Ardrey Kell High School

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education agreed to a $95,000 settlement after a lawsuit over a student’s Charlie Kirk tribute painted on a school spirit rock. The student received permission to paint the rock but was later accused of vandalism, leading to a criminal investigation and claims of constitutional rights violations. The settlement includes public clearance of the student’s name and a new policy.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board settled a lawsuit over a student-led tribute to Charlie Kirk on a school spirit rock. The tribute, 'Live Kike Kirk,' was painted after Kirk's assassination, leading to new guidelines and a legal challenge citing First Amendment violations. The board approved a free speech policy clarifying protected speech, including political and religious expressions, and stated the tribute did not violate policies.

A student's tribute to Charlie Kirk at Ardrey Kell High School led to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) adopting a new student free speech policy, issuing a public statement clearing the student of wrongdoing, and paying $95,000 in damages and attorneys' fees.