Charlotte, North Carolina, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Doug and Nicole Turpin are contesting the expulsion of their children from Charlotte Latin School, with the North Carolina Supreme Court set to hear their case. They argue that the school violated a contract and that their children’s dismissal in 2021 was unjust. The case has raised concerns about private school accountability and the rights of parents to question school policies. Supporters of the Turpins include multiple parent groups and lawmakers, asserting that this legal battle will impact many families in North Carolina.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Doug and Nicole Turpin are challenging the expulsion of their children, Olive and Luke, from Charlotte Latin School in a case set to be heard by the North Carolina Supreme Court on October 29. The Turpins argue that the school violated a contract when it chose to expel their children in 2021.
The North Carolina Supreme Court will review the case following previous rulings that have favored Charlotte Latin, including a 2-1 split decision from the North Carolina Court of Appeals. This ruling maintained that the school had the right to terminate enrollment if it determined that the relationship with the family had become unsustainable.
Charlotte Latin contends that its contract with the Turpin family explicitly permitted the dismissal of the students. In conjunction, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte filed a brief supporting the school, indicating that the Turpins’ case could endanger constitutional protections that maintain a separation between secular courts and religious affairs.
Despite this, the Turpins’ lawyers assert that the situation does not involve any religious doctrine and emphasize that Charlotte Latin operates as a secular institution. They believe that families of private school students deserve transparency and fairness regarding their education. The Turpins have expressed concern about the implications of the Diocese’s support for Charlotte Latin, suggesting it may stem from self-preservation amid parental backlash in other cases.
This case reflects broader anxieties amongst private school families about a lack of judicial accountability for schools. The Turpins have also challenged friend-of-the-court briefs filed on behalf of the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools. These briefs argue that schools should be immune from judicial scrutiny, a notion the Turpins oppose, asserting that private schools must be held accountable to their contractual agreements.
The Turpins stressed that their case is not intended to restrict private school policy but rather to ensure fair treatment without retaliation for raising legitimate questions. Notably, they have garnered significant support from 14 Republican lawmakers and various parent groups, including local chapters of Moms for Liberty.
The appeals court’s majority ruling dismissed the Turpins’ claims, but a dissent from Judge Julee Flood suggested that their allegations had potential merit and warranted further examination. In April 2024, after the appellate decision, the Turpins filed a plea for the Supreme Court to consider their case.
The controversy surrounding this legal battle has sparked discussions about the rights of parents to question and critique educational policies and curricula within private institutions without facing negative repercussions. Legal briefs filed by Charlotte Latin argue that, similar to businesses, private schools are entitled to establish contractual agreements with families regarding student enrollment.
The outcome of this case is anticipated to have significant ramifications for thousands of families across North Carolina, particularly concerning accountability and the enforcement of contracts within private school environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nature of the case being heard by the North Carolina Supreme Court?
Doug and Nicole Turpin are suing Charlotte Latin School over the 2021 expulsion of their children, Olive and Luke.
When is the North Carolina Supreme Court scheduled to hear the oral arguments?
The North Carolina Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in the case on October 29.
What have previous rulings indicated about the case?
Previous rulings by lower courts, including a 2-1 split decision from the North Carolina Court of Appeals, have favored Charlotte Latin.
What do the Turpins’ lawyers argue regarding the situation?
The Turpins’ lawyers argue that the case does not deal with religious doctrine, asserting that Charlotte Latin is a secular institution.
What is the broader concern related to this case?
The case highlights broader concerns for private school families regarding potential judicial immunity for schools and the importance of transparency and accountability in private school dealings.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Parties Involved | Doug and Nicole Turpin vs. Charlotte Latin School |
| Expulsion Year | 2021 |
| Supreme Court Hearing Date | October 29 |
| Lower Court Decision | 2-1 split decision favored Charlotte Latin |
| Supporters | 14 Republican lawmakers, various parent groups including Moms for Liberty |
| Concerns Raised | Judicial immunity for private schools, transparency, and fair treatment of parents |
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Additional Resources
- Carolina Journal: Turpins Respond to Private School Groups and Catholic Diocese
- Charlotte Ledger: Parents’ Lawsuit Against Charlotte Latin School
- WCNC: Charlotte Latin School Lawsuit Overview
- WSOC TV: NC Court of Appeals Upholds Dismissal of Parents’ Lawsuit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Private School Law
Author: HERE Charlotte
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