The case at hand involves a serious and troubling lawsuit filed against a school district accused of failing to protect its students from racial discrimination and harassment. On January 29, 2026, Promise Batiste and Lidiane Guedes filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against the Forsyth County School District, including several individuals in their official capacities.
The plaintiffs, Promise Batiste and her mother Lidiane Guedes, allege that the Forsyth County School District, along with its board members and administrators, have violated numerous federal laws by allowing a racially hostile environment to persist at Vickery Creek Middle School. The complaint details incidents dating back to April 2018 where Batiste, an African American student of Brazilian descent, was subjected to racial slurs and physical threats by her peers. Despite repeated reports by Guedes to school officials about these incidents, little to no action was taken to address or prevent further harassment.
The lawsuit outlines several legal claims against the defendants. It alleges violations of the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments under 42 U.S.C. §§ 1981 and 1983, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The plaintiffs argue that these violations stem from deliberate indifference by school officials towards racial harassment and discrimination faced by Black students at Vickery Creek Middle School.
Specific incidents cited in the complaint include a February 2019 “Glow Party” where a Black student was physically assaulted while being called racial slurs. In another instance in October 2019, a white student used a racial epithet during class without consequence from teachers or administrators. Furthermore, in November 2019, racially abusive messages were posted on social media targeting Batiste and other Black students.
Despite having actual knowledge of these events, the Forsyth County Board of Education allegedly failed to take appropriate corrective measures or discipline those responsible for creating this hostile environment. The plaintiffs claim that this negligence has resulted in severe emotional distress for Batiste, leading to depression and anxiety requiring ongoing psychological treatment.
In their lawsuit, Batiste and Guedes seek damages for emotional distress as well as compensation for medical expenses incurred due to the alleged misconduct by school officials. They also request that the court order systemic changes within Forsyth County Schools to ensure compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws.
Representing Promise Batiste and Lidiane Guedes are attorneys whose names are not specified in this document. The case is presided over by Judge RWS under Case ID: 2:26-cv-00022-RWS.
Source: 226cv22_Promise_Batiste_v_Forsyth_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Georgia.pdf
