Two prep school leaders step down as investigation into Jewish teen’s suicide concludes

Principal Resignation in Wake of Scandal

Recently, the principal of a well-known private school in Westchester stepped down, just days after his counterpart at a prestigious Chicago prep school made a surprising exit. This happened amidst an investigation possibly tied to the tragic suicide of a Jewish student.

Randall Dunn resigned from his $960,000 position at Rye Country Day School on January 22, eight days following Thomas Hagerman’s unexpected resignation from Latin School in Chicago.

“It’s quite rare for a private school leader to resign in January,” a source in the educational sector mentioned.

Dunn is linked to the ongoing controversy that followed the suicide of 15-year-old Nate Bronstein at Windy City School in 2022. Hagerman had taken the helm at Chicago Latin School in June 2022, shortly after Bronstein’s death, but his leadership was marred by ongoing issues with anti-Semitism.

As two independent investigations are nearing completion regarding the circumstances surrounding Bronstein’s bullying and death, it’s speculated that educators might be feeling pressure to step down before the findings are revealed.

In an email response, Dunn was clear that his resignation was not connected to Hagerman’s departure. “My resignation has nothing to do with Mr. Hagerman’s announced withdrawal from Chicago Latin School,” he stated.

Bronstein experienced relentless bullying at the expensive Latin school, partially due to rumors about another student’s vaccination status. His family’s attorney indicated that the harassment became intolerable for him.

Parents of students at the school have claimed both principals failed in their responsibilities, allegedly allowing significant physical and emotional harm, which in some cases led to devastating outcomes.

Hagerman left Latin School in 2022 and moved to Rye Country Day School afterward.

Critics have noted that the well-regarded Chicago institution, where Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker enrolled his children, did not adequately handle the persistent anti-Semitism problems during Hagerman’s leadership. For instance, band members were reported to have played Nazi marching songs two years in a row.

At Rye Country Day, an instance of anti-Semitism also occurred recently, when a swastika was found painted in a hallway during Hanukkah.

Hagerman announced his resignation on January 14, citing health issues, and Dunn followed suit without providing a reason just eight days later. Notably, Dunn’s lack of explanation for his departure, along with the absence of a succession plan for Hagerman, raises eyebrows.

The investigations are being conducted by Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, retained by Latin School, and Boies Schiller Flexner, engaged by the parents.