Federal Judge: Police Pepper-Spraying Birmingham Students for Discipline Is Unconstitutional
Between 2006 and 2011, police officers patrolling Birmingham City Schools pepper-sprayed students more than a hundred times. But late Thursday, months after a trial that concluded in February, U.S. District Judge Abdul Kallon ruled the practice unconstitutional.
Although the ruling says chemical sprays are sometimes warranted, hence the lack of a total ban, the judge called using them in typical school-discipline scenarios “profoundly disturbing.” He ordered the Birmingham Police Department to drastically improve spray-weapons training for school resource officers. That would include, among other things, decontamination protocols and having changes of clothes available for students who’ve been sprayed.
The judge also awarded six of the eight unnamed plaintiffs a total of $40,000 for officers’ use of “excessive force,” for failure to decontaminate sprayed students, or for — in two cases — both.
During a media call organized by the Southern Poverty Law Center, which filed the lawsuit in 2010, a plaintiff and former Birmingham high school student identified as B.D. said, “Today we’re just happy that there won’t be any more of what we went through. It’s good to know children can finally go to school and feel safe.”
Police lawyers are not commenting except to say they “respectfully disagree ” with the ruling and that “all legal options are on the table.”
To view the 120-page ruling, click here. To listen to the October 1 SPLC media call, which includes thoughts from the case’s lead attorney, plaintiff B.D., and B.D.’s mother, click below.
Poll: In tight race, voters split on whether Harris intends to carry out her promises
What the latest numbers say and what to look for as the election comes to a close.
Birmingham’s newest voters: how the latest generation is approaching politics
While Alabama is not a swing state, these students represent an up and coming generation whose voices have not yet been heard in the political world. And this demographic of voters has already proven that they can make an impact.
It’s the last day of the 2024 campaign. Here’s where Harris and Trump are going
Vice President Harris ends her day with a concert on the "Rocky Steps" in Philadelphia. Former President Trump will wrap up in Grand Rapids, Mich. — where he also closed out his 2016 and 2020 races.
Moldova’s pro-Western president wins vote overshadowed by Russian meddling claims
Moldova’s pro-Western President Maia Sandu has won a second term in a pivotal presidential runoff against a Russia-friendly opponent, in a race that was overshadowed by claims of Russian interference.
Meet the conservative women who are keeping their votes for Kamala Harris a secret
Polls show a historic gender gap in the 2024 election. Democrats are reminding conservative women: votes are a secret and they can vote for who they want, including Vice President Harris.
Anxious at the Portland airport? Beni the Llama is here for you, spreading joy
The gentle animals are part of Portland International Airport's effort to counter travel stress with soothing elements from nature.
