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6-Year-Old Girl Dragged and Called Slurs—Georgia School Sued Over Shocking Racial Abuse

Published on: May 28, 2025 at 8:39 AM ET

Parents filed a federal lawsuit against DeKalb County schools as they claim their daughter was abused at school.

Divya Verma
Written By Divya Verma
Senior Editor
Mohar Battacharjee
Edited By Mohar Battacharjee
Senior Editor
georgia racism case
Cathea and Albenis Terminio are suing a Georgia elementary school as they claim racial attacks on their 6-year-old in school. (Image Credit: WSBTV Video Screengrab)

A 6-year-old girl was a target of repeated racial harassment and violent bullying at Ashford Park Elementary School in Atlanta, Georgia. Even after several complaints, when these attacks didn’t stop, the family asserted that the attacks were not isolated incidents. They were part of a broader systemic failure within the school.

Parents of the little girl have finally filed a lawsuit against the school and have demanded the authorities address racial hostility and protect vulnerable students. As a last resort, Cathea and Albenis Terminio have filed a federal lawsuit against the DeKalb County School District.

The lawsuit states that the harassment began shortly after the child’s enrollment in 2023. And they intensified over the school year. The legal complaint states that the situation was not only racially charged, but it was also indicative of inaction and ignorance on the administration’s part. The inability of the school admin to interfere led the racism and abuse to escalate.

There are multiple events mentioned in the suit. There have been verbal assaults that include racial slurs and several instances of physical aggression. One of the most severe attacks allegedly took place in 2024. During this, several classmates physically assaulted the young girl while shouting the word “attack.”

The Terminios claim that they made several complaints to the school, but every time, their concerns were ignored or dismissed. The family alleges they were met with indifference and hostility and received no support.

Cathea Terminio said that they had met the administrators and teachers numerous times. But all their attempts were futile. She claimed these instances of ignorance led to their daughter being unsafe in the school.

In response to the suit, the DeKalb County School District has issued a general statement. It reiterates its commitment to student safety and nondiscrimination. The message is very generic and doesn’t even have a direct response to the suit filed by the family. Even critics argue that the district’s response lacks transparency and does not directly address the specific concerns raised by the Terminio family.

Community response has been polarized. There are few residents who have expressed support for the family, while the Terminio family has faced hostility from others.

The lawsuit has raised urgent questions about the environment at Ashford Park Elementary. This lawsuit has brought out several issues with the school. The school has a reportedly low teacher certification rate. On top of that, the school’s demographic makeup puts students of color in the minority. This has led critics to question whether the institution is adequately equipped to manage issues of racial equity and student welfare.

Legal experts and child advocacy groups have suggested that the case may trigger broader investigations. One has to look into the history of policies of DeKalb County School District on bullying, racial discrimination, and staff accountability.

Many see the lawsuit as a call for systemic change. It is not only about the Termini family anymore. It is also about providing students of all backgrounds a safe environment to learn and grow.
As the case proceeds through the legal system, it may set a precedent for how schools handle racial harassment claims.

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