin to the ISBE in October 2021, which was deemed “disapproved” by the ISBE.

128
 598. Provencher also continued to slow walk the process stating: “I have pulled internal

folks to review changes you have shared we need to update/ - but please be aware this is a process
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that may take time to complete.”

599. As recognized by the ISBE, the 2021-2022 Latin Student Family Handbook for

each of its schools (Lower, Middle and Upper) failed to meet any of the twelve requirements of

Illinois’ Anti Bullying Law.

600. For example, while the Lower and Middle school provisions appeared to follow the

definition of bullying in the statute, there are also provisions confusing and limiting the definition

so that incidents of bullying under the statute would not constitute incidents of bullying at Latin.

Then Latin states that only “incidents of actual bullying” will be addressed with parents, when the

statute does not give Latin such discretion, but requires parental notice for any “alleged incident,”

which must then be investigated.

601. The 2021-2022 Latin Student Family Handbook provisions addressing the Upper

school are far more deficient and are limited to defining bullying and cyberbullying as harassment

and providing two sentences to direct that harassment should be reported to a trusted adult in the

school, and investigations of harassment should be conducted so that the privacy of individuals

are protected.

602. These Upper school provisions in the 2021-2022 Handbook also fail to meet all

twelve requirements of Illinois’ Anti Bullying Law, including failure to set out procedures for

“promptly informing parents or guardians of all students involved in the alleged incident of

bullying” and “promptly investigating and addressing reports of bullying” in accord with the

specific provisions of Section (b)(5)(A)-(D) of the Anti-Bullying Law.

129
 603. Latin knew on or before November 18, 2021 that its bullying prevention policy in

the 2021-2022 Handbook did not comply with the Anti-Bullying Law and was disapproved by the
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

ISBE and Latin had done nothing to ensure compliance with the law in the four weeks that

followed, which is evidenced by Latin’s failure to notify parents and investigate in accord with the

statute at the time Nate reported cyberbullying to Hennessy on December 12-13, 2021.

604. Latin’s purposeful refusal to become compliant with the statute and its blatant

disregard for the requirements of the statute, including parental notice and investigation

requirements, was particularly egregious and detrimental here given that the Latin Defendants

knew that Nate was “at risk,” in need of a safety plan (which Latin never offered) and seeing

outside counselors (with whom Latin should have been in communication).

605. Someone needed to help Nate, but the Latin Defendants refused, which exacerbated

the harm to Nate. Worse, they failed to give the required notice so that Nate’s parents and

counselors could help him handle not only the cyberbullying, but the Latin Defendants’ refusal to

hear his cry for help.

606. More than two weeks after Nate’s death, on January 31, 2022, Haslam (ISBE)

contacted Latin stating, “If you are receiving this email it is because I have already reviewed your

policy at one point and am waiting for corrections or updates.”

607. Provencher took a week to respond, on February 7, 2022, at which time she did not

provide any updates, but she again asked for a deadline and requested a phone call to discuss a

specific provision of the Latin procedures that was disapproved.

608. On February 22, 2022, following communications on February 8 and 18, 2022,

Haslam sent the following e-mail to Provencher (emphasis added):

I met with my supervisor today. She let me know that a policy cannot be
approved until it is posted on the website. The bullying prevention policies

130
 are unlike most required policies for ISBE require more. It is not uncommon
for private schools to post them separate to their website in addition to their
handbooks. As far as distributing them in your handbooks, we do
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

understand that may not happen till August or when you typically distribute.
However, for approval we need to have a copy of the approved policy on
file and see it on your website.

As far as the placeholder for anonymous reporting, school code states there
needs to be a procedure for anonymous reporting. We do not dictate how
that procedure should be, and you are certainly able to update it once you
have a better procedure in place. There will need to be an anonymous
procedure in place for approval.

609. On March 7, 2022, Provencher, no doubt fully aware that she was submitting yet

another non-compliant policy, brazenly declared to Haslam that Latin is “sharing the updated

policy with our community this week[,]” and she “just wanted to pass it along to [Haslam] as

[Provencher] upload[ed] it to the ISBE site as we are placing the policy in and throughout our

families/student handbook.”

610. It seems the hope on Latin’s part (Provencher) was that this version would just slip

by the ISBE.

611. On March 8, 2022, Haslam informed Provencher that the policy submitted is still

not compliant as to items 4 (parental notice, restorative measures), 9 (policy based on range of

stakeholders, including students, parents/guardians) and 10 (posting to the Internet). Haslam made

clear “I will also need to see it on your website in a publicly accessible place.”

612. Provencher continued to communicate with Haslam on March 8, 2022, but she

knows on that date that Latin did not have a compliant policy.

613. Provencher at all times kept Dunn apprised of the communications with the ISBE,

and Dunn also knew that Latin still did not have a policy compliant with Illinois’ Anti-Bullying

Law.

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 614. On March 11, 2022, Dunn, with no regard for Illinois law or the truth, sent an e-

mail to Latin families, faculty and staff replete with misrepresentations. (Exhibit Z.)
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

615. Dunn misrepresented that “the State of Illinois recently passed a law regarding the

prevention of bullying and cyberbullying.” (Id.) Dunn, as a long-time school administrator tasked

with knowing the laws applicable to schools, knew on March 11, 2022 that this law had been

around for years.65

616. Dunn next misrepresented that “[t]o be fully compliant with the new law, we have

been working in coordination with the [ISBE] to make necessary changes to Latin’s policies.” (Id.)

In fact, Latin was doing everything it could to avoid actual compliance with the Anti-Bullying

Law, including specifically with parental notification requirements, instead hoping to slip a non-

compliant policy past the ISBE and get them off Latin’s back.

617. Dunn also misrepresented that the “changes are now complete,” when Dunn knew

full well that the ISBE had rejected the very policy Latin was posting on RomanNet (which is an

Intranet site, not an Internet site that the ISBE can access) days earlier. (Id.)

618. Still hoping to slip one by the ISBE, on March 18, 2022, Provencher e-mailed

Haslam that they were still waiting for approval through the ISBE portal. Haslam again reminded

Provencher of what she (and Dunn) already knew – that the policy was not compliant with items

4 (parental notice, restorative measures) or 9 (policy based on range of stakeholders, including

students, parents/guardians).

619. On April 24, 2022, Provencher submitted another version of the policy for approval.

65
Specifically, Illinois’ Anti-Bullying Law was passed in 2006, and existed largely in the form it
was in during the 2021-2022 school year since at least 2014.
132
 620. On May 2, 2022, Haslam requested a link to the website where the public can access

the policy without requiring a password. Provencher provided a Google Docs link, but not a link
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to Latin’s public facing website at latinschool.org.

621. The ISBE approved the policy on May 2, 2022; however, Haslam informed

Provencher that the Board approval from February 26, 2022 would have to be updated because

there were so many changes in the policy since that time.

622. The Latin Board held a meeting on May 17, 2022, during which the Board approved

the bullying prevention policy presented. (Exhibit AA.) The policy and redline policy provided to

the Board are attached hereto as Exhibits BB-CC.

623. On May 20, 2022, Dunn sent another notice to families, faculty and staff stating

that Latin continues to make updates to its handbook in coordination with the ISBE, with recent

updates providing that: “Bullying is contrary to State Illinois law and the policy of Latin School.

