North Carolina, July 30, 2025
News Summary
The North Carolina Supreme Court is set to review the expulsion of Doug and Nicole Turpin’s children from Charlotte Latin School after the family criticized the school’s new curriculum. Following their vocal objections, the Turpins claim retaliation in the form of expulsion, leading to a lawsuit against the school for breach of contract. As political figures lend support to the Turpins, the case raises critical questions about parental rights and the influence of private school governance.
Charlotte, North Carolina – The North Carolina Supreme Court is set to review the case of parents Doug and Nicole Turpin, whose children were expelled from Charlotte Latin School in 2021 after the family criticized the institution’s changes to its curriculum. These changes were implemented following the highly publicized murder of George Floyd, which sparked widespread discussions about race and education across the country.
According to the Turpins, their children were expelled in retaliation for their objections to what they labeled a “political agenda” being introduced into the school’s curriculum—a change they voiced through a parent group known as Refocus Latin. This group argued that the newly adopted educational materials were ‘unpatriotic’ and undermined traditional American customs.
The events unfolded when Doug Turpin presented the criticisms to other parents, leading to the termination of the enrollment contracts for their children. In response, the Turpins filed a lawsuit in April 2022 claiming various allegations, including breach of contract and fraud, against the school. However, lower courts have sided with Charlotte Latin School, asserting the institution’s legal right to terminate contracts based on its enrollment agreement.
The North Carolina Court of Appeals confirmed the earlier rulings with a split decision, stating that schools must have the authority to manage their relationships with parents while maintaining a positive environment for students. This ruling has intensified scrutiny over the accountability of private schools regarding retaliatory expulsions.
The case has generated notable political interest, drawing support for the Turpins from U.S. Representatives Richard Hudson and Pat Harrigan, along with 11 GOP members of the North Carolina legislature. They filed an amicus curiae brief to advocate for the Turpins, questioning the implications of allowing private schools to expel students without accountability.
In contrast, briefs submitted by independent school associations emphasize the necessity for private educational institutions to maintain the freedom to define their own curricula and avoid excessive litigation from parents. The appeals court’s decision, rendered in April 2024, was the second rejection of the Turpins’ claims, with one judge dissenting and suggesting that further factual development might be required to fully assess the school’s justification for its actions.
The Supreme Court’s pending review of this case raises concerns about broader implications for parental rights and institutional accountability within private education settings. Observers are watching closely as this decision could set significant precedents within North Carolina and beyond.
Background on the Case
Doug and Nicole Turpin’s situation embodies a clash between parental rights and the autonomy of private educational institutions in shaping their curricula. As discussions about race, civics education, and diversity have increasingly entered school environments nationwide, similar conflicts have arisen in various regions. The outcome of this case may influence how private schools navigate these challenges and engage with parents concerned about curricular changes.
Key Points of Interest
- Ongoing litigation following expulsion of the Turpin children from Charlotte Latin School.
- A focus on the balance between parental involvement and school governance.
- Political ramifications with bipartisan attention on the case.
- Potential implications for private school policies and parental rights.
| Key Features of the Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Involved Parties | Doug and Nicole Turpin, Charlotte Latin School |
| Context | Curricular changes post-George Floyd’s murder |
| Legal Allegations | Breach of contract, fraud, defamation |
| Court Decisions | Lower courts ruled in favor of the school, upheld by the appeals court |
| Political Support | Backing from U.S. representatives and GOP members |
| Potential Impact | Consequences for parental rights and private school policies |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
North Carolina Supreme Court to Review Private School Expulsion Case
Curriculum Controversy Reaches North Carolina Supreme Court
Charlotte Latin School Faces Legal Issues Over Curriculum Changes
Charlotte Supreme Court Hearing on Private School Expulsion
Additional Resources
- Carolina Journal: Charlotte Private School Defends Decision in Turpin Dispute
- Wikipedia: Expulsion
- WCNC: Charlotte Latin School Lawsuit
- Google Search: Charlotte Latin School lawsuit
- Carolina Journal: Parents Seek Help from NC Courts
- Google Scholar: Parental Rights in Private Schools
- WSOC TV: NC Court of Appeals Upholds Dismissal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Private School
- Carolina Journal: NC Supreme Court to Hear Case
- Google News: Turpin Case Charlotte Latin School
Author: HERE Charlotte
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