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Sleep King - Where the Prices Are a Sweet Dream!
There are a lot of mattress companies in South Carolina that claim to have the perfect mattress for everyone. At Sleep King, we believe that every person is different and has different needs when it comes to their mattress. That's why our mattress store in Columbia, SC, has a wide variety of beds and brands to choose from. That way, you can find the right mattress for your body and get the very best sleep quality possible.
As a family-owned and operated mattress store with more than 40 years of experience in the sleep industry, we know a thing or two about comfortable mattresses. Columbia residents choose Sleep King because we provide our customers with a personalized shopping experience. When you walk through our showroom doors, we want you to feel comfortable - both on our mattresses and with our store associates. At Sleep King, you won't ever have to worry about pushy salespeople and limited selection. Instead, you will discover that we encourage you to take your time as you search for your next bed. Sleep is incredibly important, and by proxy, finding the right mattress for your body type is too.
When you visit our showroom in Columbia, know that we are a full-service store with mattress experts ready to help. From questions about mattresses and their warranties to financing and mattress delivery, there's no question we haven't heard before.
We carry some of the most popular brands in America, and unlike other mattress stores in Columbia, offer them at the lowest prices around, guaranteed. There's a reason why we were voted your #1 mattress store in the Lowcountry - because we truly care about our customers and their quality of sleep!
Looking for discounts? Need to buy your mattress on a strict budget? We've got you covered at our new mattress clearance center in Columbia, where we have more than 50 models on display at 50-80% off retail value. Don't forget to ask us about our flexible financing options, where no credit is needed to make a purchase. Paying cash? We'll knock 5% off your bill!
As if that weren't enough reason to visit, remember that we provide free delivery, setup, and removal of your old mattress for FREE when you make a purchase at Sleep king.
Bedroom Sets for Sherri Cogswell
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Some services and products are only available for local residents. Please contact SleepKing for details
Contact NowWhy Choose Our Mattress
Store in Columbia, SC?
Our business model is simple - give customers quality beds from national brands at amazing prices, coupled with unmatched customer service. We know that your sleep is essential but also understand that normal folks aren't made of money. You need a solution that isn't going to break the bank, which is why we offer up to 75% off our products.
When we say we have a bed for every budget, we're serious.
A few of our mix and match deals include:
| Sets | Prize |
|---|---|
| Twin Mattress Sets Beginning | at $169.00 |
| Full Mattress Sets Beginning | at $199.00 |
| Queen Mattress Sets Beginning | at $229.00 |
| King Mattress Sets Beginning | at $449.00 |
Of course, a mattress would be incomplete without a headboard, footboard, and rails. For queen mattresses, those items combined are only $199. At our mattress store, we pledge to beat any competitor's price on similar product specs - guaranteed! Here are just a few of the benefits of shopping at Mattress King
- *FREE* Bed Frame for Your New Bed*
- *FREE* Same-Day Local Mattress Delivery to Your Home*
- *FREE* Set-Up & Removal of Old Mattress from Your Home*
- *FREE* Mattress Pad Included with New Mattress*
- Rest Easy with Our 60-Day Comfort Guarantee
- We Have the Best Selection of Mattresses in Columbia with Five National Vendors
- On-Time Delivery
- Best Warranties in the Industry
- Sleep King Will Beat Anyone's Advertise Price by $50*(on purchases $299 and above)
- 0% Financing for 48 Months (APR, With Approved Credit)
- *See Store for Additional Details
Our Selection of
National Mattress
Brands
At Sleep King, we carry the largest selection of high-quality national brand mattresses in Columbia.
Sleep King MLILY Mattresses
Often considered the best mattress brand in the world, innovation sets MLILY mattresses apart from others. Our customers love MLILY mattresses because they are expertly built through decades of research and rigorous testing. The folks at MLILY are committed to precision, meaning every detail of product detail they push is geared towards the ultimate satisfaction and comfort.
Sleep Restonic Mattresses
Restonic Mattresses: Restonic line of mattresses are multi-layered beds with cooling foam technology that adds resilience, support, and temperature control. The result is a cool, comfy sleep that leaves you refreshed and ready to attack the day.
