Robert Novak
In Greenville County, South Carolina, a heart-wrenching case has surfaced involving 12-year-old Kelaia Turner, who endured severe bullying at Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School.
Her parents have filed a 24-page federal lawsuit, claiming that the school’s failure to act allowed the harassment to escalate to the point where Kelaia attempted suicide.
The lawsuit paints a grim picture of the torment Kelaia endured, including both verbal and physical assaults from classmates. Her mother, Ty Turner, believes the bullying started when Kelaia began wearing her natural hair to school.
Instead of offering support, Ty alleges that school staff, including teachers, participated in the torment.
The relentless bullying culminated on March 16, 2023, when Kelaia was found hanging from a belt in her bedroom. She was clinically dead for eight minutes before paramedics revived her.
Although she survived, she now lives with severe brain damage, relying on a tracheostomy tube for breathing and a feeding tube for nutrition.
Cruelty Beyond the Classroom
According to the lawsuit, the bullying began in August 2021 when classmates started mocking Kelaia’s appearance, calling her “roach” and “moustache face.” Even her teacher, Olivia Bennett, allegedly participated in the bullying.
The suit describes an incident where a student asked, “Where’s the roach?” and Bennett pointed to Kelaia.
Ty Turner reported the incident to the school’s principal, warning that such behavior could lead to tragic consequences.
The next day, the principal responded, stating they were “working tirelessly to repair whatever is damaged.” Despite this, no meaningful action was taken to protect Kelaia.
The harassment persisted, and when Kelaia confided in her parents, the lead bully allegedly retaliated by verbally assaulting her. Shockingly, the student faced no disciplinary action, even after this incident.
School’s Inaction and Escalating Abuse
Throughout 2022, Ty Turner made repeated complaints to school officials, detailing various instances of abuse. In one case, Kelaia was suspended after a physical altercation with another student, while the instigator faced no consequences.
In another incident, a classmate played a racist song, “The Black People Song,” on YouTube during class. Teacher John Teer reportedly allowed the song to play without reprimanding the student or addressing its offensiveness.
Despite these reports, the school continued to dismiss Ty Turner’s concerns. By October 2022, Kelaia was being physically harassed again, with one student repeatedly pushing her. The school’s response was limited to advising Kelaia to report future incidents, but no preventative measures were taken.
The bullying escalated further when Kelaia’s clothes were soaked in water and thrown in the trash. By early 2023, she confided in a friend about her suicidal thoughts. Tragically, on March 16, 2023, she attempted to end her life.
A Mother’s Agony and a Miraculous Revival
When Ty Turner discovered her daughter hanging in her bedroom, she was met with a horrifying scene. “She was cool to the touch, blood was coming out of her nose, and she had already urinated on herself,” Ty recalled. Paramedics initially found no pulse or heartbeat, and seasoned first responders were reduced to tears.
But Ty, deeply religious, refused to give up hope. After several minutes of desperate prayers, a paramedic found a faint pulse. “He said, ‘I found a pulse. It’s very, very faint, but I found one. I don’t know what you’re doing, but keep doing it.’ Kelaia is a miracle.”
Life After the Attempt: A Long Road to Recovery
Following her revival, Kelaia spent weeks in a coma and remained hospitalized for 101 days. The once-vibrant preteen now faces life with profound disabilities. She cannot move independently and relies on medical devices for basic functions.
The lawsuit accuses nine school staff members of failing to ensure Kelaia’s safety and violating her rights under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and Title IX, which prohibits gender-based discrimination.
The Turner family is seeking compensatory and punitive damages to cover Kelaia’s extensive medical expenses, psychiatric care, special education needs, and the cost of lifelong disability support.
A Family’s Fight for Justice and Support
The Turner family is also grappling with financial difficulties, made worse by the need for specialized care and transportation. An online fundraiser has been set up to assist with these expenses. The GoFundMe campaign highlights the family’s struggle and their hope for Kelaia’s future:
“We are fighting for Kelaia’s healing and well-being every day, believing that she has a purpose and that her story can inspire others. We are asking for your support to help her not only survive but thrive.”
As of this week, the fundraiser has raised over $10,400, but the family still faces mounting financial pressures, including the need for a wheelchair-accessible van.
School District Denies Negligence
Greenville County Schools has responded to the lawsuit by denying the allegations of negligence. A district spokesperson stated:
“The District is aware of the allegations made by this parent and has addressed them directly. We disagree with these allegations and have conducted a thorough investigation. While we do not agree with the claims, our hearts go out to Kelaia and her family.”
The spokesperson emphasized the district’s anti-bullying policies and the steps taken to address reports of harassment, including investigations and disciplinary actions when necessary. They also noted that law enforcement is involved if the behavior is deemed criminal.
A Community’s Call to Action
Kelaia’s story has sparked outrage and calls for greater accountability in schools. Her family hopes their lawsuit will lead to systemic changes, ensuring no other child suffers the same fate. In the meantime, they remain focused on Kelaia’s recovery and finding ways to provide her with the care and resources she needs.
Despite the challenges, Ty Turner remains hopeful. “Kelaia is a miracle,” she says. “Her story isn’t over yet, and we’re going to do everything we can to help her write the next chapter.”
What are your thoughts on how schools should address bullying to prevent tragedies like Kelaia’s? Share your ideas in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this story with your family and friends to raise awareness.
