A Middle Tennessee family is suing its school district in an effort to stop a mask mandate.
Back in August, Coffee County Schools announced face coverings would be required in all district facilities in response to COVID-19.
It's a move that has prompted a lawsuit from Heather Murchison, the mom of a 9th grade student at Coffee County Central High School. She's seeking for the court to file an injunction against the school board to prohibit it from enforcing the mask mandate on her son.
Murchinson claims her son went to school on Aug. 13 and Aug. 18, but refused to wear a mask due to "healthcare decisions."
The lawsuit alleges staff refused to let the 9th grader attend class and instead gave him in-school suspension. During suspension, the lawsuit says the student wasn't around his classmates and wasn't given educational instruction. The student was told if he didn't wear a mask, he wouldn't be able to attend class.
Murchinson further alleges that the school's football coach referred to her son as "so stupid" and "a little spoiled brat" in front of the entire team regarding the student's refusal to wear a mask.
Gov. Bill Lee has not issued a mask mandate in all Tennessee schools, as the lawsuit points out.
Murchinson wants a court to determine Coffee County School's mask mandate is illegal and is seeking general relief, as well as attorney and court fees.