Sleep King Comfort Sleep Mattresses
Every mattress in the Comfort Sleep lineup has a great combo of support and comfort, making for a restful night's sleep. With heavy-gauge coils and high-performance materials, these mattresses are durable and built to last. Be sure to try one of these mattresses out in our showroom - our customers love the pocketed coils and minimal motion transfer.
Sleep King Golden Mattresses
The Golden brand is lesser known than some, like Tempurpedic. Still, it is a quality product with many foam and non-foam options that we think you'll love. Choose from standard memory foam, hybrid, and innerspring options while visiting our showroom in Columbia.
Tips on Choosing the Best Bed
There's much more to choosing a good bed than how you think it will look in your bedroom. There's plenty to think about, from innerspring options to memory foam and even hybrid mattresses. At Sleep King, our priority is our customers. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service. We want to do right by you, which why we want to be sure you find the perfect bed when you visit our mattress store in Columbia, SC. To help you get started, here are a few tips on choosing the best bed for your sleep needs.
Visit a Showroom
This tip might seem like a no-brainer to some, but it's important that you visit a showroom so that you can lay on different beds to get a feel for what you like. At Mattress King, you will have the chance to explore different styles, designs, and shapes, and mattress materials. Finding a bed online at a price you can afford is great, but you should lie on the bed first, not just look at it on a screen.
Determine Budget
Here's a surprising fact: just because a mattress costs more money, it doesn't mean it's going to be a better bed. Sure, more expensive beds might have newer technologies and materials, but not everyone has the budget to walk into a mattress store in Columbia and spend $3,000. Figure out what price range you're comfortable paying and look at the best options for your bottom line.
Consider Bedroom Size
Before you swing by our showroom and start trying out beds, it might be a good idea to measure the space where your new mattress will go. If your bedroom is on the small side, a king-sized bed might be too big. Similarly, a small bed in a huge room might make for strange aesthetics. Aim for a reasonable amount of room around your bed - enough where you can walk around comfortably. As mentioned above, get specific measurements of the area you plan to use. That way, you have peace of mind knowing your new mattress will fit in your bedroom.
Choose a Mattress Material
This tip often comes down to personal preference. It will take a little bit of trial and error to figure out which material works best for your back - innerspring, memory foam, or latex. While your friend's and family's opinions matter, keep in mind that their mattress choice was subjective. What works for them won't necessarily work for you.
Need a quick refresher on different mattress materials? Here's a quick overview
Innerspring
Also called coil mattresses, innerspring beds are probably the most well-known on this short list. Innerspring mattresses are often more affordable than their latex and memory foam counterparts. These beds are ideal for people who want a lot of support and a cooler night's sleep.
Latex
This material is known for its great cooling properties and overall comfort. With latex, there are no strange off-gassing odors like you sometimes get with memory foam. Latex mattresses are ideal for people who want a responsive, bouncy feel and may have problems sleeping hot.
Memory Foam
First developed by NASA in the 70s, memory foam is probably the most popular material in the modern mattress market. Memory foam conforms to every inch of your body, giving you maximum comfort and support. Memory foam is also know for its anti-motion properties. Memory foam can be a great choice if you tend to toss and turn at night and sleep with a partner who wakes up when you do. Memory foam mattresses are ideal for people who need pressure relief, good support, and refreshing comfort.
Think About Your Back
If you have a bad back, it's crucial that you find a mattress with proper support. Slat and spring beds often offer plenty of support, but latex and memory foam options have come a long way. If you want memory foam or latex but find the support to be subpar, consider an adjustable base instead of a normal platform. That way, you can always sleep in a comfortable position that benefits your back.
Your Premier Furniture Store
Columbia, SC
You read that right! Sleep King is the first choice for quality beds in Columbia, but we also have a huge selection of furniture for your home. If you're looking for a one-stop-shop for mattresses and furniture alike, you have come to the right place. If you're shopping for a new mattress at the best price possible, why not throw in a bedroom suite at an amazing price too?
A few common furniture items that our customers love to add
to their mattress purchase include:
Living Room Sets - from traditional-style suites with classic textures to modern sets with attractive upholstery, we will help you find the best living room set for your home.
Bedroom Suites - our bedroom suites range from contemporary to classic and come in a variety of colors and styles to compliment your new mattress purchase.
Daybeds - from English-style daybeds available in espresso and cherry colors to multi-purpose beds with pull-out trundles, our selection of daybeds is unbeatable.
