Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, NC was compelled to pay student Gabby Stout for falsely accusing her vandalism. Stout had painted a tribute to Charlie Kirk with school approval in advance. The school then did an about turn and accused Stout of vandalism to the press. Stout sued and settled with the school for $95,000.
School admits to violating student’s constitutional rights over tribute to Charlie Kirk painted on rock — and pays up big– www.theblaze.com
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EXCERPT:
A high school teenager won a $95K settlement after a school accused her of vandalizing a rock with a tribute to Charlie Kirk and then painted over it.
Ardrey Kell High School student Gabby Stout said she got permission from officials for the tribute on a large rock at the school that students painted to support various causes.
‘Today’s settlement shows that students do have free speech rights, and school officials, when they overstep their bounds, can be held accountable.’
The design had a large red heart with the benign messages “Freedom 1776” and “Live Like Kirk — John 11:25.”
After she painted the innocuous tribute, the school officials apparently changed their minds, painted over it, and then accused her of vandalism. They also said there was an investigation under way and that law enforcement had been contacted.
Stout told Fox News she was shocked by the school’s actions.
“I was very intimidated and scared, as I had no idea what I did wrong or that I could be getting in trouble for simply sharing and expressing my views and beliefs,” she said.
