Alabama Preschool Sued Over Alleged Discrimination Against Black Toddler

A Gardendale, Alabama couple has filed a lawsuit against a local faith-based preschool, accusing the school of racial discrimination after their two-year-old son was allegedly treated unfairly and ultimately expelled.

Lee and Aletta Williamson claim Heritage Preschool in Homewood expelled their younger son after they raised concerns about what they saw as a troubling pattern of differential treatment. The case, filed in February 2024 with attorneys Artur Davis and Public Justice representing the family, is now headed to trial.

“The only way that we can bring about change is we have to first take action,” Aletta Williamson said. “It’s our job as parents to speak up for our children. If we don’t stand up for our children, who will?”

According to the lawsuit, the alleged issues began in spring 2023 after their son transitioned into the two-year-old class.

The boy’s teacher, who is white, reportedly sent him home repeatedly with behavioral reports for minor infractions such as not wanting to leave the splash pad, refusing to line up, or reacting emotionally when another child took a toy.

“Just small things,” Aletta, a higher education professional with over 20 years of experience, explained. “But the pattern was very alarming. This is not something that we’re used to.”

The Williamsons noted that every behavioral complaint came from the same teacher. When the teacher was absent—whether due to illness, vacation, or other reasons—there were no reported issues.

An assistant teacher, who is Black, allegedly confided in the couple that their son was being disciplined for actions that white students were allowed to get away with.

School administrators proposed placing the child on a two-week “behavior plan,” warning that “next steps” would be determined if his conduct did not improve.

“We were hurt, we were shocked by what we were hearing,” Aletta said. “I told them that I’d worked in higher education for over 20 years. We know our rights.”

Aletta informed the school during a meeting that she intended to contact the federal Office for Civil Rights and seek legal counsel, believing her son was being unfairly targeted. Shortly after returning home from that meeting, the Williamsons received an email notifying them that their son had been expelled due to the “threat of litigation.”

Heritage Preschool has denied the Williamsons’ allegations and indicated it plans to defend its actions in court.

Despite the upcoming legal battle, the Williamsons say they are determined to pursue the case not just for their son, but for the broader message it could send.

“This is about making sure that we stand for all children,” Aletta said. “The reason we wanted this lawsuit filed is we want to send a message loud and clear. If you look at their mission, it’s all about tolerance and patience and God’s love. Yet we did not experience that at all. The God that I serve loves all children, regardless of their race.”