By admin 
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WJZY) — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education has settled a federal lawsuit brought by an Ardrey Kell High School student and her parents over a dispute involving a message painted on the school’s spirit rock.
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According to Alliance Defending Freedom, which represented the student, the board agreed to adopt a new student free speech policy, issue a public statement clearing the student of wrongdoing, and pay $95,000 in damages and attorneys’ fees.
History of the lawsuit
The lawsuit stemmed from a September 2025 incident in which the student, after receiving permission from school officials, painted the spirit rock with the messages “Freedom 1776” and “Live Like Kirk-John 11:25.”
ADF said the tribute was inspired by conservative activist Charlie Kirk and his Christian faith. The legal organization alleged that school officials later ordered that the message be removed and improperly investigated the student involved.
ADF Senior Counsel Travis Barham criticized the district’s actions, saying school officials “should never censor, punish, or shame a student simply for sharing her views.”
In a statement released June 15, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education announced it had approved a new Student Free Speech policy, providing clear guidelines that better support the school environment.
Full statement released by CMS below:
“The Board has settled the case of G.S., a minor v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education. The Board has adopted a new Student Free Speech policy that addresses “spirit rocks” and other expressive activities. Although previously communicated to the community on October 11, 2025, the Board reaffirms and clarifies the following: The students’ painting of the Ardrey Kell spirit rock on September 14, 2025, did not violate the Code of Student Conduct or other school system policies in place at the time. It was not an act of vandalism, and the school did not report the incident to law enforcement. The Board regrets that the student had this experience.”
Board Vice Chair Gregory “Dee” Rankin said the new policy is intended to protect students’ First Amendment rights while minimizing disruptions and promoting civic discourse.
The board also approved the creation of a new Office of Legal, Compliance, and Advocacy, which officials said will help oversee legal compliance, risk management, and policy development for the district.
Federal court records show that on June 8, a judge ordered the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education to respond to the lawsuit and file a certificate of settlement conference by June 22.
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