North Carolina – The family of a North Carolina high school student who was suspended for using the term “illegal alien” is set to receive $20,000 in compensation and a public apology, according to a proposed settlement reported by The New York Post.
Christian McGhee, now 17, was suspended for three days last year after asking his teacher whether a class discussion was about “spaceship aliens” or “illegal aliens who need green cards” when he returned to the classroom from the restroom. The comment was deemed racially insensitive by the school administration, although McGhee’s family has strongly disputed this characterization.
Settlement Details
The proposed settlement would involve the removal of all references to racial bias from McGhee’s school record, as well as a public apology for the “mischaracterization of racial bias” that led to the suspension. The settlement also provides financial compensation to McGhee and his family, designed to help cover the costs of McGhee’s new private school, which charges annual tuition. The settlement is now awaiting a judge’s approval.
Dean McGee, the family’s attorney from the Liberty Justice Center, confirmed that a motion had been filed for the court hearing to finalize the settlement. “We’re pleased to take this important step toward clearing our client’s name,” McGee said.
Background of the Suspension
The suspension followed an incident in which McGhee, a student at the time, asked his teacher about the nature of the class discussion. A Latino student in the class reportedly joked about violence toward McGhee, which escalated the situation and led the teacher to involve the assistant principal. The school administration determined that McGhee’s comment was racially insensitive, but McGhee’s family contested the finding.
McGhee’s mother, Leah, who played a key role in pushing the legal battle against the school district, voiced her concerns in a 2023 interview with Fox & Friends. “Christian was suspended three days, out of school suspension. He missed several very important track meets, and since that time, we have removed him from the school,” Leah McGhee said. She also expressed frustration with the school’s lack of communication, saying, “We have asked the school to handle this privately for weeks. I have emailed the school board for four weeks. I’ve had no response from the school board.”
First Amendment Argument
The lawsuit filed by the McGhee family centered on Christian’s First Amendment rights, arguing that his use of the term “illegal alien” was protected free speech. Dean McGee, the family’s attorney, pointed out that the term “illegal alien” is widely used by the U.S. government and is clearly defined in Webster’s Dictionary without racial connotations.
The suspension led to a year-long legal battle, with McGhee and his family maintaining that the term was not intended to be offensive or racially insensitive. McGhee’s supporters argued that this incident was about freedom of expression and an overreach by the school.
Moving Forward
While the legal battle may be coming to a close with this settlement, the case has raised larger questions about free speech, racial sensitivity, and the power of educational institutions to discipline students for certain language. The $20,000 settlement and public apology represent a partial victory for McGhee’s family, who are hopeful that this will allow their son to move forward with his education and reputation intact.
Do you think the school overstepped in disciplining McGhee? What are your thoughts on free speech in schools? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
