Free speech case of student v. school board nears settlement finish line

Christian McGhee, then 16 and a student at Central Davidson High School in Lexington, and his parents Leah and Chad sued the Davidson County School District Board of Education last spring. On April 9, 2024, a classroom discussion in which the teacher used the word "aliens" prompted Christian McGhee to raise a hand and ask if she was referring to "space aliens, or illegal aliens who need green cards?"

If approved, the settlement would mandate the board offer a public apology; clear McGhee's school record of racial bias marks; and provide the McGhee family $20,000 from its insurer. The three-day suspension remains on his record with the board citing a class disruption.