Judge rules race discrimination lawsuit can go forward against Red Wing school district

A judge has ruled a race discrimination lawsuit can continue against the Red Wing Public Schools.

Former Red Wing High School student Quera Pruitt, who is African-American, claims officials in the mostly-white school did not prevent students from holding a non-sanctioned homecoming event in 2009 called "Wigger Day," even though the event had happened before.

'Wigger' is slang for a white person who dresses and acts in ways associated with African-American culture. Pruitt claims several dozen students dressed in baggy clothes and flashed gang signs, which led to emotional distress.

The district had moved to dismiss the entire case, but Judge David Doty refused, In a ruling filed Friday, he is allowing the suit to go forward on at least one claim. His ruling also dismissed several claims, but allows the student to amend and re-file those claims.

Pruitt's lawyer Joshua Williams said he will do that. He said in an email he's glad the case is moving forward. "We remain confident that her rights will be vindicated," he added.

District leaders deny they created a racially-hostile environment.

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