Bullying will not be tolerated.” (Exhibit DD.)

624. Five months after Nate’s death and eight months after the process started, Latin

finally had adopted a bullying prevention policy compliant with Illinois law.

XLII. Latin’s Compliance with the Anti-Bullying Law Was Short-Lived Under Hagerman

625. Having to resign his job in Scarsdale two months earlier (by early May 2022),

Hagerman sought to get started early at Latin. Prior to school being out or graduation, Hagerman

made himself at home at Latin, physically working at the school and engaging with staff.

626. Hagerman showed a specific interest in the Bronstein matter and, upon information

and belief, Hagerman has been involved in influencing Latin’s handling of the matter since no

later than May 2022, and he has embraced, acquiesced and agreed to all of Latin’s strategies in

133
 maligning the Bronsteins and spreading in every way possible a false narrative about the Latin

Defendants’ conduct here.

FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

627. Regarding the Anti-Bullying Law, Hagerman arrived at Latin prior to the May 20,

2022 notice provided by Dunn.

628. Hagerman knew or should have known that Latin had adopted bullying prevention

policies compliant with Illinois law as of May 20, 2022. However, Hagerman allowed Latin to

backtrack on having compliant policies; the policy approved by the ISBE never made it into the

bullying prevention policies set out in Latin’s 2022-2023 Handbook.

629. By the start of the 2022-2023 school year, Latin, now under the direction of

Hagerman, had a different bullying prevention policy set out in that Handbook. (Exhibit EE.)

Also, this policy or Handbook was not available on Latin’s public facing website for all or most

of the school year.

630. Upon information and belief, Latin, knowing the policy was not compliant with the

requirements of the Anti-Bullying Law, uploaded the policy to the ISBE portal and was able to

slip the non-compliant policy through this time.

631. At all relevant times and certainly no later than March 22, 2023, Latin’s continued

non-compliance with the Anti-Bullying Law was known to Latin.

632. On June 9, 2023, Illinois’ Anti-Bullying Law was amended,66 due in part from the

Bronsteins’ advocacy efforts.

66
https://www.aclu-il.org/en/press-releases/aclu-illinois-applauds-governor-pritzkers-signing-
measure-updating-anti-bullying
134
 633. No later than June 11, 2023, Latin knew about the amendment to the Anti-Bullying

Law, and that any failure to comply would be addressed by the Bronsteins in this amended
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

complaint and eventually by the ISBE.

634. As a result, Latin has put words on paper and posted a policy on its public-facing

Internet to appear compliant with Illinois’ Anti-Bullying Law.

635. Latin, however, must be willing to enforce an anti-bullying policy. Upon

information and belief, Latin has failed to meaningfully or in any way change its ways and bullying

behavior is often still tolerated with little to no consequence.

636. As an example, during the 2022-2023 school year (under Hagerman), an

upperclassman on the track team with a history of bullying behavior directed more than once at

Jewish students, yelled out to an underclassman on the team something along the lines of: “run

Jew boy run, there’s money at the end.”

637. Upon information and belief, the upperclassman was not meaningfully punished

for his deplorable, anti-Semitic behavior. Instead, the upperclassman had to read a prepared

statement at a track team meeting also attended by some Latin personnel, including Nick Baer,

interim Upper School Director. Upon information and belief this meeting was “closed,” and the

attendees were told not to discuss what happened at the meeting.

638. Upon information and belief, there was minimal to no apology in the

upperclassman’s statement, and the message was how they all needed to come together as a team.

639. Upon information and belief, the underclassman to whom the slur and insult was

directed was upset, swearing and crying in reaction to the statement.

135
 640. Once again, Latin found a way to compound and make worse the bullying

experience for the victim and demonstrated to its students that bullies can get away with their
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conduct.

641. Upon information and belief, this same upperclassman had previously recorded a

Jewish student speaking and then altered the recording to make it sound like the student had said

the “N” word. Not long after that episode, that bully was made a captain of the track team.

642. Upon information and belief, Hagerman knew about this bully’s conduct and

condoned the lack of discipline, as well as the “some bullies get away with it” messaging to Latin

students.

643. It appears that the transition from Dunn to Hagerman has brought no change to

Latin’s bullying culture. Certainly, the Bronsteins have learned that changing of the guard has

made no difference in their circumstance or the pursuit of truth when it comes to bullying at Latin.

COUNT I
WRONGFUL DEATH
Against all Latin Defendants

644. Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate of Nathan Bronstein,

deceased, asserts Count I for Wrongful Death against all Latin Defendants.

645. At all relevant times, the Latin Defendants, owed a duty to Nate, including without

limitation:

a. To provide for Nate’s safety, which includes safeguarding him from bullying,
including cyberbullying, hate speech, and other harassment;

b. To promptly and properly provide notice, including to parents/guardians and

outside counselors, when a student is contemplating suicide or is at risk of self-
harm as a result of bullying, including cyberbullying, hate speech, and other
harassment;

c. To promptly provide notice to parents/guardians and outside counselors of all

students who are “at risk,” including from anxiety, depression, upon known triggers

136
 and signs of distress, and as necessary to implement and execute a safety plan for
such students
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

d. To promptly provide notice to parents/guardians of all students involved upon an

allegation of bullying, including cyberbullying, hate speech, or other harassment;

e. To promptly investigate and address reports of bullying, including cyberbullying,

in a timely manner, making all required notifications and reporting to the
parents/guardians of all students involved regarding the investigation; and

f. Not to themselves in engage in bullying conduct, hate speech, or other harassment,

or other conduct likely to exacerbate bullying conduct, hate speech, or other
harassment.

646. These duties are acknowledged and understood by Latin and the Latin Individual

Defendants.

647. At all relevant times, the Latin Defendants knew that Nate had experienced

rejection, social isolation and ostracization while at Latin, which were triggers for Nate’s anxiety,

depression and risk of self-harm.

648. By October 2021, the Latin Defendants knew that Nate was at risk of self-harm or

suicide because of his struggle with peer conflict, including rejection, social isolation and

ostracization at the hands of Latin students.

649. By November 2021, the Latin Defendants knew that Nate was struggling

emotionally because of his interactions with Defendant Sanchez, and the Latin Defendants knew

or should have know that Nate was berated by Sanchez in front of his class.

650. By December 12, 2021, the Latin Defendants knew or should have known that Nate

was the victim of severe group cyberbullying – which was extreme, including in the number of

participants, audience reached, hateful and suicide baiting messaging and impact upon Nate.

651. The Latin Defendants knew that the severe and extreme group cyberbullying, and

its impact on Nate, was likely to continue beyond December 13, 2021.

137
 652. By December 13, 2021, the Latin Defendants knew that Nate faced increased

dangers and risk factors for suicide, and that his behavior reflected warning signs for suicide.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

653. Upon notice of the severe and extreme group cyberbullying by Latin students, the

Latin Defendants did nothing to investigate the cyberbullying or take any action against any of the

student bullies, including ensuring the bullying stopped (as required by the Handbook and Illinois

law), but acted in a manner conveying to Nate that his report of group cyberbullying was not valid

or of concern to Latin, and further blaming Nate for the group cyberbullying he reported.

