Student Filed Lawsuit Following Monroe College Dismissal

Madelyn Mooney alleged she was wrongfully dismissed from a nursing program after reporting child abuse.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Nursing Jobs

Student Filed Lawsuit Following Monroe College Dismissal

Madelyn Mooney filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana on September 29, 2025, alleging wrongful dismissal. Mooney claims her removal from the Louisiana Delta Community College nursing program was racially motivated after she reported witnessing child abuse.

Why it matters

The case centers on claims of discriminatory retaliation and the professional obligations of nursing students to report abuse. Mooney alleges that she was singled out for discipline while other witnesses to the incidents faced no consequences.

The legal complaint filed in U.S. District Court spans 17 pages. Mooney, who previously worked for 4 years as a surgical technologist, alleges the incidents involved a 4-year-old child.

The players

Madelyn Mooney

She is a former nursing student who worked for 4 years as a surgical technologist prior to her enrollment.

Louisiana Delta Community College

It is a public community college in Louisiana that operates a practical nursing program.

Cyndi Cole

She is an instructor at the college who received the initial report of child abuse from the student.

LCTCS

The Louisiana Community and Technical College System oversees the operations of various community colleges in the state.

The details

Mooney asserts she witnessed a staff member slap a child during a clinical rotation in Bastrop, Louisiana, on September 15, 2025, and again on September 17, 2025. She reported these incidents to instructor Cyndi Cole on September 25, 2025, before being dismissed by college officials four days later.

September 15, 2025: Mooney witnessed the abuse of a child during a clinical rotation.
September 17, 2025: A second instance of child abuse occurred at the clinical site.
September 25, 2025: Mooney reported the witnessed abuse to instructor Cyndi Cole.
September 29, 2025: Mooney was dismissed from the Louisiana Delta Community College nursing program.

Market Landscape

The lawsuit leverages the Civil Rights Act to challenge institutional disciplinary decisions. This move highlights the increasing focus on accountability and equity within vocational nursing education programs across the state.

Students in vocational programs should be aware of their rights regarding whistleblowing and disciplinary due process. The case emphasizes the importance of institutional transparency when reporting ethical concerns during clinical training.

The takeaway

Maintaining clear, documented records when reporting incidents is critical for students facing potential disciplinary action. Understanding the legal protections available under civil rights statutes can assist individuals in navigating disputes with educational institutions.