The American Civil Liberties Union, in New York City, as well as its Atlanta-based office has sued the Atlanta public schools and an alternative school management company over conditions at an alternative school in Atlanta.
The 460-student school, serving middle and high school students who are referred for conduct violations, is managed by Nashville-based Community Education Partners. The lawsuit, brought on behalf of eight students, says the school has no library, cafeteria, or gym. It also says that boys and girls are subjected to daily searches requiring them to lift their shirts and that teachers are among the least experienced in the district.
A response from Community Education Partners denies many of the allegations, saying that students do not have to lift their shirts, but undergo security screenings similar to those at airports. It also says that lunches are eaten in a common area and that two recreation periods per week are held.