654. The Latin Defendants knew or had reason to know that their own inaction and

victim blaming would negatively impact Nate and exacerbate his suicide risk.

655. At no time, did any of the Latin Defendants inform the Bronsteins about the severe

and extreme group cyberbullying they knew Nate was experiencing, or about the Latin

Defendants’ own inaction and victim blaming in response to Nate’s cyberbullying report, despite

obligations to do so under Illinois law.

656. Had the Bronsteins been made aware by Latin of the cyberbullying, they would

have taken immediate action to ensure Nate’s safety, by among other things, removing Nate’s

access to his smartphone and electronics, ensuring his outside counselors were informed about the

cyberbullying, and seeking immediate and additional medical/psychological treatment for Nate

and otherwise monitoring Nate and his well-being.

657. The Latin Defendants breached their duties to Nate, including as follows:

a. Consciously ignoring notice of bullying and harassment directed toward Nate by

other Latin students and Sanchez, a teacher;

b. Victim-blaming Nate for the bullying and harassment he faced, and imposing a
burden upon Nate to handle the bullying and harassment effectively on his own;

c. Disregarding and victim-blaming Nate for the severe and extreme group
cyberbullying he reported to Hennessy; and

138
 d. Taking no action to protect Nate despite having notice of Nate’s suicide/self-harm
risk, including refusing to investigate the report of cyberbullying, refusing to take
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action against the bullies, refusing to protect Nate during the week of December 13,
failing to prevent or stop the bullying Nate endured, and refusing to inform the
Bronsteins and other parents/guardians of the cyberbullying report, which among
other things, prevented the Bronsteins from knowing themselves the risk to their
child and taking steps to protect him.

658. The conduct of the Latin Defendants was objectively unreasonable in light of the

known circumstances.

659. The Latin Defendants’ conduct reflects to a failure to exercise any ordinary care

toward Nate, and, as alleged herein, their action or inaction was taken willfully and wantonly, and

with reckless disregard for the safety of Nate.

660. At all relevant times, the Latin Defendants knew, as alleged herein, that Nate’s

impending risk of suicide was foreseeable, i.e., a likely result of the Latin Defendants’ conduct.

661. As a direct and proximate result of the willful and wanton breach of duties by the

Latin Defendants, Nate died by suicide on January 13, 2022.

662. As a further direct and proximate result of the Latin Defendant’s willful and wanton

acts and omissions, Nate’s next of kin suffered great losses of a personal and pecuniary nature

including loss of companionship and society of the decedent, subjecting the Latin Defendants to

liability pursuant to the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, 740 ILCS 180/1.

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate

of Nathan Bronstein, deceased, prays for judgment against the Latin Defendants, jointly and

severally, in an amount in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000), plus attorneys’ fees and

costs of this lawsuit, and such other and additional relief that this Honorable Court deems equitable

and just.

139
 COUNT II
SURVIVAL ACTION - VIOLATION OF ANTI-BULLYING LAW, 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7
Against All Latin Defendants
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

663. Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate of Nathan Bronstein,

deceased, asserts Count II for Violation of 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7 against all Latin Defendants.

664. At all times relevant hereto, Illinois’ Anti-Bullying Law was in effect.

665. At all times relevant hereto, the Anti-Bullying Law applied to the Latin Defendants.

666. The Anti-Bullying Law was enacted, in part, to ensure “a safe and civil school

environment” and to protect students because “bullying causes physical, psychological, and

emotional harm[.]” 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7(a).

667. Nate was an Illinois high school student for whose benefit the Anti-Bullying Law

was enacted.

668. A private right of action under the Anti-Bullying Law is consistent with the

underlying purpose of the statute.

669. The severe and profound emotional distress Nate suffered during his time at Latin

and in the days and weeks before his death is an injury the Illinois General Assembly designed and

passed the Anti-Bullying Law to prevent.

670. Nate’s death is an injury the Illinois General Assembly designed and passed the

Anti-Bullying Law to prevent.

671. A private right of action under the Anti-Bullying Law is necessary to provide an

adequate remedy for violations of the Anti-Bullying Law.

672. At all relevant times, the Latin Defendants owed a duty to Nate to comply with the

Anti-Bullying Law, including but not limited to the following:

a. To maintain and implement a publicly available anti-bullying policy, addressing

cyberbullying, which complies with the statute and is approved by the ISBE;

140
 b. To promptly inform parents/guardians of all students involved in the reported
bullying;
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

c. To promptly investigate and address all reports of bullying;

d. To make reasonable efforts to complete the investigation within ten (10) days of
the date of the report of the alleged bullying incident;

e. To notify the principal or school administrator or his or her designee of the incident
of bullying as soon as possible after the report of the alleged bullying incident is
received;

f. To provide all parents/guardians of the students who are parties to the investigation
information about the investigation; and

g. To provide all parents/guardians of the students who were parties to the

investigation an “opportunity to meet with the principal or school administrator or
his or her designee to discuss the investigation, the findings of the investigation,
and the actions taken to address the reported incident of bullying.”

673. These duties are acknowledged and understood by Latin and the Latin Individual

Defendants, even if ignored.

674. No later than October 2021, the Latin Defendants had knowledge and actual notice

that Nate was being socially isolated, rejected and ostracized by his peers at Latin while in class,

after class, outside of school, during school-sanctioned sports activities, and/or at school-

sanctioned events. By November 2021, the Latin Defendants had notice that Sanchez himself

bullied Nate.

675. By December 11-13, 2021, the Latin Defendants, while acting within the scope of

their employment at Latin, had knowledge and actual or constructive notice of a report by Nate

that he was being subjected to severe and extreme group cyberbullying by Latin students.

676. The Latin Defendants, failed to promptly notify the Bronsteins of the cyberbullying

endured by their child on or at any point after December 11, 2021.

141
 677. None of the Latin Defendants, or anyone employed by Latin, notified the

parents/guardians of any of the students involved with the cyberbullying, including the Bronsteins,
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

of cyberbullying or Nate’s report on, or at any point after, December 11, 2021.

678. The Latin Defendants violated the Anti-Bullying Law by, inter alia:

a. Failing to inform the Bronsteins of the bullying of Nate, including by Sanchez and
the cyberbullying of Nate and his reporting of it to Hennessy;

b. Failing to inform all of the parents/guardians of the students involved with the
cyberbullying;

c. Making no effort to conduct the investigation required by the Anti-Bullying Law;

d. Making no effort, and certainly not any reasonable effort, to conduct any
investigation within ten days of December 12, 2021;

e. Failing to provide the Bronsteins with an opportunity to meet with Dunn or his
designee regarding the cyberbullying of Nate; and

f. Failing to notify the Bronsteins of any investigation, the results of the investigation,
and steps being taken to address the severe and extreme group cyberbullying
endured by their child.

679. The Latin Defendants’ conduct reflects to a failure to exercise any ordinary care

toward Nate, and, as alleged herein, their violations of the Anti-Bullying Law were done willfully

and wantonly, and with reckless disregard for the safety of Nate.

680. As a direct and proximate result of the Latin Defendants’ violations of the Anti-

Bullying Law, Nate continued to face and suffer the consequences of bullying at the hands of Latin

students after December 12, 2021.

