Gay teen’s family sues the school where he was relentlessly bullied before he died

Photo: Family photo/via GoFundMe

The family of Nigel Shelby announced today that they have filed a lawsuit against the Huntsville City Schools for civil rights violations and wrongful death.

Shelby had only attended Huntsville High School for under a year when he took his own life on April 18, 2019.

Related: Most young people would support a friend who came out as transgender

“Nigel Shelby was bullied by his peers for his race and sexual orientation, and when he sought help from school administrators, was told that his sexuality was his choice,” the news release recounted.

“School administrators did not alert Nigel’s parents of his struggles in school so that he could receive help from a licensed mental health professional. On April 18, 2019, Nigel Shelby died by suicide.

“Following his death, school administrators alerted Nigel’s mother to look for a suicide note in his backpack, revealing that they were aware of his plans to take his own life.”

The District announced that it had been notified of pending litigation last month, and did not comment on legal proceedings. They did want to “remind students, families, and staff members of the longstanding resources in place to support students,” though, they said in a statement. They also tout a “strong Gay-Straight Alliance” and partnerships with GLSEN and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

Since her son’s death, Camika Shelby has spoken out against anti-LGBTQ bullying in schools and intolerance at home.

“I know there are a lot of parents in this world who have a problem with accepting who their kids are,” she said to a crowd of students in 2019. “And if you come from that type of family, I want you to know that it’s OK. Sometimes your family can be your own worst enemy.”

“If they don’t love you for who you are, they don’t deserve you,” she said. “It’s OK to let them go. Don’t let them tear you down. Don’t let them make you feel like there’s something wrong with you, because there’s not.”

After Shelby’s death, the Huntsville community and LGBTQ advocates rallied to raise funds for his funeral, organizing a GoFundMe page and a Drag Brunch to raise over $15,000.

If you or someone you know in the United States needs help, know that you’re not alone. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, know that the Trevor Project is here 24/7, and can be reached by phone at 1-866-488-7386 or text and chat at www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now.