Greenville, South Carolina: Family Sues School District After Daughter’s Suicide Attempt
The parents of a 12-year-old Black girl in Greenville County, South Carolina, have initiated legal action against her school teachers and the district, claiming negligence in their response to persistent bullying suffered by their daughter, Kelaia Turner. This tragic situation unfolded after Kelaia attempted suicide on March 18, 2023, and her family is now seeking justice.
Overview of the Incident
Kelaia, who was only 12 years old at the time of the incident, was found by her mother, Ty Turner, hanging from a belt in her bedroom. Turner recalls that her daughter was already cool to the touch and bleeding from her nose when help arrived. Paramedics reportedly could not detect a pulse for eight minutes. Kelaia miraculously survived but suffered severe brain damage and remained in a coma for weeks. Now, at 14, she is nonverbal and requires constant care due to her condition.
The Lawsuit Details
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the South Carolina Greenville Division, claims that Kelaia faced bullying at Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School starting in August 2021. Ty Turner alleges that on several occasions, students subjected Kelaia to derogatory names in the classroom, including “a man” and “a roach.” Despite her complaints to school officials, the bullying continued, and the action taken by the school staff was insufficient to protect her.
For instance, when an incident occurred in December 2021 where a student referred to Kelaia as “the roach,” Kelaia’s teacher, Olivia Bennett, allegedly pointed her out instead of stopping the behavior. Following Turner’s complaints about the bullying, the principal acknowledged the issue but did not effectively resolve the situation, which led to further incidents throughout 2022.
Escalating Bullying and Deficient Response
According to the lawsuit, bullying incidents persisted without proper intervention from the school. There were reports of students pushing Kelaia, pouring water on her clothes, and making disparaging comments about her appearance. Notably, one student even played a derogatory song about Black people in class without any reprimand from the supervising teacher, John Teer. Kelaia’s mother expressed her concern that despite Kelaia’s continued complaints, little was done to address the ongoing harassment.
Kelaia’s mental health deteriorated due to this ongoing bullying, leading to her suicide attempt. The parents assert that the school’s inaction ultimately contributed to their daughter’s tragic decision. They also state that after the attempt, some students visited Kelaia in the ICU and recorded photos, further adding to their emotional distress.
Legal Grounds and Family’s Appeal
The lawsuit highlights how school officials failed to enforce anti-bullying policies meant to protect students. It alleges violations of the Equal Protection clause and Title IX protections, describing the targeted bullying Kelaia faced due to her race and gender. The family is seeking compensatory and punitive damages to cover medical expenses, care, and the emotional toll these events have taken.
Community and Official Reactions
In response to the lawsuit, Greenville County Schools denied most allegations, asserting that proper investigations were conducted regarding bullying incidents. They also defended their staff against claims of negligence, emphasizing a commitment to a safe school environment.
As the legal process unfolds, Kelaia’s family is grappling with her new reality and has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help cover ongoing medical expenses. Ty Turner has shared memories of her daughter, highlighting her vibrant personality and achievements before bullying took a toll on her well-being.
Conclusion
This situation underscores the urgent need for schools to effectively address bullying and prioritize student safety. The Turners’ lawsuit serves as a reminder of the profound impact that emotional abuse can have on young lives and the responsibility educational institutions have in preventing such tragedies.
