WEST Memphis, Ark. (WMC) – The former top educator of West Memphis has filed a lawsuit against the school district, claiming that his 2023 firing was unlawful and partly based on his race.
Now-former Superintendent Richard Atwill was fired from the West Memphis School District in April 2023, 11 months into his three-year contract.
Atwill’s lawsuit filed Tuesday alleges that after he was hired, a school board member told him several times that the school board “wanted a Black superintendent” instead.
Atwill claims that the executive session that resulted in his termination on April 18, 2023, was held “without any prior notice, unlawfully, and without legal cause… in violation of both state open meeting laws and in violation of the terms of the contract.”
The West Memphis School Board then appointed Dr. Terrence Browna Black man, as Atwill’s replacement.
The lawsuit claims that Dr. Brown “was not properly licensed and certified to be a school superintendent,” and that the vote to appoint him was unlawful.
Dr. Brown formerly served as deputy superintendent at Forrest City School District.
He alleges that the West Memphis School Board chose Dr. Brown as superintendent without conducting any public discussion, search, or interviews.
Atwill maintains that his early termination was discriminatory and based in part on his race. He claims it caused “lost wages, loss of benefits, emotional distress, and reputational harm.”
Two West Memphis citizens filed a lawsuit against WMSD and the school board in October 2023, alleging that board members violated the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by withholding information regarding Atwill’s termination from the public.
Throughout his time in the district, Atwill focused on school safety, approving a clear backpack policy for students K through 12, and increasing school resource officers at all 10 schools.
Following Atwill’s removal, the school board’s attorney and other staff members also resigned to show some solidarity against the firing.
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