Marine Military Academy (MMA), a prestigious boarding school in Harlingen, Texas, has been embroiled in a series of lawsuits alleging widespread physical and sexual abuse of cadets. The lawsuits have been filed by former cadets and their families, and they paint a disturbing picture of a culture of violence and impunity at the school.

Allegations of Abuse

The allegations of abuse against MMA date back many years, but they came to light in 2019 when a former cadet filed a Title IX lawsuit alleging that he had been raped by his roommate. The lawsuit alleged that the school failed to properly investigate the incident or take steps to protect the victim from further harm.

Since then, several other former cadets have filed lawsuits against MMA, alleging a variety of abuses, including:

• Physical assault and battery
• Sexual assault and harassment
• Hazing
• Bullying
• Retaliation for reporting abuse

The lawsuits allege that MMA officials knew about the abuse and failed to take action to stop it. In some cases, the lawsuits allege that school officials actively discouraged cadets from reporting abuse and retaliated against cadets who did.

Impact on Cadets

The alleged abuse at MMA has had a devastating impact on the cadets who have been affected. Many former cadets have reported suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. Some have also struggled with addiction and substance abuse.

The Lawsuits Today

As of this writing, several lawsuits against MMA are still pending in federal court. The school has denied the allegations of abuse, but it has also agreed to settle some of the lawsuits for undisclosed amounts.

Conclusion

The allegations of abuse at Marine Military Academy are serious and disturbing. If the allegations are proven true, they would represent a systemic failure by the school to protect its cadets from harm.

FAQs

Q: What is Marine Military Academy?

A: Marine Military Academy (MMA) is a private boarding school for boys in grades 7-12 and postgraduate. It is located in Harlingen, Texas, and is affiliated with the Marine Corps.

Q: What are the allegations of abuse against MMA?

A: The allegations of abuse against MMA include physical assault and battery, sexual assault and harassment, hazing, bullying, and retaliation for reporting abuse.

Q: Have any of the lawsuits against MMA been settled?

A: Yes, the school has agreed to settle some of the lawsuits for undisclosed amounts.

Q: What is the status of the pending lawsuits against MMA?

A: The pending lawsuits are still in the early stages of litigation.

Q: What can parents do to protect their children from abuse at MMA?

A: Parents can talk to their children about the importance of reporting abuse, and they can monitor their children’s behavior for signs of distress. Parents can also contact MMA to learn more about the school’s policies and procedures for reporting and investigating abuse.

Q: What resources are available to victims of abuse at MMA?

A: There are a number of resources available to victims of abuse at MMA, including the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and the National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD).

References

• Family files lawsuit against Marine Military Academy: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2019/11/25/family-files-lawsuit-against-marine-military-academy/
• A Few Bad Boys: https://www.texasmonthly.com/true-crime/a-few-bad-boys/