Christian boarding school sues Missouri to stop new oversight of unlicensed facilities

[muriel_volestrangler]

A Christian boarding school that has fought government scrutiny for decades is suing the Missouri Department of Social Services to keep it from implementing new regulations on unlicensed facilities.

CNS International Ministries, also known as Heartland, filed the lawsuit in federal court last week. Gov. Mike Parson signed the measure into law in July after an emotional outcry from lawmakers, child advocates and former students who said the state desperately needed some oversight of Missouri’s troubled boarding schools.
...Sponsored by Reps. Rudy Veit, R-Wardsville, and Keri Ingle, D-Lee’s Summit, the legislation for the first time implements some government oversight over the state’s boarding schools that have operated under the radar for decades. The schools now must notify the state of their existence, conduct background checks on employees and comply with health and safety inspections.
...
The school drew national attention in 2001 after a call to the state hotline reported students were being forced to stand in ankle- to chest-deep cow manure as a punishment.

Read more at: https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article255128792.html#storylink=cpy

What kicked off this bipartisan bill that "Heartland" is trying to stop:

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt Announces 102 Criminal Charges Against Proprietors of Circle of Hope Girls Ranch and Boarding School

Boyd Householder has been charged in Cedar County with 79 felony charges and one misdemeanor, including 6 counts of 2nd Degree Statutory Rape, 7 counts of 2nd Degree Statutory Sodomy, 6 counts of Sexual Contact with a Student, one count of 2nd Degree Child Molestation, 56 counts of Abuse or Neglect of a Child, and 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Stephanie Householder has been charged in Cedar County with 22 felony charges, including 12 counts of Abuse or Neglect of a Child, and 10 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

“Today, my Office has filed a total of 102 criminal charges against Boyd and Stephanie Householder, proprietors of the now-defunct Circle of Hope Girls Ranch and Boarding School. The charging documents allege extensive, and horrific, sexual, physical, and mental abuse perpetrated by the Householders,” said Attorney General Schmitt. “My Office has worked tirelessly to investigate this case and will continue to work around the clock to ensure that justice is obtained in this case.”

https://ago.mo.gov/home/news/2021/03/10/missouri-attorney-general-eric-schmitt-announces-102-criminal-charges-against-proprietors-of-circle-of-hope-girls-ranch-and-boarding-school