Futons - if you have younger children, they will love our futons. Who are we kidding? Adults do too! Futons are incredibly useful in small spaces and convert into comfy-cozy beds perfect for kids of all ages.
Bunkbeds - bunkbeds are another great option to consider if you have kids. Whether you have a classic-style home or an apartment, we have a style that fits you.
At Sleep King, we are proud to have the lowest prices in the Lowcountry
If you like what you see but don't have time to visit our mattress store in Columbia, don't worry. Our online store is bursting with new items and deals every day. From mattresses and bedding to furniture sets and special sale items, Mattress King has got it all. With the highest quality mattresses, the best prices in Columbia, a giant showroom with all the options, and a full team of helpful sales associates, you won't ever need to find another mattress and furniture store again!
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Latest News in Columbia, SC
SC State Fair beefs up annual scholarship fund by $200,000
T. Michael Boddiehttps://www.postandcourier.com/columbia/news/sc-state-fair-beefs-up-annual-scholarship-fund-by-200-000/article_9c9df53c-bd0f-11ed-b344-8b921adb2f64.html
COLUMBIA — The South Carolina State Fair announced the first increase to its statewide college scholarship fund in a decade, upping it from $300,000 to $500,000, on March 7.Each year the State Fair awards scholarships to 50 students across the state. Starting this year, the scholars will receive $10,000 over four years, a $4,000 per student increase from last year, about a 67 percent boost.“Our commitment has always been to education and making an impact on future generations. We are honored to expand this program a...
COLUMBIA — The South Carolina State Fair announced the first increase to its statewide college scholarship fund in a decade, upping it from $300,000 to $500,000, on March 7.
Each year the State Fair awards scholarships to 50 students across the state. Starting this year, the scholars will receive $10,000 over four years, a $4,000 per student increase from last year, about a 67 percent boost.
“Our commitment has always been to education and making an impact on future generations. We are honored to expand this program and create more opportunities for each of our scholarship recipients,” State Fair board President Cantey Heath Jr. said.
The hike in scholarship funds came on the heels of the State Fair’s return and bounce-back year following the COVID-19 pandemic. Smith attributed the $200,000 bump partly to new attractions separate from the annual fair, which started after the main event’s return from the two-year slump.
“Some of our newer events, such as the Spring Fair Food Drive Through and Carolina Lights, are enabling us to bring in additional revenue, which ultimately reflects in how much we are able to invest back in our community,” Smith said.
Any high school senior in the state can apply for the scholarship, dubbed the “Ride of Your Life Scholarship” by the State Fair. With nearly $5 million awarded over the past 25 years, the scholarship is partly need-based and partly based on academic and extracurricular achievement. Students must have a 3.0 GPA and enroll in at least 30 credit hours each academic year.
The 50 recipients will each be paid $2,500 per year for tuition, housing, computers or textbooks at a South Carolina college or university.
“Although I had exemplary grades ... I still had some funds missing,” said Chelsea Gourdine, a 2022 recipient of the scholarship and Keenan High School graduate. “The Ride of Your Life Scholarship has really given me the opportunity fulfill my education dreams.”
“I always dreamed of going to college, escaping my hometown and furthering my education. With the Ride of Your Life Scholarship, I’m able to do that,” said Sheridan Carpenter, a Lander University student out of Edgefield County who also received the scholarship last year.”
The application deadline for the S.C. State Fair scholarship is March 15.
COLUMBIA — Richland County will consider a $90 million proposal for apartments in downtown Columbia near the South Carolina State Museum.
The development, known for the time by code name Project Wichita, would be built on nearly 6 acres at 1409 Huger St. owned by South Carolina Electric & Gas Co., according to documents filed with Richland County.
The document does not say how many units the development will have but the proposal does call for a 643-space parking garage and 42 surface-parking spaces for downtown visitors.
Environmental remediation on the site, which once housed a gas plant, is part of the proposal, as is a small park. There are also road, water, sewer and electric improvements planned.
To help cover the cost of these improvements to public infrastructure, valued at $21.6 million, the developer is seeking a 10-year, 50 percent tax credit.
The project marks the third multifamily development proposed around The Vista entertainment district on downtown Columbia’s west side.
