School Faces Legal Action After Suspending a 16-Year-Old Student for Saying ‘Illegal Alien’
A North Carolina high school student might see his college options shrink after being suspended for using the term “illegal alien” during a classroom discussion.
Was It Just a Misunderstanding?
Leah McGhee reported that her 16-year-old son, Christian, a sophomore at Central Davidson High School, intended no harm by his question. He simply wanted to understand the term, which the school later described as highly offensive.
Racism Claims Challenge Christian Upbringing
Leah emphasized that Christian’s upbringing, rooted in Christian values, makes the accusation of racism even more painful for him.
She expressed this concern during an interview on NewsNation’s “On Balance.”
Classroom Question Triggers Debate
During an English class in April, Christian McGhee asked for clarification on the word “aliens,” inquiring if it referred to space aliens or illegal aliens without green cards.
Light-Hearted Retort Turns Serious
This question led to a light-hearted retort from a Hispanic classmate, pseudonymously referred to as “R.,” who jokingly threatened to retaliate physically.
Principal Suggests Language Change
The incident escalated to a meeting with the assistant principal, Mr. Anderson, who later suggested that McGhee should have used the term “those people who need a green card” to be more respectful.
Maintaining a Good Relationship
Despite this, it was noted in McGhee’s legal complaint that he and R. maintained a good relationship. R. disclosed to McGhee that he was not emotionally distressed as Mr. Anderson had claimed.
Student Challenges Principal’s Views
R. even criticized Mr. Anderson’s sensitivity to racial issues, referencing a personal incident where the assistant principal questioned his low grades in Spanish, linking it to his ethnicity.
Suspension Sparks Legal Backlash
Amidst this controversy, the Liberty Justice Center is supporting the family’s fight against the school district. They claim that the suspension infringes on Christian’s rights to free speech, education, and due process.
Student’s Future at Risk
Leah McGhee is worried that a three-day suspension could tarnish her son Christian’s college applications next year. She expressed her concerns to NewsNation, highlighting the unfair label on his record that could significantly impact his future.
Bullying Follows High School Suspension
Following his suspension, Christian experienced ostracization, bullying, and even threats upon returning to school.
Safety Concerns Prompt Homeschooling
Concerns for his safety led his parents to withdraw him from the school, opting to complete his semester via a homeschooling program instead.
Missing the Mark on Progressiveness?
Dean criticized the school’s actions, suggesting that if the school intended to appear progressive by punishing Christian, it had completely missed the mark.
Wrongful Racism Claims
Dean McGee criticized the handling of a high school incident involving Christian McGhee, arguing that racism was wrongfully inferred by school authorities.
Harmless Chat Sparks Drama
He recounted an exchange where an assistant principal intensified the situation by labeling a non-offensive conversation as a serious racial issue, despite another student’s assertion that he wasn’t offended.
Proposal for School Mediation Rejected
McGee highlighted that even though Christian’s mother, Leah McGhee, proposed a mediation session involving both families and the school faculty to constructively discuss the matter, the suggestion was dismissed.
Instead, the assistant principal opted for a harsher approach, issuing a three-day suspension and marking Christian’s record with an accusation of racism.
Community Split Over Suspension
McGee noted that while the situation has led to backlash and threats against Christian under the assumption of racism, there has also been substantial support rallying for the McGhee family, emphasizing the community’s mixed reactions to the school’s decisions.
Harassment vs. Support
Dean McGee expressed concern about both the harassment and the support that have surrounded Christian McGhee’s case.
He emphasized the community’s empathetic response to what many see as an unfair treatment by the school, which could potentially damage Christian’s future.
Board Meeting Backs Student
During a recent Davidson County Board of Education meeting, the majority supported the McGhee family, criticizing the board for its handling of Christian’s suspension.
Many attendees argued that suppressing a student’s inquiry directly contradicts the principles of education.
Pushing for Public Apology
In response to the situation, the McGhee family is pushing for a public apology and the removal of the suspension from Christian’s record.
McGee highlighted their preparedness to take the case to higher courts if necessary, underscoring their previous successes in similar legal battles. The family’s legal team is determined to see this through to ensure fair treatment and justice for Christian.
