Charlie Schnell: Family sues school for wrongful death claiming bullying, racism after teen kills himself

MARYLAND, UNITED STATES: The 16-year-old teen reportedly died by suicide while studying at Landon School, in Maryland. 

Subsequent to his death, the parents initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against the school administration, asserting that their son had experienced severe bullying and racism, ultimately resulting in his tragic demise.

Furthermore, they accused the school and its staff of failing to inform parents about the bullying and alleged that administrators and staff did not take adequate measures to protect their son.

They were unaware of the extent of his suffering until March 2022 when he took his own life.

What did Schnells say?

According to NBC Washington, Dawn and Scott Schnell, the parents of the teen Charlie Schnell, stated that he always had a smile that could illuminate a room.

They also asserted that he had a deep love for sports, his friends, and his family.

Scott expressed, "Every day, I wake up, and he dies again. There’s not a day that we don’t think of him, that I don’t think of him."

Dawn mentioned, "Landon failed Charlie so many times through the sophomore year. Sophomore year was hell."

In their lawsuit against Landon, the Schnells allege that Charlie suffered a concussion during sports practice, and a school dean ridiculed him for it in front of other students. They further claim that Charlie endured severe bullying and threats of violence after being accused of creating a racist drawing by a classmate.

According to the Schnells, Charlie never had an opportunity to respond to the accusation. He also faced disciplinary action for a separate incident and was given the ultimatum to either withdraw or face expulsion, with no option for appeal. He chose to withdraw.

Dawn remarked, "Our biggest mistake was sending Charlie to Landon." Scott stated, "If I could do one thing in my life over, it would be not sending him there."

Additionally, the Schnells assert that a classmate's father recently died by suicide, and the school allegedly failed to provide adequate grief support.

They also claim that another student had made threats of a mass shooting, and Charlie expressed his concerns in a journal entry.

The Schnells assert that his English teacher read it but allegedly never informed them that Charlie was struggling.

Dawn added, "There was fear across that campus, and the boys were not supported to be able to process that fear."

What did Schnells demand?

The Schnells are seeking compensation exceeding $75,000 and reforms within the school system.

Their proposed changes include the implementation of a certified school counselor, annual antibullying training for the staff, a more robust suicide prevention program, and the establishment of a policy for the school to promptly notify parents of bullying incidents and conduct thorough investigations.

Dawn claimed, "We want his valuable life to protect other children from schools who do not fulfill their duty of care,”

On the other side, Landon school claimed, "At Landon, we have no higher duty than supporting the well-being of our boys, a role we take very seriously."

They added, "We continue to feel only compassion for the grief that this family is experiencing over the devastating loss of their son."

The School further claimed, "And while we strongly disagree with the claims and characterizations made in their lawsuit, we will continue to navigate this situation with respect, compassion and sensitivity.”

The Landon School also stated that it has qualified and empathetic school counselors on its staff. Notably, the school did not provide specific responses to the other allegations mentioned in the lawsuit.

Additionally, the Schnells expressed a message for other children who may be facing challenges.

Dawn concluded, "Just please know that they are owed protection from bullies and support from adults and to please ask for what they deserve.”