High Schooler Suspended for Saying 'Illegal Alien' in Class Wins $20,000
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A North Carolina high school student who was suspended in April 2024 for using the term "illegal alien" during class has secured a $20,000 settlement, a public apology, and the removal of references to racial bias from his school record, according to court documents first obtained by The Carolina Journal.
The settlement between the Davidson County Board of Education and the student's family is pending judicial approval in federal court.
Newsweek reached out to the lawyer for the student and the school district via email for comment on Wednesday.
Why It Matters
This case raised national questions about free speech, students' rights, and school discipline policies in the United States.
The legal dispute tested the limits of First Amendment protections in educational settings, and the resulting settlement has been cited as a notable development in debates over language, race, and disciplinary practices in public schools.
The story has garnered widespread media attention and sparked discussion about the balance between promoting inclusive school environments and safeguarding constitutionally protected speech.
What To Know
The Davidson County Board of Education agreed to issue a public apology, pay $20,000 in compensation, and expunge all references to racial bias from the student's school records as part of a lawsuit settlement, according to filings with the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.
The $20,000 award is to help defray the cost of the new private school he transferred to following the incident and ongoing litigation, the outlet said.
McGhee, then a sophomore at Central Davidson High School in Lexington, North Carolina, was disciplined after using the phrase "illegal alien" in a vocabulary lesson.
School administrators cited his remark as "offensive" and "disrespectful to Hispanic classmates," resulting in a three-day suspension for what was classified as a "racially insensitive remark" that disrupted the class, according to the outlet.
His family, represented by the Liberty Justice Center, filed a lawsuit against the Davidson County Board of Education and former Assistant Principal Eric Anderson, alleging the suspension violated McGhee's rights to free speech, due process, and access to education.
File photo of a blackboard in a schoolhouse at the Carillon Historical Park in Dayton, Ohio.
File photo of a blackboard in a schoolhouse at the Carillon Historical Park in Dayton, Ohio.
Getty
While the school board maintained the disciplinary action was warranted due to classroom disruption, it agreed in the settlement to acknowledge that its characterization of the incident as racially biased was an error. The board committed to issuing a formal apology and amending the student's record to remove any mention of racial bias, according to the court records.
During the yearlong legal dispute, Ashley Carroll, a member of the school board, resigned. Reports indicate this resignation was due to personal reasons unrelated to the case, The Carolina Journal reported.
The Liberty Justice Center described the resolution as a step toward clearing McGhee's name and protecting students' constitutional rights.
What People Are Saying
Dean McGee, senior counsel for educational freedom at the Liberty Justice Center, said in a statement to The Carolina Journal: "On Friday, we filed a motion asking the court to approve a settlement that would resolve this matter. Because Christian is a minor, a court hearing is required before the settlement can become final. We'll have more to say after that hearing, but we're pleased to take this important step toward clearing our client's name."
What Happens Next
The proposed settlement is pending approval by a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.
Once approved, the Davidson County Board of Education will issue a public apology and clear the student's record of any reference to racial bias, finalizing the terms of the agreement.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
38 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Betting Markets Preview Possible Next Escalation In Musk-Trump Feud
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Betting markets are already predicting what the next developments could be in the new feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Newsweek reached out to the White House and Musk through Tesla for comment via email. Why It Matters Musk became one of Trump's most ardent supporters on the campaign trail in the 2024 presidential race, donating nearly $300 million to Republicans last year. However, the relationship between the two has appeared to sour over Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," a piece of legislation that would extend tax cuts and include funding for other priorities, such as immigration. Musk raised concerns about its effect on the national debt. On Thursday, Musk escalated the feud, writing in a post to X that Republicans would not have won in 2024 without him while also claiming the administration has not released the Epstein files because Trump is mentioned in them. What to Know No one knows exactly what will happen next, but some are turning to online betting markets like Polymarket to make their guesses about whether the feud will further escalate or whether the two could soon make up. On Friday, Musk has been a bit quieter on social media, not making any more comments about Trump. Trump Chief of Staff Susie Wiles told NBC News there are "no plans" for the two to meet on Friday. Here's an overview of what betting markets say about the next potential developments. Elon Musk and President Donald Trump speak