Roland-Story wrestler charged with felony assault set to compete this school year
Kade Blume, a Roland-Story student athlete who was charged with assaulting a former student, will wrestle this school year after being banned for a year for taking part in what was referred to as a “hazing incident."
Blume, who was charged Nov. 3, 2022 in Story County District Court with felony assault, may wrestle this Thursday for Roland-Story, school officials said.
Blume was originally charged as an adult. Under an agreement with prosecutors, the case was moved to juvenile court, where he was expected to enter a plea. Records from juvenile court are not open to the public.
Earlier this year, the parents of the boy who reported that he was sexually assaulted by Blume filed a lawsuit accusing school officials of taking a "boys will be boys" attitude toward the attack and failing to ensure the student's safety.
The lawsuit says Roland-Story brushed off the alleged January 2022 attack as a "minor hazing" or bullying incident. According to court filings, Superintendent Matt Patton referred to alleged constant bullying as "locker room horseplay."
“The school district has both a legal and ethical obligation to provide a free and appropriate public education to all students, including those who have been involved in legal proceedings,” Patton told the Des Moines Register when asked why the school let Blume wrestle this year. “Our actions are guided by legal counsel, district policies, and a commitment to the principles of fairness and inclusivity.”
Blume's original punishment was a "20% suspension" from the wrestling team for a good conduct violation, though four days before the civil rights complaint was filed, the district announced Blume would not be competing for the remainder of the 2022-23 school year.
Neither the parents of Blume nor the parents of the victim could be reached for comment.
José Mendiola is a reporter for the Register. Reach him at jmendiola@dmreg.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Roland-Story wrestler charged with felony assault will compete this year
