Dallas, TX- The federal jury in the civil rights trial, Karen Jo Barrow v. Greenville ISD, issued a unanimous verdict citing a constitutional violation and ordering the former Superintendent Dr. Herman Smith to pay back wages and punitive damages to Mrs. Barrow.
“This is truly a victory for every teacher and administrator in America,” said Kelly Shackelford, chief counsel for Liberty Legal Institute. “The jury sent a strong message that this type of behavior is not permitted within school districts.”
The jury of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas found the defendant, former Superintendent Dr. Herman Smith, guilty of violating Mrs. Barrow’s parental rights and awarded her more than $15,000 in lost wages. In addition, the jury also awarded $20,000 in punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded in situations where the jury finds the need to punish and send a message to a defendant.
Mrs. Barrow stated that she will use the awarded money to fund college scholarships for Greenville ISD and Greenville Christian School graduates who pursue education degrees.
The case originated when Mrs. Barrow was denied the opportunity to interview for a vice principal position within the Greenville ISD because she refused to remove her children from a private, Christian school.
“American children are not children of the state. They’re the children of the parents. One of the most fundamental rights every parent has is the right to decide how to bring up and educate their children and whether they want to put them in a Christian school, public school or whatever school they feel is best for their own children,” Shackelford said.
The jury did not punish the Greenville Independent School District directly, as it found Dr. Herman Smith solely liable for the discrimination. The district and the former superintendent are represented by the same insurance company that will pay the back wages and punitive damages.