Mask Mandate Lawsuit: Family Sues Middle Tennessee School District

A family in Coffee County is reportedly suing the local school district over a mandate requiring students to wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Heather Murchison, the mother of a Ninth grade student at Coffee County Central High School, is seeking an injunction against Coffee County Schools to prohibit the district from enforcing its mask mandate on her son, FOX 17 News reports.

The lawsuit claims Murchinson's son refused to wear a mask due to what he referred to as "healthcare decisions" and was barred from attending class, instead receiving in-school suspension on August 13 and 18. FOX 17 News reports.

The lawsuit alleges that Murchinson's son was isolated from his classmates and didn't receive educational instruction, instead being told that he wouldn't be able to attend class if he refused to wear a mask.

The lawsuit also alleges that the school's football coach referred to Murchinson's son as "so stupid" and "a little spoiled brat" in front of the entire team because of the student's refusal to wear a face covering.

The lawsuit points out that Gov. Bill Lee has not to issue a statewide mask mandate, FOX 17 News reports. However, Gov. Lee has given county mayors and school districts the power to implement mask mandates, which Coffee County Schools opted to do in August.

Murchinson wants a court to decide whether the district's mask mandate is illegal and her lawsuit seeks for financial payment for general relief, as well as attorney and court fees, FOX 17 News reports.

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