681. As a direct and proximate result of the Latin Defendants’ violations of the Anti-

Bullying Law, Nate, deceased, sustained conscious pain and suffering, disability, and

disfigurement prior to his death, and had he survived, he would have been entitled to bring an

action for his injuries.

142
 682. Plaintiff Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate of Nathan

Bronstein, deceased, brings this action pursuant to the Illinois Survival Act, 755 ILCS 5/27-6.
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate

of Nathan Bronstein, deceased, prays for judgment against all Latin Defendants, jointly and

severally, in an amount in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000), plus attorneys’ fees and

costs of this lawsuit, and such other and additional relief that this Honorable Court deems equitable

and just.

COUNT III
SURVIVAL ACTION – WILLFUL AND WANTON BREACH OF DUTY
(VOLUNTARY UNDERTAKING)
Against All Latin Defendants

683. Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate of Nathan Bronstein,

deceased, asserts Count III for Willful and Wanton Breach of Duty against all Latin Defendants.

684. At all relevant times, the safety of its students was Latin’s outwardly expressed first

priority, particularly as it pertained to bullying, including cyberbullying, and harassment, including

as stated in its Handbook.

685. As described herein, the requirements of the Anti-Bullying Law and the anti-

bullying rules, policies, and regulations stated in the Handbook, were mandatory and not

discretionary.

686. As described herein, the Latin Defendants, acting within the scope of their

employment duties, received information regarding Nate’s safety, mental health and well-being

and agreed to voluntarily undertake to monitor for and address circumstances known to them that

would negatively impact Nate’s safety, mental health and well-being.

143
 687. As described herein, the Latin Defendants, acting within the scope of their

employment duties, received bullying reports from Mrs. Bronstein and Nate and agreed to
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

voluntarily undertake to investigate, report, and stop bullying, cyberbullying, and harassment.

688. At all relevant times, once the Latin Defendants received bullying reports and

undertook to investigate, report and stop bullying, cyberbullying and harassment as to Nate, they

failed to exercise reasonable care and, in fact, acted willfully and wantonly and in a manner so as

to increase the harm to Nate by, inter alia:

a. Giving the impression of help to Nate, e.g., reaching out to set up meetings with
Hennessy, Knoche, Kranz, but at all relevant times, in fact, blaming Nate and
imposing upon him that it was his responsibility and obligation to figure out how
to survive at Latin, including in managing himself in response to cyberbullying by
other Latin students;

b. Presenting the Handbook as containing rules, policies, and regulations enforced by

Latin and upon Latin faculty and students, but failing to actually take any action to
create the community promised by Latin or to otherwise enforce rules, policies, and
regulations addressing bullying, including cyberbullying and harassment;

c. Repeatedly violating the Anti-Bullying Law as alleged herein;

d. Taking no action to actually investigate, address, and prevent the bullying

experienced by Nate in the form of rejection, social isolation, and ostracization;

e. Enabling a teacher, Sanchez, to bully Nate;

f. Taking no action to prevent additional bullying of Nate the week of December 13,
2021 – after Nate reported cyberbullying to Hennessy;

g. Taking no action to actually investigate, address, and prevent more of the severe
and extreme group cyberbullying endured by Nate at the hands of a large number
of Latin students; and

h. Sending Nate home for winter break, knowing his parents were in the dark about
the cyberbullying, Latin’s exacerbation of the impact of the cyberbullying, and
Latin’s refusal to comply with its obligations under the Handbook and the Anti-
Bullying Law after Nate had reported the cyberbullying and knowing that he
presented a high risk for self-harm or suicide under the circumstances.

144
 689. As a direct and proximate result of the Latin Defendants’ willful and wanton failure

to undertake an adequate investigation to stop the bullying and cyberbullying against Nate and the
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Latin Defendants’ willful or grossly negligent blaming of the victim and characterizing his

suffering as something he deserved, Nate, deceased, sustained conscious pain and suffering,

disability, and disfigurement prior to his death, and had he survived, he would have been entitled

to bring an action for his injuries.

690. Plaintiff Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate of Nathan

Bronstein, deceased, brings this action pursuant to the Illinois Survival Act, 755 ILCS 5/27-6.

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate of

Nathan Bronstein, deceased, prays for judgment against all Latin Defendants, jointly and severally,

in an amount in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000), plus attorneys’ fees and costs of this

lawsuit, and such other and additional relief that this Honorable Court deems equitable and just.

COUNT IV
SURVIVAL ACTION – INTENTIONAL INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS
Against All Latin Defendants

691. Plaintiff, Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate of Nathan

Bronstein, deceased, asserts Count IV for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress against all

Latin Defendants.

692. The Latin Defendants committed intentional infliction of emotional distress upon

Nate through their willful, wanton, intentional and reckless conduct by committing, individually

and collectively, the following extreme and outrageous acts against Nate:

a. Taking no action to actually investigate, address, and prevent the bullying

experienced by Nate;

b. Repeatedly blaming Nate and imposing upon him that it was his responsibility and
obligation to figure out how to survive at Latin, including in managing himself in
response to bullying by other Latin students;

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 c. Berating and bullying Nate in front of a classroom of students, and enabling a
teacher to engage in such outrageous behavior at a school;
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d. Doing nothing to enforce the rules, policies, and regulations in the Handbook and
required by Illinois law to protect Nate despite repeated notice of bullying and risk
of serious harm to Nate;

e. Repeatedly violating the Anti-Bullying Law instead of taking steps to protect Nate
as required under the statute, including by intentionally failing to inform the
Bronsteins and other parents/guardians of the cyberbullying, and taking no action
to actually investigate, address, and prevent more of the severe and extreme group
cyberbullying endured by Nate at the hands of a large number of Latin students;

f. Conveying to Nate that he was to blame or was otherwise responsible for severe
and extreme group cyberbullying that included hateful and suicide baiting
messaging, including that Nate was a target that deserved to die;

g. Taking no action to prevent additional bullying of Nate the week of December 13,
2021, after Nate reported severe and extreme group cyberbullying to Hennessy; and

h. Sending Nate home for winter break, knowing his parents were in the dark about
the cyberbullying and Latin’s refusal to comply with its obligations under the
Handbook and the Anti-Bullying Law, after Nate reported the cyberbullying, and
knowing that he presented a high risk for self-harm or suicide under the
circumstances.

693. Each of the Latin Defendants presented themselves to Nate as an authority figure

with power and control over Nate, and in fact each was in a position of authority and control over

Nate as Head of School (Dunn), Upper School Director (Von Ogden), Dean of Students

(Hennessy), and trained mental health counselor (Knoche, Kranz). Each of the Latin Defendants

held significant power and control over Nate and his daily life during the time of his enrollment at

Latin.

694. Each of the Latin Defendants knew that Nate – as a student and child facing

cyberbullying and already “at risk” in terms of his mental health and well-being – would be

peculiarly susceptible to emotional distress. Each of the Latin Defendants further knew that Nate

was already experiencing significant emotional distress early on in the school year and had

146
 changed his behavior and threatened his own self-harm in the face of rejection, isolation and

ostracization at Latin, making Nate even more susceptible to emotional distress.

FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

695. At all relevant times, the Latin Defendants, via their conscious disregard to known

and/or foreseeable bullying, cyberbullying, hate speech and other harassment of Nate, intended to

cause Nate severe emotional distress, or knew there was a high likelihood that such disregard

would cause such distress, but nonetheless intentionally, willfully and wantonly engaged in such

conduct.

696. The Latin Defendants’ extreme and outrageous conduct did, in fact, cause Nate

severe emotional harm.

697. Nate’s emotional harm from Latin Defendants’ conscious disregard to known

and/or foreseeable bullying, cyberbullying, hate speech and/or other harassment of Nate was so

severe that it resulted in Nate taking his own life.

698. As a further direct and proximate result of the Latin Defendants’ willful and wanton

actions and failure to act, Nate, deceased, sustained conscious pain and suffering, disability, and

disfigurement prior to his death, and had he survived, he would have been entitled to bring an

action for his injuries.

699. Plaintiff Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate of Nathan

Bronstein, deceased, brings this action pursuant to the Illinois Survival Act, 755 ILCS 5/27-6.

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate

of Nathan Bronstein, deceased, prays for judgment against all Latin Defendants, jointly and

severally, in an amount in excess of Fifty Thousand ($50,000), plus attorneys’ fees and costs of

this lawsuit, and such other and additional relief that this Honorable Court deems equitable and

just.

147
 COUNT V
SURVIVAL ACTION – BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY
Against Latin
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

700. Plaintiff, Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate of Nathan

Bronstein, deceased, asserts Count V for Breach of Fiduciary Duty against Latin.

701. The relationship between Latin and Nate was built on a relationship of trust and

deference, giving rise to a fiduciary duty on behalf of Latin to create an environment in which Nate

could pursue his education with the protection and oversight of Latin, and free from harassment,

including bullying, by other students.

702. Specifically, a confidential relationship between Latin and Nate was created based

upon Latin’s own promulgated rules and policies that authorized Latin to, among other things,

exercise controlling influence over many aspects of student activities, including, for example, how

students could dress, when and how to use social media, how to behave off campus, and how to

behave vis-a-vis other students. (See generally Exhibit D.)

703. Latin specifically designed the language in the Handbook so that students,

including Nate, were aware of, understood and would rely upon Latin for its role in safeguarding

their emotional and social well-being, and, to protect them from harassment, thereby ensuring the

creation of a confidential relationship based on trust and confidence.

704. For example, the Handbook set forth “major school rules” that were intended to

“protect the safety and well-being of everyone in the community.” (Exhibit D at 4-5.) Harassment

(including bullying and cyberbullying) was considered a violation of major school rules, and a

single violation of the school’s major rules would subject a student to disciplinary

consequences. (See generally id.)

148
 705. Critically, the Handbook also stated that victims of harassment were expected to

“notify a trusted adult in the school.” (Id.)

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706. Latin invited its students, including Nate, to invoke a fiduciary relationship with

Latin by stating its principles in the Handbook and inviting students to notify trusted adults.

707. By following the reporting procedures in the Handbook, Nate reposed his trust and

confidence in Latin when he notified Hennessy and Kranz (e.g., trusted adults in the school) about

the ongoing bullying and harassment.

708. Latin knowingly accepted that trust and undertook a fiduciary duty when Hennessy

and Kranz met with Nate to discuss the bullying and harassment, and further promised Nate to

investigate the reported incidents.

709. Latin invited its students, including Nate, to invoke a fiduciary relationship with

Latin by offering the help and counsel of school counselors (Kranz and Knoche).

710. By agreeing to meet with school counselors, specifically Kranz, Nate reposed his

trust and confidence in Latin.

711. Latin knowingly accepted that trust and undertook a fiduciary duty when Kranz met

with Nate to address his mental health and well-being, including by assessing Nate for suicidal

ideation.

712. In accepting Nate’s trust, Latin undertook the following fiduciary duties, including:

(a) to take reasonable steps to investigate and remediate the bullying; (b) to prevent additional

bullying; (c) to report the bullying to the students’ parents, including Nate’s parents; and (d) to act

in Nate’s best interest in protecting his mental health and welfare, rather than Latin’s own best

interests.

149
 713. Latin breached these duties by, without limitation, failing to investigate or

remediate the acts of bullying; failing to prevent additional bullying; failing to inform the
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Bronsteins and parents of the children involved in Nate’s complaints of bullying; failing to offer

and implement a safety plan for Nate; failing to request consent to engage with Nate’s outside

counselors, and to do so for the safety and well-being of Nate; and choosing to act in its own best

interests, rather than act in the best interests of Nate, when he reported cyberbullying to the school.

714. As a direct and proximate result of Latin’s breaches of these fiduciary duties, Nate,

deceased, sustained conscious pain and suffering, disability, and disfigurement prior to his death,

and had he survived, he would have been entitled to bring an action for his injuries.

715. Plaintiff Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate of Nathan

Bronstein, deceased, brings this action pursuant to the Illinois Survival Act, 755 ILCS 5/27-6.

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate

of Nathan Bronstein, deceased, prays for judgment against Defendant, Latin School of Chicago,

in an amount in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000), plus attorneys’ fees and costs of this

lawsuit, and such other and additional relief that this Honorable Court deems equitable and just.

150
 COUNT VI
INTENTIONAL INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS
By Plaintiffs Robert and Rosellene Bronstein in Their Individual Capacities
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Against All Latin Defendants and Defendants Greenwood, Koo, and Hagerman

716. Robert and Rosellene Bronstein, in their individual capacities, assert Count VI for

Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress against all Latin Defendants and Defendants

Greenwood, Koo, and Hagerman.

717. The Latin Defendants and Defendants Greenwood, Koo, and Hagerman owed the

Bronsteins a general duty of care.

718. As described herein, the Latin Defendants were aware of Mrs. Bronstein and Nate’s

reports of social isolation, rejection, ostracization, and cyberbullying.

719. As described herein, the Latin Defendants intentionally failed to investigate, stop,

or address the bullying of Nate at the hands of Latin students and a teacher.

720. As described herein, the Latin Defendants and Greenwood intentionally failed to

report bullying to the Bronsteins, including but not limited to Sanchez’s beratement of Nate during

class, Nate’s report of cyberbullying to Hennessy, multiple reports of the “fuck you” text chain

including to Coach Moran (by Student 5), Hennessy and Dunn, and the KYS message.

721. As described herein, and despite their legal obligation to do so, the Latin

Defendants willfully refused to notify the Bronsteins of Nate’s report of cyberbullying on

December 12-13, 2021, thereby denying the Bronsteins critical information about their son’s

mental state and the danger he was in.

151
 722. As described herein, after Nate’s death on January 13, 2022, the Latin Defendants

and Defendants Greenwood, Koo, and Hagerman have all agreed to and acquiesced in intentional
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

concealment from the Bronsteins of what defendants knew about the cyberbullying Nate had

suffered, as well as a campaign of misleading and false information directed at the Latin

community, RCDS and its community and the public at large in an effort to, inter alia, divert

attention away from the Latin Defendants’ conduct described herein and malign and lay blame on

the Bronsteins for their demand for information, an investigation, and accountability related to the

cyberbullying of Nate and his mistreatment at the hands of the Latin Defendants.

