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HUMBLE - Kingwood High School and Humble ISD are under fire. The allegation in a freshly filed Federal Civil Rights suit is systemic indifference to bullying and rampant racism.
At the core of the case - the ordeal of a now 17-year-old African American teen during a six month period in 2013-2014 academic year.
"The environment was like a living nightmare. The easiest way to describe it was, I was a fly in milk," said the student whose identity Fox 26 agreed to protect.
The young man transferred to the mostly white high school and claims he was met with persistent hatred and intolerance.
"Oh look, we have a new n----- at the school," the student recalls clearly hearing in the KHS halls.
15 years old at the time, the young man says he sought safe harbor in athletics. It didn't work.
"One day I came over and sat down and as a team unit they got up and went to the next table and I was left there alone," said the student.
The lawsuit, filed under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, lists dozens of alleged instances involving the student, ranging from racial insensitivity to overt cruelty.
"No one ever came to my rescue, not even administration, no coach, no teacher," said the student.
Over time, the teen says the harassment and isolation resulted in fierce emotional damage and a deep sense of self-loathing.
"Losing your sense of identity, feeling as if you are not good enough being just yourself, wanting to be a different person just so you can be accepted," said the student.
The lawsuit alleges Humble ISD violated the student's rights by displaying deliberate indifference to bullying and failing to take protective action.
Attorney Daniel Garza calls it a culture of institutional racism.
"They turned a blind eye to what was going on. He felt that environment like you and I feel the temperature in this room," said Garza.
Cheryl Brown is the student's mother and says her outcry for action was minimized by Humble ISD.
"How many more young people do we have to lose due to bullying and racism?" asked Brown.
Humble ISD issued the following statement:
"All students deserve to feel safe and secure at school. Humble ISD does not tolerate inappropriate behavior.
When the parent reported concerns, district staff investigated and responded. It is important to remember that lawsuits can contain alarming allegations that may not be substantiated in a courtroom.
School officials are limited in what can be publicly shared due to federal student privacy laws. Therefore, specific information about this case cannot be disclosed in the media."