Teen sues Long Island school over erased artwork

A high school senior from Long Island is suing her school after administrators painted over her pro-Palestinian parking spot. She claims this action caused her "emotional trauma" by erasing her viewpoint. The student, referred to as Jane Khan in court documents, painted her parking spot at Half Hollow Hills High School West in late summer. She included a watermelon design, her name in Arabic, and the phrase "Peace Be Upon You." This painting was part of a tradition where students customize their parking spots. Khan states that her art did not disrupt any school activities or harm anyone's rights. However, shortly after school started, a Facebook user posted about the painting, urging others to contact the school superintendent to have it removed. Following this, the principal allegedly questioned her about the artwork. Just two days later, school staff painted over the watermelon part of her spot, which led Khan to file a lawsuit. She argues that the school has a history of positive coexistence between its Muslim and Jewish communities. Khan seeks damages for the emotional distress caused by the incident, emphasizing that she does not mind different viewpoints but wants hers to be acknowledged. The school district has not yet commented on the situation.