California school settles lawsuit after falsely accusing 13-year-old boy of wearing 'blackface,' removes suspension from record

A 13-year-old boy who was suspended after his school falsely accused him of wearing "blackface" has gotten his record expunged and the school district has settled in a lawsuit brought by the boy's parents.

Daniel Ameduri, who sued Muirlands Middle School in California after his son JA, was suspended over the 2022 incident where the boy wore eye black to a football game, and was then suspended from school and banned from sporting events. After the school had settled, his record's suspension was expunged for wearing the eye black, which is a common practice at sporting events, according to Fox News.

"The false allegations of blackface on J.A.’s permanent school records could have haunted him for decades, affecting both his education and future career opportunities," attorney Karin Sweigart at the Dhillon Law Group counsel said in a statement.

"It’s a relief that the school district has finally corrected this injustice," Sweigart continued. "No student should have to fight to clear their name over baseless accusations, which is why organizations like the Center for American Liberty exist—to ensure fairness and protect fundamental rights."

JA was in 8th grade when the incident occurred and is now a freshman in high school. He told Fox and Friends on January 18, 2024, "I used to go to a lot of football games when I lived in Texas, and I used to play football, and sometimes we put that on if one of the kids brought it," referring to the eye black.

Mark Trammell, the executive director of the Center for American Liberty, told reporters in a statement, "We are so proud of J.A. and his family. When students and parents stand up to this woke nonsense in schools, they win. Let J.A.’s win be a lesson to students and parents everywhere."