723. As described herein, after Nate’s death, the Latin Defendants and Defendants

Greenwood and Koo took steps to prevent the Bronsteins from learning about the cyberbullying

and related information, including by deterring Latin families from communicating with the

Bronsteins, by refusing to inform the Bronsteins of the cyberbullying and related information, by

continuing a campaign to malign the Bronsteins while concealing information and the truth from

them at every opportunity, and/or by lying to the Bronsteins. Thereafter, these defendants and

Defendant Hagerman, upon his involvement in the matter (by May 2022), have generally

continued these efforts.

724. As described herein, on January 27, 2022, the Bronsteins learned of the

cyberbullying of Nate from another parent in the Latin community, and started to realize the extent

of the Latin Defendants’ and Defendants Greenwood’s and Koo’s efforts to conceal the

cyberbullying, Nate’s report, other related information and Latin’s intentional and willful disregard

for the safety of Nate in its response to Nate’s report of cyberbullying.

152
 725. As described herein, on January 27 and 28, 2022, the Bronsteins met with Latin

officials, including Defendants Dunn, Greenwood, and Von Ogden. These meetings themselves
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

were attempts to cover up Latin’s intentional and willful disregard for the safety of Nate in its

response to Nate’s report of cyberbullying.

726. As described herein, during these meetings, Dunn admitted meeting only with Koo

(and not the full Board) and receiving direction from Koo (who faced a conflict of interest)

regarding Latin’s actions after Nate’s death.

727. As described herein, Hagerman involved himself in efforts related to the Bronsteins

by May 2022 and no later than July 2022.

728. The Latin Defendants and Defendants Greenwood, Koo and Hagerman exerted

(and continue to exert) a power and control over the Bronsteins to the extent that each had

information relevant to, inter alia, Nate and his safety, mental health and cyberbullying and each

withheld that information from the Bronsteins.

729. After Nate’s death, these defendants, in their positions as administrators of the

school and/or Latin’s Board Chair, exerted a power and control over the Bronsteins who, as parents

of students no longer at Latin, were at the whim of these Latin officials to provide critical

information about the cyberbullying, to investigate the cyberbullying and Latin’s intentional and

willful disregard for the safety of Nate in its response to Nate’s report of cyberbullying, and to

provide appropriate discipline to the bullies.

153
 730. The Latin Defendants and Defendants Greenwood, Koo, and Hagerman were and

are aware that the Bronsteins are peculiarly susceptible to emotional distress following the death
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

of their son. Yet, they proceeded to act with conscious disregard for the Bronsteins’ well-being.

The covering up of the truth from the Bronsteins of Nate’s last days at Latin when he was

experiencing and reporting bullying; the publicizing of a self-serving narrative to the Latin

community and the larger public that Nate, the victim of bullying, was the instigator and that the

Bronsteins, the family of the bullying victim trying to get help for their son, were “difficult” liars;

and/or denying the Bronsteins a chance to get the proper help for their son, the victim of bullying,

were particularly intentional, extreme, and outrageous acts toward the Bronsteins.

731. The actions and/or omissions of these defendants as set forth herein were done in

reckless disregard of the high likelihood that their actions would cause, and continue to cause, the

Bronsteins to suffer severe and extreme emotional distress.

732. The actions of the Latin Defendants prior to the death of Nate and the cover-up

commenced and/or by the Latin Defendants and Defendants Greenwood, Koo, and Hagerman have

caused both of the Bronsteins severe, daily, and unrelenting emotional distress beyond and above

the Bronsteins’ grief over the loss of their son.

733. As a direct and proximate result of the actions and/or omissions by these

defendants, as alleged herein, the Bronsteins were caused to incur severe and grievous mental and

emotional suffering, fright, anguish, shock, nervousness, anxiety, shame, and distress.

734. As direct and proximate result of the actions and/or omissions by the Latin

Defendants and Defendants Greenwood, Koo, and Hagerman, as alleged herein, the Bronsteins

were caused to seek treatment.

154
 WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs Robert Bronstein and Rosellene Bronstein, in their individual

capacities, pray for judgment against all Latin Defendants and Defendants Greenwood, Koo, and
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Hagerman, jointly and severally, in an amount in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000), plus

attorneys’ fees and costs of this lawsuit, and such other and additional relief that this Honorable

Court deems equitable and just.

COUNT VII
VIOLATION OF THE ILLINOIS CONSUMER FRAUD AND DECEPTIVE BUSINESS
PRACTICES ACT, 815 ILCS 505/2 (Misrepresentations/Omissions Inducing Enrollment)
Against Latin

735. Robert and Rosellene Bronstein, in their individual capacities, assert Count VII for

Violation of 815 ILCS 505/2 (Misrepresentations/Omissions Inducing Enrollment) against Latin.

736. The Bronsteins are natural persons, qualifying as “persons” under 825 ILCS

505/1(c).

737. The Bronsteins are purchasers of Latin’s services, qualifying as “consumers” under

825 ILCS 505/1(e).

738. Latin advertises, offers for sale, and distributes its educational services to Illinois

persons and consumers.

739. Such advertisement, offering for sale, and distribution of its services qualifies as

conduct of “trade” and “commerce” under 825 ILCS 505/1(f).

740. While advertising and offering its educational services for sale, Latin made several

representations to the Bronsteins, as those detailed above, including in Section VI. Latin’s

representations were material to the Bronsteins’ decision to apply for Nate and S.B. to attend Latin,

and to enroll Nate and S.B. at Latin.

741. Latin made such representations knowing that they were actually false

misrepresentations, as Latin was simultaneously aware and knew of Latin’s long history of

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 bullying, cyberbullying, hate speech and other harassment, Latin’s systemic failure to enforce its

Handbook, and Latin’s deliberate indifference, and failure to respond, to its endemic bullying
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

culture.

742. Also while advertising and offering its educational services for sale to the

Bronsteins, Latin knowingly omitted to inform the Bronsteins about Latin’s long history of

bullying, cyberbullying, hate speech and other harassment, Latin’s systemic failure to enforce its

Handbook or comply with the Anti-Bullying Law, its “NO PARENTS” practice, and Latin’s

deliberate indifference, and failure to respond, to its endemic bullying culture.

743. Latin made the aforementioned misrepresentations and omissions with the intent

that the Bronsteins rely thereon and pay the tuition to enroll Nate and S.B. in Latin.

744. The Bronsteins were deceived by and indeed relied on Latin’s misrepresentations

and omissions and enrolled Nate and S.B. at Latin for the 2021-2022 academic year, paying

thousands of dollars in tuition.

745. If the Bronsteins had known that Latin’s representations were actually

misrepresentations, they would not have enrolled Nate and S.B. at Latin for the 2021-2022

academic year.

746. Likewise, the Bronsteins would not have enrolled Nate and S.B. at Latin for the

2021-2022 academic year if the Bronsteins knew, or were informed, of Latin’s history of bullying,

cyberbullying, hate speech and other harassment, Latin’s systemic failure to enforce its Handbook

or comply with the Anti-Bullying Law, Latin’s “NO PARENTS” practice, and Latin’s deliberate

indifference, and failure to respond, to its endemic bullying culture.

WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs, Robert Bronstein and Rosellene Bronstein, in their individual

capacities, pray for judgment against Defendant, Latin School of Chicago, awarding them actual

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 damages, including a full refund of the tuition paid for the enrollment of Nate and S.B. at Latin for

the 2021-2022 academic year, damages for mental anguish and emotional distress, the cost of
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

counseling and other medical costs and services for treatment of their mental anguish and

emotional distress, plus attorneys’ fees and costs of this lawsuit, and such other and additional

relief that this Honorable Court deems equitable and just.

COUNT VIII
VIOLATION OF THE ILLINOIS CONSUMER FRAUD AND DECEPTIVE BUSINESS
PRACTICES ACT, 815 ILCS 505/2 (Unfair Practices and Concealment)
Against Latin and Defendant Koo

747. Robert and Rosellene Bronstein, in their individual capacities, assert Count VIII for

Violation of 815 ILCS 505/2 (Unfair Practices and Concealment) against Latin and Defendant

Koo.

748. The Bronsteins are natural persons, qualifying as “persons” under 825 ILCS

505/1(c).

749. The Bronsteins are purchasers of Latin’s services, qualifying as “consumers” under

825 ILCS 505/1(e).

750. Latin advertises, offers for sale, and distributes its educational services to Illinois

persons and consumers.

751. Such advertisement, offering for sale, and distribution of its services qualifies as

conduct of “trade” and “commerce” under 825 ILCS 505/1(f).

752. At all relevant times herein, Defendant Koo acted as the Chair of Latin’s Board of

Directors.

753. The Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act (the “ICFA”) precludes

unfair or deceptive practices in trade or commerce.

754. Conduct is unfair under the ICFA in any one of the following circumstances:

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 a. The practice offends public policy;

b. The practice is immoral, unethical, oppressive, or unscrupulous; or

FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

c. The practice causes substantial injury to consumers.

755. All three circumstances are present here. First, Latin’s conduct here is unfair

because it offends public policy. Engaging in dishonorable and deceptive behavior – here, Latin

personnel (i) concealed that Latin was not in conformity with the Anti-Bullying law; (ii) prevented

the Bronsteins from discovering Nate’s complaints of and experience with bullying at Latin;

(iii) permitted bullying to continue, despite receiving reports of specific instances of bullying;

(iv) left the Bronsteins’ minor child to endure pervasive, harsh, and continuous bullying at the

hands of his peers; and (v) denied the Bronsteins a chance to get the proper help for their son, the

victim of bullying.

756. Defendant Koo also maliciously, with the actual knowledge that the Bronsteins

would be severely emotionally harmed, and in total disregard for causing such severe emotional

harm to the Bronsteins, (i) concealed the truth about Nate’s experience and reports of bullying,

and/or directed Latin personnel to do the same; and (ii) publicized and/or otherwise promoted,

Latin’s self-serving narrative to Latin personnel, to the Latin community, to the RCDS community,

and/or to the larger public, including that Bronsteins were difficult, Nate was no angel, Nate was

a Parker student and his death was not on Latin’s watch.

757. Second, Laitn’s and Defendant Koo’s conduct here is unfair because it is immoral,

unethical, oppressive, and unscrupulous, as described in detail in the allegations incorporated

herein.

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 758. Latin’s and Defendant Koo’s conduct is also oppressive and unscrupulous in that

Latin and Defendant Koo knew that the Bronsteins were unaware of Nate’s reports of
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

cyberbullying and they intended for the Bronsteins to remain unaware of the same.

759. Latin – a school who publicly promotes itself as an inclusive community – in

concert with Koo as Board Chair, deceived the Bronsteins in a manner that is inherently

oppressive, dishonest, unscrupulous, marginalizing, and exclusive.

760. Third, Latin’s and Defendant Koo’s conduct here is unfair because it causes

substantial injury to consumers. Here, Latin sought to take and keep the Bronsteins’ money, as

consumers, in the form of tuition; knowingly not follow through on the promised deliverable of

providing an inclusive, honest, and fair community, that promoted physical and emotional

wellness; and purposefully engage in deceptive coverup campaign to prevent the Bronsteins from

discovering that they were being deprived of the benefit of their bargain.

761. As a result of Latin’s multiple lawyers of unfair and deceptive conduct, the

Bronsteins have suffered damages, inter alia, in paying tuition for which the benefit of the bargain

was not received, and for mental anguish and emotional distress.

WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs, Robert Bronstein and Rosellene Bronstein, in their individual

capacities, pray for judgment against Defendant, Latin School of Chicago, and Defendant Koo

awarding them actual damages, including a full refund of the tuition paid for the enrollment of

Nate and S.B. at Latin for the 2021-2022 academic year, damages for mental anguish and

emotional distress, the cost of counseling and other medical costs and services for treatment of

their mental anguish and emotional distress, plus attorneys’ fees and costs of this lawsuit, and such

other and additional relief that this Honorable Court deems equitable and just.

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 COUNT IX
SURVIVAL ACTION – COUNSELOR NEGLIGENCE (Medical Malpractice)
Against Defendant Knoche and Defendant Kranz
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

762. Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate of Nathan Bronstein,

deceased, asserts Count IX for Counselor Negligence against Defendants Knoche and Kranz.

763. At all relevant times herein, Latin offered and provided medical and mental health

services in the form of student counseling, to its enrolled students, including Nate.

764. At all relevant times herein, Knoche was a school counselor employed at Latin, and

also holding a LCPC license.

765. At all relevant times herein, Kranz was a school counselor employed at Latin, and

also holding a LCPC license.

766. At all relevant times herein, Nate was a student at Latin subject to and entitled to

the services provided by Kranz and Knoche.

767. As such, Kranz and Knoche owed a duty of care to Nate, as a student entitled to the

services they provided as school counselors.

768. Kranz and Knoche had actual knowledge of the serious mental health risks faced

by teens in the modern post-pandemic, high school environment.

769. Kranz and Knoche had actual knowledge that cyberbullying can lead to self-harm

or suicide.

770. Kranz and Knoche had actual knowledge regarding teens’ coping mechanisms and

mental health warning signs.

771. Kranz and Knoche had actual knowledge regarding cyberbullying’s damaging

effects on teens.

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 772. Kranz and Knoche had actual knowledge of Nate’s depression, anxiety, and initial

stages of school refusal.

FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

773. Kranz and Knoche had actual knowledge of Nate’s history of social isolation,

skipping classes, loss of appetite, and struggling to fit in and be accepted at Latin.

774. Kranz and Knoche had actual knowledge of Nate’s history, Nate’s struggle to cope

with difficult and complex peer interactions, and that such interactions could be a trigger for Nate.

775. Kranz and Knoche had actual knowledge of Nate’s distress being so great as to

warrant concern from the Bronsteins that Nate would hurt himself or others.

776. Kranz and Knoche had actual knowledge that Nate had ADHD, which was causing

Nate to have issues focusing on, and succeeding with, his school responsibilities.

777. Kranz and Knoche had actual knowledge that Nate resisted help when he was facing

stressors and distress, but also that he was otherwise accepting of help and guidance from adults.

