Twelve Families Sue Texas Charter School After Students Hospitalized with Life-Threatening Injuries from Alleged Abuse
Lawsuit alleges prolonged, forced physical punishment led to serious injuries and hospitalization of student athletes
WACO, Texas (April 13, 2026) — Twelve families have filed a lawsuit against Texas Leadership Charter Academy (TLCA) in San Angelo, alleging a pattern of systemic abuse that resulted in the hospitalization of as many as twenty student athletes following a series of events over multiple days in February 2026. According to the lawsuit, students were allegedly forced to continue strenuous physical exercises without water or rest, despite visible signs of distress, leading to serious medical complications, including rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition with a mortality rate of 30 to 50 percent.
The lawsuit was filed on April 10, in the 193rd Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas, under Cause No. DC-26-06347 against Texas Leadership Charter Academy (TLCA), Texas Leadership Public Schools, CEO/Superintendent Walt Landers, and current and former employees under newly revised Chapter 118 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, which expands civil rights against school districts and their employees for failing to report abuse. The filing alleges systemic child abuse, gross negligence, and a coordinated institutional cover-up.
Alleged three-day pattern of forced physical punishment led to escalating student injuries
According to the lawsuit, the events began on or about February 25, 2026, when coaches directed approximately 50 student athletes to perform continuous push-ups as punishment for a jersey mix-up—an error caused by the coaching staff themselves. Students were forced to continue for over an hour without water or rest while gymnasium doors remained closed.
The complaint states that at least five adult coaches and one administrator were present during the punishment. When children collapsed, coaches allegedly ordered them to continue. When children cried out in pain, coaches allegedly mocked them. The abuse continued over three consecutive days, even as students returned with worsening symptoms, including the inability to lift their arms or perform basic tasks.
Life-threatening injuries led to hospitalization and ongoing medical treatment
In the days following the incident, as many as 20 students were hospitalized and diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis—a serious condition involving the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue that can cause kidney failure and death. The lawsuit details the severity of these injuries, including significantly elevated muscle enzyme levels and hospital stays lasting up to seven days.
One child’s laboratory values were nearly 750 times the upper limit of normal. Several children required nephrology referrals for permanent kidney damage, and many continue to undergo ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, and recovery from lasting physical and emotional effects. The complaint also states that some students have been advised they may face long-term or permanent limitations on physical activity, which could affect their future health and career opportunities.
The lawsuit follows an extensive investigation conducted by Cherry Johnson Siegmund James in coordination with relevant authorities and a review of medical records, school policies, and witness accounts.
“What happened here reflects a profound failure to protect student safety. It’s not discipline — it’s abuse,” said Ryan C. Johnson of Cherry Johnson Siegmund James. “According to the allegations, these students were pushed to the point of serious, life-threatening injury while the adults responsible for their safety stood by and did nothing. This went on for days, despite clear and escalating signs that these children were in distress. Schools are entrusted to protect students, not break them. This lawsuit is about holding every responsible party accountable and making sure this never happens to another child.”
Lawsuit alleges systemic failures and attempts to shield the school from responsibility
The complaint asserts that in the aftermath, not one school official contacted any affected family to inquire about their child’s well-being. According to the lawsuit, school leadership failed to report the abuse, quietly reassigned coaches, inserted liability waivers into registration materials, and instructed employees to delete incriminating emails. It also raises concerns about actions taken following the incident, including the implementation of a liability waiver in enrollment materials that plaintiffs contend was intended to limit accountability for student injuries.
Families seek accountability, damages, and meaningful changes to protect students
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress suffered by the students and their families. It also seeks punitive damages to hold the defendants accountable for the alleged conduct and to deter similar actions in the future.