NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Nearly a year after the state of Tennessee passed a zero-tolerance law against threats in schools, the state is now facing its second known legal challenge.

The parents of a Williamson County student have filed a lawsuit after their son was expelled from school for allegedly making a Hitler reference and mentioning North Korea.

“He was humiliated in front of his peers, denied access to his courses, and had his academic reputation forever ruined by the defendants’ misapplication of the Tennessee Code,” the lawsuit states.

The law considers any act that involves direct or indirect communication and can lead to serious bodily harm as a threat of massive violence.

According to the lawsuit, the words “threat” or “threatening” are not clearly defined.

Republican Rep. Scott Cepicky of Culleoka sponsored the bill.

“I think the intent of the law is to send the message that there is zero tolerance for drugs and guns in schools,” he said. “If someone threatens mass violence, that is taken very seriously.”

The law gives school districts the right to assess the extent of a threat before taking disciplinary action.

Parents question the authority of the institution because, in their opinion, no evidence was presented to support the allegations and no one was injured.

With the case soon moving through the courtrooms, Cepicky believes the law will remain in place.

“I think the law is very sound in its wording and will stand up in court. We will send the message that such threats must not be made,” he said.

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