778. Kranz and Knoche had actual knowledge of Nate’s specific “triggers.”

779. Kranz and Knoche knew or should have known that Nate reported that he was the

victim of cyberbullying incidents directly to Latin personnel, wherein he stated that such incidents

made him angry and requested that such behavior be stopped.

780. Upon information and belief, Kranz and Knoche knew or should have known of

current and ongoing cyberbullying incidents that were causing Nate distress prior to his death.

781. At all relevant times herein, Kranz and Knoche knew or should have known that

Nate’s medical history rendered him more susceptible to mental illness, self-harm, and suicide.

782. At all relevant times herein, Kranz and Knoche had a duty to possess and apply the

knowledge, and use the skill and care, ordinarily used by reasonably well qualified counselors,

practicing under similar circumstances.

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 783. Kranz and Knoche breached the duty of care owed to Nate by performing, and/or

failing to perform, the following acts, without limitation:

FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

a. Negligently failing to investigate, remediate, prevent, or report the acts of

cybullying Nate complained of;

b. Negligently failing to adequately address Nate’s mental health needs;

c. Negligently failing to provide proper treatment to Nate;

d. Negligently failing to acknowledge the vital role and rights of the

Bronsteins in being informed of Nate’s mental health evaluations and
reports of cybullying;

e. Negligently failing to implement a treatment plan to address Nate’s

isolation, anger, and/or distress;

f. Negligently failing to obtain consents to communicate with Nate’s outside

counselors;

g. Negligently failing to communicate with the Bronsteins regarding Nate’s

treatment;

h. Negligently failing to recognize that Nate was a high risk to self-harm;

i. Negligently failing to put a “safety plan” in place for Nate;

j. Negligently increasing the conflict between Nate and the Bronsteins;

k. Negligently failing to recognize Nate’s signs, and/or symptoms, of distress,

intent to self-harm, suicidal intent, and/or suicidal ideation;

l. Negligently ignoring Nate’s requests for help;

m. Negligently ignoring information provided by the Bronsteins regarding

Nate’s mental health and mental state;

n. Negligently exacerbating Nate’s distress, anger, isolation, depression,

and/or feelings of rejection; and

o. Negligently leaving Nate to internalize and cope with cyberbullying on his

own.

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 784. In accord with 735 ILCS 5/2-622(a)(1), Plaintiffs submit the declarations of their

counsel addressing the conduct of Kranz and Knoche and attaching the reports of two mental health
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

professionals, which are attached as Exhibits FF and GG.

785. As a direct and proximate result of Kranz and Knoche’s breaches of the duty of

care owed to Nate, deceased, he sustained conscious pain and suffering, distress, disability, and

disfigurement prior to his death, and had he survived, he would have been entitled to bring an

action for his injuries.

786. Plaintiff Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate of Nathan

Bronstein, deceased, brings this action pursuant to the Illinois Survival Act, 755 ILCS 5/27-6.

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate

of Nathan Bronstein, deceased, prays for judgment against Defendans Kranz and Knoche, jointly

and severally, in an amount in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000), and such other and

additional relief that this Honorable Court deems equitable and just.

COUNT X
SURVIVAL ACTION – MEDICAL MALPRACTICE (Vicarious Liability)
Against Latin

787. Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate of Nathan Bronstein,

deceased, asserts Count X for Medical Malpractice (Vicarious Liability) against Latin.

788. At all relevant times herein, Kranz and Knoche were school counselors employed

at Latin, and also holding LCPC licenses.

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 789. At all relevant times herein, Nate was a student at Latin subject to and entitled to

the services provided by Kranz and Knoche.

FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

790. At all relevant times herein, Kranz and Knoche were acting within the course and

scope of their employment with Latin in providing professional services to Nate and the

Bronsteins.

791. At all relevant times herein, Kranz and Knoche were acting in furtherance of the

business of their employer, Latin, in providing professional services to Nate.

792. Kranz and Knoche owed a duty of care to Nate in providing Nate with professional

services.

793. Kranz and Knoche breached the duty of care owed to Nate by performing, and/or

failing to perform, the following acts, without limitation:

a. Negligently failing to investigate, remediate, prevent, or report the acts of

cyberbullying Nate complained of;

b. Negligently failing to adequately address Nate’s mental health needs;

c. Negligently failing to provide proper treatment to Nate;

d. Negligently failing to acknowledge the vital role and rights of the

Bronsteins in being informed of Nate’s mental health evaluations and
reports of cyberbullying;

e. Negligently failing to implement a treatment plan to address Nate’s

isolation, anger, and/or distress;

f. Negligently failing to communicate with Nate’s outside counselors;

g. Negligently failing to communicate with the Bronsteins’ regarding Nate’s

treatment;

h. Negligently failing to recognize that Nate was a high risk to self-harm;

i. Negligently failing to put a “safety plan” in place for Nate;

j. Negligently increasing the conflict between Nate and the Bronsteins;

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 k. Negligently failing to recognize Nate’s signs, and/or symptoms, of distress,
intent to self-harm, suicidal intent, and/or suicidal ideation;
FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

l. Negligently ignoring Nate’s requests for help;

m. Negligently ignoring information provided by the Bronsteins regarding

Nate’s mental health and mental state;

n. Negligently exacerbating Nate’s distress, anger, isolation, depression,

and/or feelings of rejection; and

o. Negligently leaving Nate to internalize and cope with cyberbullying on his

own.

794. In accord with 735 ILCS 5/2-622(a)(1), Plaintiffs submit the declarations of their

counsel addressing the conduct of Kranz and Knoche and attaching the reports of two mental health

professionals, which are attached as Exhibits FF and GG.

795. Latin is vicariously liable for the acts and omissions of its agents, servants, and

employees, including Kranz and Knoche, during the care and treatment provided to Nate.

796. As a direct and proximate result of Kranz and Knoche’s breaches of the duty of

care owed to Nate, deceased, he sustained conscious pain and suffering, distress, disability, and

disfigurement prior to his death, and had he survived, he would have been entitled to bring an

action for his injuries.

797. Plaintiff Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate of Nathan

Bronstein, deceased, brings this action pursuant to the Illinois Survival Act, 755 ILCS 5/27-6.

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Robert Bronstein, as Independent Administrator of the Estate

of Nathan Bronstein, deceased, prays for judgment against Defendant, Latin School of Chicago,

jointly and severally, in an amount in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000), and such other

and additional relief that this Honorable Court deems equitable and just.

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 JURY DEMAND

PLAINTIFFS DEMAND A TRIAL BY JURY ON ALL COUNTS SO TRIABLE.

FILED DATE: 8/21/2023 10:45 PM 2022L003763

Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Danielle J. Gould
Danielle J. Gould
Victoria R. Collado
Susan J.M. Overbey
Morgan M. Hess
Burke, Warren, Mackay & Serritella, P.C.
330 N. Wabash Ave, 21st Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60611
(312) 840-7000
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Firm ID No. 41704

/s/ Todd F. Flood

Flood Law, PLLC
155 W. Congress Street, Suite 603
Detroit, Michigan 48226
(248) 547-1032
[email protected]

/s/ Michael D. Weaver

Michael D. Weaver
Plunkett Cooney PLC
38505 Woodward Avenue, Suite 2000
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
(248) 901-4025
[email protected]

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