Developer Ben Arnold wants to build a 183-unit apartment complex on property he owns near the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The University of South Carolina Development Foundation has plans for a 938-bed student apartment complex called Gadsden + Greene near Colonial Life Arena. And where Huger and Blossom streets meet, a St. Louis-based developer is gathering approvals for a 960-bed college apartment complex called VERVE Columbia.
Richland County Council is expected to take the first of three required votes on the proposal on March 7.
The city of Columbia will also have to sign off on the deal.
10 Fun Facts About Columbia, SC: How Well Do You Know Your City?
Holly Hooperhttps://www.redfin.com/blog/10-facts-about-columbia-south-carolina/
Are you curious about the history and fun facts of Columbia, SC? Whether you’re a resident or a visitor looking into the Columbia housing market, this city is full of hidden gems and interesting tidbits that are sure to pique your interest. From its role in the hot air balloon flight history to the unusual outdoor ice hockey game, Columbia has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. On t...
Are you curious about the history and fun facts of Columbia, SC? Whether you’re a resident or a visitor looking into the Columbia housing market, this city is full of hidden gems and interesting tidbits that are sure to pique your interest. From its role in the hot air balloon flight history to the unusual outdoor ice hockey game, Columbia has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. On the other hand, its reputation as the “Soda City” and the site of the world’s largest boiled peanut statue are just a few of the fun facts that make this city so unique for those looking to move into a new house or condo in Columbia. Keep reading to discover 10 fun, historical facts that will help you get to know Columbia, SC a little better.
1. Columbia is known as “Soda City”
Columbia is known as the “Soda City” because of its many soda fountains and its history as a hub of the soft drink industry. Columbia has a long history of being a major player in the soft drink industry, dating back to the early 20th century when the first Coca-Cola bottling plant in the state was established in the city. Today, Columbia is home to several unique soda fountains and craft soda makers, making it a great destination for anyone who loves sweet, bubbly drinks. The city’s nickname “Soda City” reflects its deep connection to this industry and the pride it takes in its unique soda culture.
2. The city is home to the world’s largest fire hydrant
The city is also home to the world’s largest fire hydrant, which stands at 39 feet tall and weighs 6,750 pounds. The giant fire hydrant was installed in 2001 in front of the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park as part of an effort to beautify the city and promote public art. The hydrant is not actually functional, but it has become a beloved landmark and a popular spot for photo ops. The fire hydrant’s bright colors and whimsical design make it a unique and eye-catching addition to the city’s landscape.
3. The world’s first recorded hot air balloon flight took place in Columbia
Columbia was the site of the world’s first recorded hot air balloon flight, which took place in 1784. The flight was conducted by French brothers Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier, who had developed the technology for hot air balloons. The Montgolfiers demonstrated their invention in Columbia, in front of a large crowd of spectators who were amazed by the sight of a hot air balloon rising into the sky. Today, Columbia celebrates its place in aviation history with several monuments and events dedicated to the Montgolfier brothers and their pioneering flight.
4. The “World’s Largest Boiled Peanut”
The city is home to the “World’s Largest Boiled Peanut” statue, which stands at 10 feet tall and weighs over 1,000 pounds. Boiled peanuts are a Southern delicacy, and Columbia takes its love of this snack food to a whole new level with its giant boiled peanut statue. The statue, which was installed in 2009, is made from fiberglass and depicts a giant peanut in a boiling pot. It has become a popular photo spot for tourists and a quirky symbol of the city’s love of boiled peanuts.
5. Columbia was named after Christopher Columbus
Columbia was named after Christopher Columbus, but it was almost named “Washington” after George Washington. When the city was founded in 1786, its founders chose the name “Columbia” to honor the explorer Christopher Columbus. However, there was some debate about the name, and some members of the state legislature argued that the city should be named after George Washington instead. Ultimately, the name “Columbia” stuck.
6. Columbia Inferno brought hockey to the heart of the city
The city is home to the Columbia Inferno, a minor league ice hockey team that once played a game on an outdoor rink in the middle of Main Street, in downtown Columbia. The Columbia Inferno was a professional ice hockey team that played in the ECHL from 2001 to 2008. In 2007, the team made headlines when it played an outdoor game against the Charlotte Checkers in the middle of Main Street. The game was a huge success, with thousands of fans turning out to watch the action. While the Columbia Inferno no longer plays, the team’s legacy lives on, and the city continues to support a thriving sports culture.
