A North Carolina school board is awaiting judicial approval of a legal settlement after it was accused of fabricating a racial incident, violating a student’s free speech rights, and punishing him for a classroom question. The Davidson County School Board has agreed to terms that include a public apology, record-clearing, and a $20,000 payout to the student’s family.
The incident began on April 9, 2024, at Central Davidson High School in Lexington. Christian McGhee, then 16, asked during a class discussion whether the teacher’s use of the word “aliens” referred to “space aliens, or illegal aliens who need green cards?” His question, framed as clarification, sparked disciplinary action and a three-day suspension for “class disruption.”
The Liberty Justice Center, representing the McGhee family, claimed the school’s response was politically motivated and unfounded. According to their legal filing, the teacher did not initially raise concerns. However, the situation escalated when administrators became involved. Assistant Principal Eric Anderson, in a recorded conversation, equated the term “illegal alien” to a racial slur and suggested the teacher was overwhelmed due to “being so young and female.”
The settlement, once approved by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, will require the board to remove any reference to racial bias from McGhee’s record and issue a formal apology. The $20,000 payment will be made through the board’s insurance carrier. The suspension will remain on his record, although it is not categorized under racial bias.
The case drew attention after Board member Ashley Carroll publicly criticized Christian’s mother, Leah McGhee, leading to accusations of slander. Carroll later resigned following a DUI crash—coincidentally on the one-year anniversary of the classroom incident. Board Chairman Alan Beck also did not seek reelection in a cycle that saw 14 candidates run for three open seats.
The settlement bars any parties from discussing confidential terms or negotiations publicly, though general settlement details have been released. Christian’s parents expressed appreciation for the resolution and emphasized the importance of correcting their son’s academic record.