in Philadelphia on on March 22, 2025. Elon Musk and President Donald Trump speak in Philadelphia on on March 22, Donald Trump and Elon Musk Meet? Polymarket traders predict it is probable Trump and Musk will meet by the end of the year—giving that likelihood a 57 percent chance—but are doubtful that a meeting will come in the coming weeks. Traders are giving the meeting a 14 percent chance of happening by June 30 and a 31 percent chance of happening by July 31. Rival betting odds website Kalshi, on the other hand, gave a 56 percent chance of Trump and Musk calling before July. Will Elon Musk Suspend Trump From X? Polymarket odds of Trump being suspended from X by next Friday remain low at only 1.7 percent, a drop from Thursday evening when traders gave it a roughly 4 percent chance of happening. Betting market site William Hill gives a slightly higher likelihood that Trump could be banned from X during his second term at about 6/4, roughly 40 percent. It's also unlikely that Musk would unfollow Trump on the social media platform, according to Polymarket, where the odds of that happening were only 19 percent. Kalshi gives the likelihood of an unfollow about 33 percent. Will Elon Musk Create a New Political Party? Musk proposed in a post to X on Thursday the creation of a new political party, writing, "Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?" But Polymarket currently gives that a low chance of happening—a 7 percent chance by the end of June and a 22 percent chance by the end of the year. Is A Trump-Musk Reconciliation in the Cards? Polymarket traders are somewhat skeptical about the possibility the two could reconcile by July, placing the chances of that happening at only 33 percent as of early Friday afternoon. According to Kalshi, the odds of Musk rejoining the Trump administration are low at about 16 percent. What People Are Saying President Donald Trump, on Thursday: "Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore. I was surprised. You were here. Everybody in this room practically was here as we had a wonderful send-off. He said wonderful things about me. You couldn't have nicer-said the best things. He's worn the hat. Trump was right about everything, and I am right about the 'Great Big Beautiful Bill.'" Elon Musk, on X: "Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate." Conservative pundit Laura Loomer wrote on X on Thursday: "I know lawmakers who are asking if they should side with President Trump or Elon. I've been on the hill all day and it's all anyone is talking about. The most powerful man in the world vs the richest man in the world." What Happens Next The full impact of the Trump-Musk feud will be felt over the coming weeks. A poll from YouGov, conducted among 3,812 adults on June 6 found that 71 percent of Republicans side with Trump, while only six percent side with Musk, amid the feud.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Pope Leo Faces First Major Test Over 'Morally Corrupt' Bishop
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Pope Leo XIV is set to face one of his first major tests with a petition addressed to him calling for the removal of Cologne Archbishop Rainer Maria Woelki over concerns about his handling of sexual abuse allegations. Newsweek has contacted the Vatican via email, for comment. Why It Matters As the newly elected pope, people will be watching how Leo handles concerns about sex abuse in the church. How the Vatican responds to the petition, which has more than 60,000 signatures, could set the tone for Pope Leo's leadership style and his stance on episcopal accountability worldwide. Pope Leo XIV leaves after his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican on June 4, 2025. Pope Leo XIV leaves after his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican on June 4, 2025. AP What To Know Woelki has long been a divisive figure in the church amid criticism of his handling of sexual abuse cases in the archdiocese of Cologne. In September 2021, Pope Francis decided to leave Woelki in office despite massive criticism over his handling of the sexual abuse cases. The pontiff instead gave the cardinal a "spiritual timeout" of several months after he made "major errors" of communication. Woelki had infuriated many local Catholics by citing legal concerns to keep under wraps a report on how local church officials reacted when priests were accused of sexual abuse. He commissioned a second report, and a German law firm produced an 800-page investigation. The report he commissioned absolved Woelki himself of any neglect of his legal duties with respect to abuse victims. He subsequently said he made mistakes in past cases involving sexual abuse allegations but made clear he had no intention of resigning. The Cologne public prosecutor's office had been investigating Cardinal Woelki since autumn 2022 for possible false testimony regarding his knowledge of abuse allegations, according to the Catholic News Agency. In summer 2023, his apartment and offices were searched. However, at the beginning of May 2025, investigations of the cardinal were ended after the payment of a 26,000-euro (about $29,700) fine. The Archdiocese of Cologne told Newsweek: "As is well known, the presumption of innocence public prosecutor's office has expressly confirmed that Cardinal Woelki did not make a deliberately false statement and therefore did not commit perjury." Munich priest Wolfgang F. Rothe, who started the petition on May 26, wrote that "in dealing with allegations of sexual abuse, (Woelki) gravely violated his duty of care. "Against this backdrop, Cardinal Woelki is completely morally corrupt. He has lost all credibility, both in public and within the Archdiocese of Cologne and the Catholic Church