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Parents sue school system, claiming racial discrimination

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MARYVILLE (AP) — The parents of three students at William Blount High School claim that school officials have fostered a “racially charged atmosphere” for black students in a lawsuit they filed against Blount County schools.

The suit claims that school officials, including the director of schools, Alvin Hord, and the high school’s former prinicipal, Christy Martin, were negligent by allowing a discriminatory climate to set in at the school, which violated the students’ civil rights and hindered their educational opportunities.

Among incidents cited in the suit, which was filed in U.S. District Court in Knoxville, are the hanging of two hit lists in a bathroom, racial jokes and slurs, “KKK threats,” disrespect and invasion of privacy.

The suit also cites a period of unrest on April 7 that caused school authorities to lock down the school, causing fear and “emotional anguish” for the three students.

The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Knoxville, seeks corrective action in county schools, $1 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages.

The plaintiffs are John and Connie Cleveland on behalf of their daughter Brittney Cleveland, and Pat Johnson, listed as the custodian for Markiya and Vincent Morrison.

The defendants, in addition to Hord and Martin, are assistant principals Melissa Crabtree, John Dalton and Danny Galyon and the Blount County Board of Education.

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