Black teen sues Colorado charter school after ‘slave auction’ graffiti named him, lawsuit says

The former student says months of racist harassment and threatening bathroom graffiti led him to leave in-person school.

A Black former student is suing Addenbrooke Classical Academy in Lakewood, Colorado, alleging school leaders failed to stop months of racist harassment that escalated to bathroom graffiti referencing a “slave auction” and sexual violence.

Jaylen Davis, now 18, was 16 during the 2024-25 school year when white classmates allegedly mocked him with racial stereotypes, touched his hair without permission and made racist remarks, according to the complaint. Davis filed the federal lawsuit Sept. 30 against Addenbrooke, Principal John Byrne and former Executive Director Ric Netzer.

Atlanta Black Star reported that Davis and his mother, Jozette, complained several times between January and April 2025 to Byrne and Netzer. The lawsuit alleges the administrators did not investigate or act to protect Davis.

The situation escalated in May, when racist graffiti appeared in a boys’ restroom. The complaint cites photos showing “Slave auction” and “Black’s for sale,” along with a threat of sexual violence containing a racial slur. Davis’ name and the names of four other students of color appeared beneath the writing, the lawsuit says.

Davis allegedly learned about the graffiti from another student rather than school officials. The complaint says the restroom was locked after staff discovered the writing, but Davis and his mother were not told his name appeared in it.

The next day, Byrne allegedly told Davis’ mother that the graffiti had been painted over and that “the boys” received “some strong words of warning,” while also saying the school did not know who wrote it.

Davis did not return to Addenbrooke for his junior year. He completed that year online, and his attorney told CBS Colorado he is also taking his senior-year classes online. The complaint says the family had no car and no other school within reasonable reach.

The lawsuit brings claims under Title VI, Title IX, and the Equal Protection Clause. Davis seeks compensatory damages, punitive damages against Byrne and Netzer, attorneys’ fees and a jury trial.

Addenbrooke said it had not been formally served when contacted by reporters, but said it follows federal and state anti-discrimination laws and will address the case through the courts.