LEXINGTON, NC - Central Davidson High School, recently found itself embroiled in a debate concerning free speech following the suspension of a 16-year-old student for use of the term "illegal alien."
The student, Christian McGhee, received a three-day suspension after using the term "illegal alien" during a vocabulary assignment in an English class.
During the discussion, the student sought clarification from the teacher, posing a question regarding whether "alien" referred to extraterrestrial beings or individuals lacking legal residency status.
Christian McGhee’s teacher assigned vocabulary words during class last Tuesday, including the word "alien." According to his mother, Leah McGhee, Christian responded to his teacher, asking, “Like space aliens or illegal aliens without green cards?”
Subsequently, a confrontation arose when another student reportedly took offense to the question and threatened physical violence against Christian. As a result, the teacher intervened and involved the assistant principal.
Following an assessment by administrative staff, the student's use of the term "illegal alien" was deemed offensive and disrespectful to Hispanic classmates. It's unknown whether those classmates are illegal aliens.
Administrative personnel issued McGhee a three-day suspension, while the student who initiated the confrontation and threatened violence faced no consequences.
In response to the suspension, Christian asserted that he was merely seeking clarification and cited the term's widespread usage in news broadcasts and dictionaries.
Leah raised concerns over the suspension regarding the potential repercussions on his academic record and future opportunities, particularly his pursuit of an athletic scholarship.
“Because of his question, our son was disciplined and given THREE days OUT of school suspension for ‘racism,’” wrote Leah in the email. “Christian is devastated and concerned that the racism label on his school record will harm his future goal of receiving a track scholarship. We are concerned that he will fall behind in his classes due to being absent for three consecutive days.”
Leah said the assistant principal has, so far, refused to remove the infraction from Christian’s record.
Efforts to address the situation have included discussions with school board officials and engagement with legal counsel.
State Senator Steve Jarvis, R-Davidson, intervened, advocating for a fair resolution from the school district.
In an appearance on The Pete Kaliner Show, McGhee’s mother elaborated on the incident, noting how her family had previously lived in the U.K. and needed green cards to live in the U.S.
“It is a term used as federal code, and it is a term that is heard frequently on many news broadcasts,” she asserted. “I feel that if this was handled properly in the classroom, it could have easily been used as a teachable moment for everyone.”
Elon Musk's commentary on his social media platform X labeled the suspension as "absurd" and asserted that "illegal alien" is the language used in U.S. law.
“I didn’t make a statement directed towards anyone; I asked a question. I wasn’t speaking of Hispanics because everyone from other countries needs green cards, and the term ‘illegal alien’ is an actual term that I hear on the news and can find in the dictionary.” Christian stated.
The student, Christian McGhee, received a three-day suspension after using the term "illegal alien" during a vocabulary assignment in an English class.
During the discussion, the student sought clarification from the teacher, posing a question regarding whether "alien" referred to extraterrestrial beings or individuals lacking legal residency status.
Christian McGhee’s teacher assigned vocabulary words during class last Tuesday, including the word "alien." According to his mother, Leah McGhee, Christian responded to his teacher, asking, “Like space aliens or illegal aliens without green cards?”
Subsequently, a confrontation arose when another student reportedly took offense to the question and threatened physical violence against Christian. As a result, the teacher intervened and involved the assistant principal.
Following an assessment by administrative staff, the student's use of the term "illegal alien" was deemed offensive and disrespectful to Hispanic classmates. It's unknown whether those classmates are illegal aliens.
Administrative personnel issued McGhee a three-day suspension, while the student who initiated the confrontation and threatened violence faced no consequences.
In response to the suspension, Christian asserted that he was merely seeking clarification and cited the term's widespread usage in news broadcasts and dictionaries.
Leah raised concerns over the suspension regarding the potential repercussions on his academic record and future opportunities, particularly his pursuit of an athletic scholarship.
“Because of his question, our son was disciplined and given THREE days OUT of school suspension for ‘racism,’” wrote Leah in the email. “Christian is devastated and concerned that the racism label on his school record will harm his future goal of receiving a track scholarship. We are concerned that he will fall behind in his classes due to being absent for three consecutive days.”
Leah said the assistant principal has, so far, refused to remove the infraction from Christian’s record.
Efforts to address the situation have included discussions with school board officials and engagement with legal counsel.
State Senator Steve Jarvis, R-Davidson, intervened, advocating for a fair resolution from the school district.
In an appearance on The Pete Kaliner Show, McGhee’s mother elaborated on the incident, noting how her family had previously lived in the U.K. and needed green cards to live in the U.S.