7. The South Carolina State House is a shining symbol of resilience
The South Carolina State House has a unique feature – a giant copper dome that was added in the 20th century to replace the original wooden dome, which was destroyed in a fire. The South Carolina State House is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Columbia, and its copper dome is a major reason why. The dome, which stands 180 feet tall, was added in 1903 to replace the original wooden dome, which was destroyed in a fire in 1865. Today, the dome is a symbol of the state’s resilience and its commitment to progress and innovation.
8. Columbia has rich architectural heritage
Columbia is home to the world’s largest collection of Robert Mills-designed buildings, including the South Carolina State House and the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. Robert Mills was a prominent architect and engineer who designed several important buildings and monuments in the United States, including the South Carolina State House and the Washington Monument. Columbia is proud to be home to several of Mills’ most significant works, and visitors to the city can see these historic buildings up close and learn about the architect’s life and legacy.
9. The Columbia Marionette Theatre brings the city puppetry magic
The city is home to the Columbia Marionette Theatre, a puppet theater that has been entertaining audiences since 1988. The Columbia Marionette Theatre is a unique cultural attraction that offers performances featuring beautifully crafted marionettes. The theater has a loyal following, and its shows are popular for all ages. The Columbia Marionette Theatre is a testament to the city’s commitment to the arts and its dedication to preserving and promoting cultural traditions.
10. Columbia has some of the best savory southern food
Columbia is known for its vibrant food scene, with many unique local dishes like “chicken bog,” a rice and chicken dish, and “pimento cheese,” a spread made from cheese and peppers that is a southern favorite. Columbia is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide variety of restaurants and eateries serving up delicious cuisine from around the world. However, the city is particularly proud of its local dishes, which reflect the region’s rich culinary history and its love of bold flavors and hearty fare. Whether you’re a fan of classic Southern cooking or international cuisine, Columbia is sure to have something to satisfy your appetite.
If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.
Group of North Columbia renters face uncertain future after gas leak
Chris Josephhttps://www.wistv.com/2023/02/14/group-north-columbia-renters-face-uncertain-future-after-gas-leak/
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A group of tenants in north Columbia is stuck between a city evacuation order, a non-communicative management company, and the prospect of having to relocate.They live in apartment units at 1218 Hyatt Avenue. Columbia city officials confirmed code enforcement and the Columbia Richland Fire Department were called to the property last week, finding a gas leak and code violations.WIS has requested a submitted Freedom of Information request for specific information on the extent of the gas leak and code viola...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A group of tenants in north Columbia is stuck between a city evacuation order, a non-communicative management company, and the prospect of having to relocate.
They live in apartment units at 1218 Hyatt Avenue. Columbia city officials confirmed code enforcement and the Columbia Richland Fire Department were called to the property last week, finding a gas leak and code violations.
WIS has requested a submitted Freedom of Information request for specific information on the extent of the gas leak and code violations. Residents tell WIS the gas (and as a result the heat) has been cut off in some units, but how many units remains unclear.
In the aftermath, the city’s code enforcement division left evacuation notices on the doors of some of the tenants. It mandated they leave the property by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8.
It’s unclear how many tenants were provided a note, but residents told WIS some were not impacted.
As of Tuesday, Feb. 14, at least two tenants with notices to leave remain at the property. Cynthia Joyner is one of them.
She said she lacks the resources to pick up and move quickly.
“It’s very hard and strange you know when you’re paying your rent money for people to, excuse me, for people to take advantage and you call them and expecting that you’re going to get some kind of response and you’re not getting nothing,” she said.
It’s unclear if the city has provided Joyner or her neighbor Terrence Cunningham with an extension to stay at the property.
Cunningham expressed similar concerns about the ability to move.
“Our plan is to just see what comes next. This has been a very stressful and emotional experience,” he said.
They tell WIS the management company has largely been non-responsive in the aftermath of the gas leak.
Richland County records show the property is owned by the Brooklyn-based Indigo 52 LLC.
S.C. Secretary of State records show its local agent is the Texas-based Registered Agent Solutions but provide a Lexington County address.
WIS went to the address, finding a man who said he accepts mail and legal services on behalf of Registered Agent Solutions for Indigo 52.
