Charter School Faces Lawsuit as Black Teacher Claims Unfair Termination Over 'Dear Martin' Book

By Telita Montales , Parent Herald Jun 16, 07:25 am

Photo: (Photo : Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash)

Former Charlotte Secondary School teacher Markayle Gray has filed a civil lawsuit against the charter school in Charlotte, North Carolina, alleging wrongful termination after parents complained about his teaching of the young adult novel "Dear Martin." Gray, an English teacher, claims that he received permission from the school to teach the book but faced backlash from white parents who deemed it divisive and politically charged. According to ABC, the lawsuit was filed on Wednesday, detailing the events leading to Gray's termination on February 2.

"Dear Martin" at the Center of Lawsuit

Published in 2017, "Dear Martin" is a New York Times bestselling novel by Nic Stone. The story follows the experiences of a black teenager who is unjustly subjected to police brutality. The protagonist writes imaginary letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., reflecting on how the civil rights leader would respond to the racial injustices he faces.

According to the lawsuit, Gray faced complaints from white parents in January who objected to the book's content, claiming that it injected unwelcome political views on systemic racial inequality into their children's classroom. However, Gray asserts that he had received permission from the school to teach "Dear Martin."

Artur Davis, Gray's attorney, stated that his client was never provided with a detailed explanation for his termination. While the school referenced complaints about the book being taught, Gray was not given a written explanation. Davis argues that the termination violated the school's own protocols, as Gray had no history of corrective action or evidence of violating school policies.

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has not yet provided any comment on the matter. Keisha Rock, the principal of Charlotte Secondary School, referred all questions to the attorneys representing the school. In a statement, attorney Katie Weaver Hartzog stated that Gray's termination was based on legitimate, nondiscriminatory, and non-retaliatory reasons. The school denies all allegations of wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend itself against the lawsuit.

Lawsuit Seeks Compensation for Fired Teacher's Reputational Damage

"Dear Martin" has faced controversy in other school districts as well. In Augusta, Georgia, the book has been banned due to similar objections. However, prior to Black History Month, Gray had a conversation with Principal Rock about appropriate curriculum. According to Gray's attorney, Rock specifically suggested that "Dear Martin" would be a suitable book to teach.

Gray assigned the book for students to read in January and had intended to incorporate it into his lessons during Black History Month in February. Surprisingly, Gray was terminated during a brief meeting with Principal Rock, where she referred to alleged parental complaints.

The lawsuit highlights the school's failure to follow proper termination protocols, including dismissing an employee mid-year without a history of corrective action or evidence of policy violations. Gray is seeking compensation for back pay, lost benefits, and other relief.

Since his termination, Gray has transitioned to a career in real estate. The abrupt dismissal in the middle of the school year has had a damaging effect on his reputation. Davis emphasizes that Gray joined Charlotte Secondary School with a sense of mission, motivated to inspire black teenagers.

The lawsuit Markayle Gray filed raises significant issues with regard to academic freedom and the fine line between addressing parental concerns and promoting inclusive education. As the case unfolds, it will provide insights into the responsibilities of educators, the boundaries of classroom discussions, and the rights of teachers to engage students in critical conversations about social issues.