The young son of NFL Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson was allegedly subjected to racist abuse, severe bullying and physical attacks by classmates at an elite California Christian school where annual tuition approaches $48,000, according to a lawsuit obtained by the California Post.
Dickerson’s sixth-grade son, identified in court documents as DD, is Black and allegedly endured a year of racial harassment at Oaks Christian School during the 2024-2025 academic year. The complaint, filed last week in Los Angeles County Superior Court, says classmates repeatedly called him the N-word, compared him to an animal and gave him a racist nickname.
“His family repeatedly told Oaks Christian what was happening and asked the school to protect him,” Robert Glassman, the family’s attorney, told the California Post. “Instead of stopping the abuse, the school allowed it 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,” he added.
The lawsuit alleges that the private Westlake Village school was negligent, intentionally inflicted emotional distress and violated California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act.
“(DD) was a Black child who came to Oaks Christian School to learn and to grow. Instead, over the course of his sixth-grade year, (DD) was subjected to relentless racial harassment, bullying, and physical assault,” the lawsuit states.
According to the complaint, one student repeatedly directed racial slurs at DD, including during a school-sponsored trip to a zoo. The student allegedly compared the sixth grader to an animal.
The same student accused of making the racist remarks was also known to carry a knife on campus, the lawsuit alleges. Despite the reported harassment and weapon, school administrators imposed no discipline, according to the complaint.
A female student allegedly hit DD in the head during lunch, took his food and intentionally poured out his water. The school reviewed surveillance video and confirmed that the assault occurred, but allegedly only spoke with the student and instructed her not to repeat the behavior.
The lawsuit describes another humiliating incident in music class, where students were discussing nicknames. The primary alleged aggressor proposed calling DD “Ni–erson,” according to the complaint.
“When (DD) reported the ‘Ni–erson’ incident, his own teacher accused him of lying, in front of his peers,” the complaint states.
Oaks Christian is a private, nondenominational Christian college-preparatory school that says 99% of its graduates are accepted into universities.
According to the school’s official tuition and financial aid website, new students in grades five through 12 can pay up to $47,930 annually in tuition and fees, depending on the payment plan. Returning students face comparable costs.
KEEP READING: Inside Account Linked to Australian MP Helen Haines’ Accused Attacker
“Oaks Christian School is committed to the dignity of every student, consistent with our Christian faith.
We are aware of the lawsuit. The school disputes the allegations regarding its conduct and will respond through the legal process,” the Office of the Head of School said in a statement to The Post.
“This matter involves minors, and out of respect for the privacy of all students involved, we will not comment on individual students or the specifics of the case,” the statement continued.
Dickerson, 66, ranks among the most accomplished running backs in NFL history. He played primarily for the Los Angeles Rams and Indianapolis Colts, setting the league’s single-season rushing record in 1984 with 2,105 yards and surpassing O.J. Simpson’s previous mark.
Dickerson became the first player to rush for more than 1,000 yards in seven consecutive seasons. By the time he retired in 1993, his 13,259 career rushing yards ranked second all-time. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
According to the lawsuit, Dickerson and the boy’s mother met with Vice Principal Tamara Kuku and suggested steps that included addressing racist language with students and contacting the parents of those accused of the misconduct. The school allegedly failed to carry out those measures.
DD ultimately left Oaks Christian and enrolled at another school, the complaint says. He allegedly continues to experience emotional and developmental harm as a result of the incidents.
The lawsuit also alleges that the reported treatment of DD reflects a longstanding pattern of racism at Oaks Christian.
In 2020, more than 8,100 Oaks Christian alumni signed a petition documenting alleged racism and discrimination experienced by black students over multiple years, according to the complaint.
The complaint also references ongoing litigation brought by another black former student who allegedly experienced racial slurs, a mock slave auction and threats of lynching while attending the school between 2021 and 2024.
The pricey private school has also produced NFL stars, including New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., as well as softball standout Maya Brady, niece of NFL legend Tom Brady.
The school has also attracted high-profile Hollywood families.
Its alumni include Sofia Richie Grainge, daughter of singer Lionel Richie; former “Bachelor” star Peter Weber; model Dree Hemingway, great-granddaughter of author Ernest Hemingway; Trey Smith, son of actor Will Smith; Nick Montana, son of NFL legend Joe Montana; and Trevor Gretzky, son of hockey great Wayne Gretzky.
