Eric Dickerson Sues School Over Alleged Racist Abuse of Son

NFL Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson has filed a lawsuit against Oaks Christian School, alleging that his young son was subjected to a year of relentless racial harassment, bullying, and physical assaults during the 2024-2025 academic year. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims the elite California Christian school, which charges nearly $48,000 annually in tuition, failed to protect the Black sixth-grader from a pattern of abuse.

According to the complaint, Dickerson's son was repeatedly called the N-word, compared to an animal, and given a racist nickname by classmates. The suit alleges that the school was repeatedly informed of the incidents but allowed them to continue. "No child should be subjected to racial harassment or physical violence at school while the adults entrusted with his safety fail to act," stated Robert Glassman, the family's attorney.

The lawsuit accuses Oaks Christian of negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violating California's Unruh Civil Rights Act. It details specific incidents, including one where a male student allegedly used racial slurs and compared the victim to an animal during a zoo field trip. This same student was reportedly known to carry a knife on campus, yet no disciplinary action was taken.

In another instance, a female student allegedly struck Dickerson's son in the head during lunch, took his food, and poured out his water. The school reportedly reviewed video evidence of this assault but only spoke to the student involved, instructing her not to repeat the behavior. The lawsuit claims that when the victim reported being called the slur "Ni–erson" by a classmate during music class, his teacher accused him of lying in front of his peers.

Dickerson and his son's mother reportedly met with Vice Principal Tamara Kuku to discuss proposed solutions, such as addressing racist language with students and contacting the parents of those responsible. The lawsuit asserts that the school failed to implement these measures.

The sixth grader eventually withdrew from Oaks Christian and enrolled in a different school. The complaint states that he continues to suffer emotional and developmental harm as a result of the alleged incidents.

The lawsuit also points to a history of alleged racism at the school, citing a 2020 petition signed by over 8,100 alumni detailing similar experiences of racism and discrimination faced by Black students. Additionally, the complaint references ongoing litigation from another former Black student who alleges experiencing racial slurs, a mock slave auction, and threats of lynching between 2021 and 2024.

Oaks Christian School, a private nondenominational Christian college-preparatory institution, has a student body that includes children of celebrities and notable athletes. Its alumni include Sofia Richie Grainge, Peter Weber, Dree Hemingway, Trey Smith, Nick Montana, and Trevor Gretzky. The school also boasts alumni who have gone on to careers in professional sports, such as NFL players Kayvon Thibodeaux, Zach Charbonnet, and Michael Pittman Jr., and softball player Maya Brady.

Oaks Christian School did not respond to requests for comment from The Post.

Eric Dickerson, 66, is a renowned former NFL running back, known for setting the single-season rushing record in 1984 with 2,105 yards. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999. The tuition for students in grades five through 12 at Oaks Christian can reach up to $47,930 annually, excluding additional fees.