A federal lawsuit filed against Horry County Schools has brought allegations of racial discrimination to the forefront, with a Black high school student claiming she faced discrimination and mistreatment while attending Green Sea-Floyds High School.
Crystal Dozier filed the suit on behalf of her 17-year-old daughter, identified as NC, who attended Green Sea-Floyds High School.
The lawsuit targets Horry County Schools, along with GSFHS principal Nick Harris, assistant principal Mary Price, and tennis coach Krysten Webster.
According to documents, NC responded to a tennis team ad posted by Webster, but faced initial dismissal. Only after intervention by Dozier was NC allowed to join the team.
However, upon Webster’s return, NC allegedly faced racial discrimination, being used as “target practice” by her white teammates during practice sessions.
When NC approached Webster about her concerns, she was reportedly met with beratement and dismissal.
A subsequent meeting involving Price and another student of Indian descent, who shared similar concerns, allegedly ended with Webster and Price dismissing the complaints and even attempting to stifle any further discussion.
Dozier later confronted Price with a recording of the meeting, prompting Price to admit she had lied about NC’s behavior.
Despite this, NC faced continued bullying at school, reportedly condoned by Price after NC sought assistance.
The lawsuit further claims that teachers at the school shamed NC for speaking out against racial discrimination.
Dozier’s efforts to address the situation with Horry County Schools were met with resistance, with Harris allegedly expressing a desire to end their complaints during a meeting.
NC ultimately withdrew from the tennis team and faced ongoing mistreatment at school, leading Dozier to file a letter of complaint to Horry County Schools and the school board.
The lawsuit borders on the alleged systemic issues of racial discrimination within Horry County Schools and the failure of school authorities to address complaints adequately.
