Greenville County Parents Sue School District Over Daughter’s Suicide Attempt
Greenville County, South Carolina – The parents of a 12-year-old Black girl, Kelaia Turner, are taking legal action against her teachers and the Greenville County School District following their daughter’s suicide attempt last year. The lawsuit revolves around allegations of negligence and failure to address persistent bullying that Kelaia faced at Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School.
The Incident
Kelaia Turner attempted suicide on March 18, 2023. Her mother, Ty Turner, found her hanging from a belt in her bedroom. By the time paramedics arrived, Kelaia was unresponsive, exhibiting severe physical distress that resulted in her being in a coma for weeks. Following the incident, Kelaia, now 14, suffers from brain damage and needs constant care, relying on a tracheostomy tube and a feeding tube.
A History of Bullying
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, details a troubling history of bullying that began in August 2021, shortly after Kelaia joined the middle school. According to the complaint, Kelaia experienced verbal abuse from her peers and even faced ridicule from a teacher. In December 2021, while in class, a fellow student called her “a man” and “a roach,” with the teacher, Olivia Bennett, allegedly failing to intervene. Despite complaints to school authorities, the bullying persisted without appropriate disciplinary actions.
Continued Harassment
The abuse continued throughout the school year, with Kelaia facing various humiliating remarks and incidents, including verbal attacks, physical confrontations, and a teacher allowing an offensive video to be played in class. Despite efforts from Kelaia’s parents to address these issues, including meetings with school officials, the situation did not improve.
Legal Action
The lawsuit accuses the school district and individual teachers of negligence, claiming they failed to uphold their duty to protect Kelaia. It cites multiple instances where faculty members allegedly failed to act on reported bullying, contributing to the mental and emotional toll on Kelaia. The lawsuit seeks compensation for medical expenses, ongoing care, and emotional distress.
Expectations for the Future
Kelaia’s family has established a GoFundMe campaign to cover her mounting medical expenses, such as therapy and a wheelchair-accessible van. They anticipate that she will require lifelong assistance. Her mother described Kelaia, the youngest of three daughters, as a vibrant child who excelled in various activities, including gymnastics and art, but who became increasingly affected by bullying as she faced repeated harassment.
Response from Greenville County Schools
In response to the lawsuit, Greenville County Schools denied the allegations, asserting that all reported incidents were investigated thoroughly at the time. However, they acknowledged some of the parent’s complaints regarding the teacher’s behavior. The district maintains that it has anti-bullying policies in place and that any allegations of misconduct are taken seriously.
Conclusion
The heartbreaking case of Kelaia Turner underscores the severe impact bullying can have on young individuals. As the case progresses through the legal system, the Turner family continues to advocate for Kelaia’s care and justice for the suffering she endured during her formative years.
