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LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) – A mother is now suing a Midlands school district over comments made by a board member about a Black History Month event.

Public court records show Fynale Barnwell, a parent of a student at River Bluff High School, filed suit against Lexington County School District 1 on May 15.

The complaint details comments made by Lexington One board member Katie McCown about a fashion show that was being held at the school as part of Black History Month.

McCown, whose seat will be up for re-election in November, is not mentioned by name in the suit nor is she listed as a defendant.

In a series of social media posts, McCown refered to the event as “a disgraceful display that was both disgusting and disrespectful to the students, family and community that we serve.” She also said the performance displayed what she called “vulgar and ghetto behavior.”

McCown’s comments sparked protests from students, parents and others in the community, at one point even calling for her removal from the board.

The school board attempted to hold a meeting in March where they had planned to discuss McCown’s behavior in an executive session, but instead were unable to begin due to there not being enough board members present.

Board Chairwoman Kathy Henson later released a statement saying that board members are entitled to their own opinions, but those views do not always align with the board’s or the district’s position.

In her lawsuit, Barnwell said she was “forced to witness the public targeting, humiliation, and emotional harm inflicted upon her child” due to McCown’s comments. She also accuses the school board of not taking “prompt and adequate corrective action” and said the body “failed to enforce policies designed to protect students from public exposure, harassment, and discrimination.”

Lexington One told WIS on Wednesday that while the district is aware of the lawsuit, no legal documents have been served.

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