in Germany," Rothe said. "Leaders in politics and society do not want to be seen with him, parishes are not visited by him, and confirmation candidates are not confirmed by him." "His behavior is a severe slap in the face to the many victims of sexual abuse and undermines efforts to address sexual abuse in other German dioceses and in the universal Church," Rothe added. In March 2022, after Francis ordered an official review of Woelki's archdiocese, the Vatican found no evidence of unlawful conduct—although it said major errors of communication had been made. It also praised Woelki's willingness to be investigated, the Catholic News Agency reported. What People Are Saying Munich priest Wolfgang F. Rothe wrote in his petition: "Cardinal Woelki is largely isolated both within the Archdiocese of Cologne and within the Catholic Church in Germany. He is a shepherd without a flock. And the Archdiocese of Cologne is a flock without a shepherd." Riccardo Wagner, Head of the Media School at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences Cologne, was critical of the petition in an interview with the Catholic newspaper Die Tagespost. He said: "The platform and the petition act as if sacramental offices could be legitimized or delegitimized by digital public opinion – this fundamentally contradicts the nature of the Church, which is why this approach and means must be clearly rejected." The Archdiocese of Cologne told Newsweek: "For Cardinal Woelki, the end of the proceedings marks the end. He now wants to devote all his energy to the future of the Archdiocese of Cologne together with the faithful." What Happens Next It is yet to be seen how Leo will respond to this petition and what the impact of his decision will be.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Trump Changes Top Middle East General For Strong Iran Hawk
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. has underlined the priority of maritime operations and integrated joint forces in the Middle East with the nomination of a naval officer as the region's top commander ahead of a potential confrontation with Iran over its nuclear program and other threats. President Donald Trump has nominated Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, currently the deputy commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), to be appointed to the rank of admiral and serve as its new commander. He has been a strong critic of Iran and supportive of Israel in the past. Only one Navy officer has previously commanded CENTCOM—Admiral William Fallon in 2007—while the role has traditionally been held by Army and Marine generals. Why It Matters Commanding U.S. operations in the Middle East is one of the military's critical roles amid ongoing tensions with Iran and with a fragile truce with the Yemeni Houthis, after the Iranian-backed group multiply targeted U.S. aircraft carriers in response to Trump's airstrike campaign launched in March. Trump has threatened to use military force against Iran if diplomacy fails to achieve a deal to curb its nuclear program. CENTCOM is further engaged in regional security efforts related to Gaza since the war that erupted following Hamas' 2023 October attack on Israel. Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq remain key theaters for CENTCOM's anti-ISIS operations. What To Know If confirmed, Adm. Cooper will succeed commander General Michael Kurilla, who is due to retire this summer. Kurilla, with an army background, has also been strongly critical of Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has endorsed Cooper over Army General James Mingus, the presumed frontrunner, shifting away from Biden administration preferences, The Washington Post reported in April. A fierce critic of Iran's activities in the Middle East, Cooper has repeatedly identified it as a threats to regional security, navigation, and stability. As commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, he played a central role in Operation Prosperity Guardian, the U.S.-led multinational mission safeguarding Red Sea shipping lanes from Houthi missile and drone attacks from 2023. In 2024, he orchestrated the U.S. military's support for humanitarian aid to Gaza, through the establishment of a maritime corridor that boosted aid delivery without deploying troops on the ground, although it faced security challenges and quickly ended. Cooper had visited Israel in January to discuss U.S.-Israeli defense cooperation, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Cooper, a 1989 Naval Academy graduate, holds a master's in strategic Intelligence, studied international relations at Harvard and Tufts, and is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College. A recipient of the Admiral Elmo Zumwalt Award, he has led Navy ships and crews across key regions, served on the ground in Afghanistan, commanded U.S. naval forces in the Middle East for nearly three years, and led major Navy groups in the Atlantic, Japan, and Korea, including the USS Russell and USS Gettysburg. What People Are Saying Vice Adm. Brad Cooper said on CBS' 60 Minutes in 2024: "For a decade, the Iranians have been supplying the Houthis. They've been resupplying them. They're resupplying them as we sit here right now, at sea. We know this is happening. They're advising them, and they're providing target information. This is crystal clear." Pentagon's press release on Wednesday: "Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced today that the President has made the following nominations: Navy Vice Adm. Charles B. Cooper II for appointment to the grade of admiral, with assignment as commander, U.S. Central Command." What Happens Next His appointment is pending approval by the Senate Armed Services Committee.
