Kelaia Turner, a 14-year-old girl, and her parents have taken a significant step by filing a lawsuit. This lawsuit is directed against her South Carolina school along with other defendants. The reason behind this legal action is the claim that their reports of bullying went unaddressed. Kelaia's story is a tragic one that began when she attempted suicide at the age of 12 and spent a long 101 days in the hospital.

ICU Incident and Its Aftermath

During her time in the ICU, a fellow student was allowed to visit. This seemingly innocent act took a dark turn when the student took pictures of Kelaia and circulated them on social media. This incident added another layer of trauma to an already difficult situation. Kelaia, now 14, suffered severe brain damage and requires round-the-clock care from her parents.The lawsuit alleges that the school, Greenville County Schools, along with her teacher Olivia Bennett and other administrators, were negligent in responding to the bullying and harassment claims. After more than a year of enduring bullying, Kelaia finally took the extreme step of attempting suicide. Her mother, Ty Turner, found her hanging from a belt in her room on March 17, 2023. It was a harrowing moment as paramedics couldn't find a pulse and her heart stopped beating. There were grown men in the room crying as they fought to save her.Kelaia spent 31 days in the ICU alone, a period filled with pain and uncertainty. While she was in this critical condition, one of her classmates visited and took those disturbing photos. This act of a fellow student not only violated Kelaia's privacy but also contributed to the spread of rumors about her injuries.

Teacher's Alleged Inaction

Defendants named in the filing, including Kelaia's teacher Olivia Bennett, are alleged to have failed to stop the students' bullying. On Friday, December 17, 2021, fellow students were calling her derogatory names like a "man" and a "roach" in her class. Ms. Bennett was complicit in the bullying as she said nothing to stop it. One student even asked, "Where's the roach?" and Ms. Bennett pointed directly at Kelaia. This blatant inaction by the teacher shows a serious lack of concern for Kelaia's well-being.

Another Classroom Incident

In a separate classroom, students played a song and video on YouTube called "The Black People Song." Defendant Teer allowed this offensive content to be played without any comment on its offensiveness or any reprimand to the student who played it. Such incidents highlight the systemic issues within the school environment that failed to protect Kelaia from further harm.Kelaia's parents "continually complained" and brought attention to the bullying and harassment, but despite their efforts, nothing changed. Now, the Turner family is seeking justice for the once "joyful and talented" girl who is now wheelchair-bound and non-verbal."We are fighting for Kelaia's healing and well-being every day, believing that she has a purpose and that her story can inspire others," Ty added in the fundraiser.In a statement obtained by WYFF from Greenville Public Schools, the district said it was aware of Turner's allegations. "We disagree with these allegations and have conducted a thorough investigation and review of each allegation at the time they were made," the district said. "While we do not agree with the allegations, our hearts go out to Kelaia Tecora Turner, her mother, and their family."PEOPLE has reached out to the school district and Josh Christian, the family's attorney, for comments.If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.