“It is a term used as federal code, and it is a term that is heard frequently on many news broadcasts,” she asserted. “I feel that if this was handled properly in the classroom, it could have easily been used as a teachable moment for everyone.”
Elon Musk's commentary on his social media platform X labeled the suspension as "absurd" and asserted that "illegal alien" is the language used in U.S. law.
“I didn’t make a statement directed towards anyone; I asked a question. I wasn’t speaking of Hispanics because everyone from other countries needs green cards, and the term ‘illegal alien’ is an actual term that I hear on the news and can find in the dictionary.” Christian stated.
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Comments
2024-04-18T07:38-0400 | Comment by: Tim
The 'assistant principal' and the teacher are cowards for not standing up for Christian. As usual, they defer the louder voice of the minority rather than reminding them that they don't make the rules.
2024-04-18T09:30-0400 | Comment by: Kent
Parents are spineless gutless Homers if they do not go after the school .
2024-04-18T16:21-0400 | Comment by: Delmar
It is a Straight Fact: 'Illegal Alien' is a factual statement/question. Has been, Is, And will be until deemed otherwise! Wake up teacher(s) and administrator(s)! DEL
2024-04-18T17:30-0400 | Comment by: Paul
We are living in a time when people are silenced to avoid offending stupid people.
2024-04-18T17:48-0400 | Comment by: Michael
You couldn't stop me from getting to that school fast enough and going ballistic on them. These parents are too passive that's why we're in the situation with the attack on the first amendment!
2024-04-18T20:06-0400 | Comment by: Sam
Too many limp wristed sissies crying about every little thing. It was a legitimate question that only a liberal idiot would construe as offensive. Get over yourselves, and your pathetic pansy crying over everything.
2024-04-18T21:26-0400 | Comment by: Tim
ILLEGAL ALIEN is the Legal term used by U.S. Customs, Border Patrol, ICE and HSI to describe ANYONE in the USA without proper documentation. I would be on that school like White on Rice!!!
2024-04-18T21:49-0400 | Comment by: PAUL
I don’t think you will need a track scholarship. Your school district will be paying for your college after the lawsuit is settled.
2024-04-18T21:52-0400 | Comment by: EDWARD
I don't know any legal Hispanic immigrants that would have a problem with that term as a designation for those trying to enter the country in an illegal manner. Hopefully, this will result in an excellent lawsuit!
2024-04-18T22:02-0400 | Comment by: Rodger
The stupidity of school officials and teachers is appalling. In theory at least, they are educated folks capable of teaching and administering at our schools. Sadly, the joke is on the students and their parents.
2024-04-18T22:03-0400 | Comment by: Rodger
The stupidity of school officials and teachers is appalling. In theory at least, they are educated folks capable of teaching and administering at our schools. Sadly, the joke is on the students and their parents.
2024-04-18T22:05-0400 | Comment by: Rodger
The stupidity of school officials and teachers is appalling. In theory at least, they are educated folks capable of teaching and administering at our schools. Sadly, the joke is on the students and their parents.
2024-04-18T22:06-0400 | Comment by: Rodger
The stupidity of school officials and teachers is appalling. In theory at least, they are educated folks capable of teaching and administering at our schools. Sadly, the joke is on the students and their parents.
2024-04-20T10:31-0400 | Comment by: Mark
I'd have these woke leftist school administration and teacher losers tied up in court so long they wouldn't even be able to enjoy their retirement because they would still be dealing with the litigation. Good people (conservatives) need to band together and stand up against all this nonsense. We are the majority, the Left are the minority.
2024-04-20T10:31-0400 | Comment by: Mark
I'd have these woke leftist school administration and teacher losers tied up in court so long they wouldn't even be able to enjoy their retirement because they would still be dealing with the litigation. Good people (conservatives) need to band together and stand up against all this nonsense. We are the majority, the Left are the minority.
2024-04-20T10:31-0400 | Comment by: Mark
I'd have these woke leftist school administration and teacher losers tied up in court so long they wouldn't even be able to enjoy their retirement because they would still be dealing with the litigation. Good people (conservatives) need to band together and stand up against all this nonsense. We are the majority, the Left are the minority.
2024-04-20T10:31-0400 | Comment by: Mark
I'd have these woke leftist school administration and teacher losers tied up in court so long they wouldn't even be able to enjoy their retirement because they would still be dealing with the litigation. Good people (conservatives) need to band together and stand up against all this nonsense. We are the majority, the Left are the minority.
2024-04-24T10:23-0400 | Comment by: Laurence
The truthful, correct term is CRIMINAL ILLEGAL, because they entered the USA in violation of Federal law, therefore they are criminals. Those school administrators should be fired!