COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina college district mentioned a ninth grader walking in a hallway was stopped during a instant of silence and not the Pledge of Allegiance, as the college student experienced claimed in a lawsuit submitted past thirty day period.
Marissa Barnwell reported she was pushed in opposition to the wall by a trainer at River Bluff Superior School when she did not halt to recite the pledge as she walked to class in November, in accordance to her family’s lawsuit.
A attorney for Lexington School District 1 stated video clips from the hallway reveals the teacher touched Barnwell’s shoulder to get her interest but didn’t push her.
It also exhibits the confrontation did not take place right up until following the end of the Pledge of Allegiance — which point out legislation claims pupils can refuse to recite if they are not disruptive — and the get started of a second of silence.
Barnwell was not silent, arguing with the instructor right until she walked absent, the district explained.
“There would be no prohibition on the university necessitating college students to halt undertaking whatever they are doing, such as walking down the corridor, and to remain silent in the course of the second of silence,” university district attorney David Lyon wrote.
Barnwell explained to reporters this thirty day period she was humiliated and feared she was in difficulties.
“I was absolutely and completely disrespected,” the 15-12 months-old explained. “No just one has apologized, no a person has acknowledged my hurt.”
The district stated whilst the principal did examine the incident with her, a complete investigation decided neither she nor the teacher ought to face discipline.
The district reported it reviewed all footage from the hallway and not just the clip launched by the student’s mothers and fathers. The family’s legal professional and mom and dad had been also proven all films.
Police also did their very own investigation and did not file fees.
Alongside with the instructor, the teen’s household is suing the principal, school district and point out instruction officials, stating they violated the student’s civil legal rights and her Very first Amendment rights to both equally absolutely free speech or not to discuss at all.
In a assertion, Lexington University District 1 stated both its staff and Barnwell are receiving “extremely hateful communication.”
“District leaders strongly condemn this inappropriate behavior. We care for all of our learners and personnel and regret that those people concerned in this problem have been the target of cruel messages,” district officials wrote.
The Fort Information