School wins racial bias bullying case

CHURUBUSCO, Ind. (AP) - A federal judge has dismissed a northern Indiana couple's lawsuit that accused a school district of racial bias in its treatment of their son.

The Journal Gazette of Fort Wayne reports Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey ruled in favor of Smith-Green Community Schools and other defendants.

Philip and Tara Lemper accused the district of acts of racial discrimination against their multiracial son, alleging that he was bullied and taunted by fellow students and that a fabricated story of sexual harassment led to his arrest and expulsion.

The magistrate ruled the defendants could not make a link between the expulsion and a racial motivation by administrators.

The district said Tuesday in a statement it's pleased the suit "was dismissed outright" and would defend the case should it be appealed.