Quick Bytes
- California teens win $1 million lawsuit against Saint Francis High School.
- Jury rules in favor of teens over blackface allegations and due process breach.
- Controversy sparked by misinterpreted photos of acne treatment masks.
- School considering an appeal against the jury’s decision.
California Teens Triumph in Legal Battle
In a landmark decision, two California teenagers emerged victorious in a legal dispute with Saint Francis High School, securing a $1 million award and tuition reimbursement.
The conflict originated from a misunderstanding of photos showing the teens with dark green acne treatment masks, which were mistaken for blackface. The images, dating back three years, became a source of controversy in June 2020 after being linked to a meme about George Floyd’s murder. This led to a severe backlash and accusations of racism against the students at the Mountain View school. Under pressure, the school’s administration, led by Principal Katie Teekell, advised one of the boys to withdraw to avoid expulsion, a decision later contested for its focus on the photo’s optics rather than intent.
The lawsuit contended that the school failed to properly investigate the incident or help rectify the misinterpretation of the photos. The boys faced additional hurdles after leaving SFHS, including restrictions on sports participation at their new schools. The jury’s verdict not only granted the plaintiffs a significant financial award but also aimed to restore their reputations and clarify the incident’s true nature.
Despite the jury’s ruling, SFHS disagrees with the verdict, questioning the fairness of their disciplinary process and hinting at a potential appeal. The school stands by its actions, citing the context and community’s reaction as justification.
Image Credits
- Katrin Bolovtsova: Photo of the legal documents and gavel.
