MARION, Texas -- A federal lawsuit was filed Thursday against the Marion Independent School District and several former school employees.
The lawsuit claims the Fennell family's three African American daughters were subjected to racial harrassment and bullying while they attended various schools within Marion ISD.
The lawsuit alleges that as early as 2008, the children experienced racially-based comments, including a racist text message.
Chris Pittard is the attorney representing the family.
"One of the girls received a text with an animation of a KKK with a noose," said Pittard.
The family says back in February, a noose and racist note were found near the car belonging to the family's eldest daughter. The car was parked inside the Marion high school parking lot.
"It's hard to even comprehend that someone would write something like that to a young girl in high school," added Pittard.
One of the daughters has already graduated and is attending college. The two younger siblings are attending school in a different district.
News 4 WOAI contacted Marion ISD about the lawsuit. The interim Superintendent said the district had not received it yet and more than likely would not be able to comment on pending litigation.