Abandoned Black Teen Allegedly Sent to Abusive Boarding School in Jamaica: Advocates Demand Justice

A 17-year-old Black boy named Elijah Goldman has been at the center of a troubling case that has shocked child welfare advocates. Elijah was allegedly abandoned by his adoptive parents, Mark and Spring Goldman, who left him at a boarding school in Jamaica in September 2023.

According to a report by the Detroit Free Press, Elijah was adopted from Haiti at the age of 10 and lived with his adoptive parents in Traverse City, Michigan. However, tensions reportedly grew between Elijah and his parents due to his rebellious behavior, including watching pornography, lying, and running away. As a result, he was sent to multiple boarding schools, with the last one being the Atlantis Leadership Academy in Jamaica.

At the academy, Elijah and other boys disclosed allegations of horrific abuse, including being cut with a razor, beaten with a hammer, waterboarded, tied to railings, and forced to engage in club fights where bets were placed. Jamaican officials eventually removed Elijah and six other American boys from the academy in February and closed it down.

Despite the closure of the boarding school, Elijah’s adoptive parents allegedly left him stranded in Jamaica. New York civil rights attorney Dawn Post helped coordinate his return to the U.S., but Michigan initially denied legal authority to house him. Eventually, a foster mother came forward offering to take Elijah into her custody, which his adoptive parents did not object to.

The case has sparked outrage and calls for justice from child welfare advocates, who are working to ensure that Elijah receives the care and support he needs after his traumatic experience.