Parents sue Charlotte-area charter school for discrimination, harassment [Video]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – A group of parents filed a federal lawsuit against Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy on Friday, alleging the school and its education management company discriminated against and failed to properly teach and protect thirteen children.

The school’s Arizona-based education management company, Charter One, prioritized “their reputation and profits over student safety and well-being” with a financial incentive structure that emphasizes rapid growth, the lawsuit said.

According to the lawsuit, that system led to numerous IEP failures and other issues including failures to address violent attacks and racial slurs against students of color.

The lawsuit also made sweeping claims of disability discrimination and a toleration towards racial discrimination. It alleged that school leaders were indifferent to harassment and retaliated against at least two teachers when they tried to raise concerns.

“The chair of BCLA’s board of directors was informed of serious issues multiple times by multiple people and …