This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Rose and Robert Bronstein, parents of Nate Bronstein, who tragically took his own life in January 2022, have filed a lawsuit against the Latin School of Chicago. The suit alleges that the school has refused to release Nate's records, despite a contractual clause allowing parents access. This follows a previous lawsuit filed in April 2022, claiming the school failed to inform the Bronsteins about Nate reporting cyberbullying incidents to staff approximately a month before his death. The Bronsteins believe these records may hold crucial information related to the events leading up to their son's suicide, including emails, reports, and internal notes. Rose Bronstein expressed frustration that the school is withholding not only academic records but any communication pertaining to their children during their enrollment. The school's refusal extends to records for their daughter, who also attended Latin School.

Prior to Nate's passing, the school reportedly contacted the Bronsteins regarding a minor mask infraction, but allegedly failed to communicate about the serious bullying allegations. The 2022 lawsuit sought $100 million in damages, citing the school's alleged negligence and "cruelty and callousness" in handling the situation. The Bronsteins now question what the school is attempting to conceal by withholding these records.

Nate, described as a bright, energetic young man with a passion for sports, enrolled at the Latin School of Chicago as a sophomore in the fall of 2021 after a year of online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon returning to in-person classes, he became the target of false rumors, including one about his vaccination status, which his mother likened to a "Scarlet Letter." The cyberbullying intensified after he joined the basketball team, with teammates making threats and derogatory comments in a group chat. A Snapchat message circulated among students labeled Nate a "terrible person," and another reportedly encouraged him to take his own life.

Despite the Bronsteins' plans to transfer Nate to another school due to the ongoing harassment, tragedy struck in January 2022. Days after his suicide, other parents reportedly presented evidence of the cyberbullying to school administrators, including Head of Students Randall Dunn. The Bronsteins allege this evidence was not shared with them until two weeks after Nate's death.

The Bronsteins draw parallels between Nate's case and the suicide of Jack Reid at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, highlighting the latter's independent investigation and public statement. They continue to advocate for cyberbullying awareness through their nonprofit, Buckets Over Bullying, hoping to prevent similar tragedies. The Latin School of Chicago has not yet responded to requests for comment.