Registered Agent Solutions declined to provide WIS information on how to contact Indigo 52. Attempts to contact the company with the phone numbers provided to tenants were unsuccessful as well.
The Columbia non-profit Building Better Communities has been in contact with residents to help facilitate resources.
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Road Trip to South Carolina Up Next for No. 21 Gators
Andrew Hilehttps://floridagators.com/news/2023/3/10/womens-tennis-road-trip-to-south-carolina-up-next-for-no-21-gators
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The No. 21 Florida women's tennis squad will hit the road this weekend, heading north to Columbia, S.C., for a noon ET matchup with the No. 32 Gamecocks on Saturday, March 11 at the Carolina Tennis Center.SERIES HISTORY VS. SOUTH CAROLINA Florida (6-3, 1-1 SEC) and South Carolina (6-5, 1-1 SEC) meet for the 52nd time in program history on Saturday, with the Gators holding a 46-5 lead in the overall series. The Orange & Blue have won the last two matchups, including a tight 4...
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The No. 21 Florida women's tennis squad will hit the road this weekend, heading north to Columbia, S.C., for a noon ET matchup with the No. 32 Gamecocks on Saturday, March 11 at the Carolina Tennis Center.
SERIES HISTORY VS. SOUTH CAROLINA Florida (6-3, 1-1 SEC) and South Carolina (6-5, 1-1 SEC) meet for the 52nd time in program history on Saturday, with the Gators holding a 46-5 lead in the overall series. The Orange & Blue have won the last two matchups, including a tight 4-3 decision last season on April 16, 2022, inside the Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex. In Columbia, Florida boasts a 19-1 mark against the Gamecocks.
IMPORTANT DUB The Gators picked-up their first victory in the Southeastern Conference last Sunday, taking down No. 34 LSU in Gainesville, 4-1. After pulling away to clinch the doubles point, the home squad got victories from then-No. 61 Carly Briggs, Alicia Dudeney and Bente Spee to claim the win. Briggs' win was perhaps one of the most impressive of her career, taking down No. 11 Kylie Collins in straight sets for the 6-3, 7-5 edge.
ITA RANKINGS In the latest ITA Rankings, the Gators find themselves ranked No. 21 as a team. Individually, Carly Briggs leads the way with a ranking of No. 47, while Sara Dahlstrom and Anastasia Sysoeva both remain in the rankings as well, sitting at 119th and 121st, respectively. The doubles tandem of Briggs and Rachel Gailis also appear in this week's rankings, entering as the No. 60 doubles squad.
SEC STRONG The SEC is one of the top conferences in collegiate tennis, with 11 teams finding themselves in the latest top-75 rankings from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. Among the Power Five conferences, the SEC's 11 ranked-teams are tied for the second most with the Big Ten, while the ACC leads the way with 13. Ten teams from the PAC 12 and nine squads from the Big 12 round out the Power Five conferences.
THE ROAD AHEAD Florida's upcoming schedule will continue to prove difficult, meeting four ranked teams over their next four matches. With No. 32 South Carolina awaiting on Saturday, the Gators will return home the following weekend for home matchup with No. 17 Vanderbilt and No. 53 Kentucky before welcoming No. 6 Michigan on Wednesday, March 22. By the time of their matchup with the Wolverines, the Orange & Blue will have competed against seven-consecutive opponents ranked in the ITA top-75.
FOLLOW THE GATORS SOCIAL: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram JOIN THE CONVERSATION: #GoGators
9th Grade Girl Sues SC High School Over Pledge Of Allegiance Confrontation
Jeffrey Collinshttps://www.huffpost.com/entry/marissa-barnwell-pledge-of-allegiance-lawsuit_n_640ba123e4b01ea51226d419
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The parents of a ninth grade South Carolina student who said she was accosted by a teacher for walking to class instead of stopping and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance are suing the teacher, principal, school district and state education officials.Marissa Barnwell said she was walking quietly to class and decided not to stop for the pledge or a moment of silence that followed. A teacher yelled at her, confronted her and pushed her against a wall.AdvertisementBarnwell was then sent to the pri...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The parents of a ninth grade South Carolina student who said she was accosted by a teacher for walking to class instead of stopping and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance are suing the teacher, principal, school district and state education officials.
Marissa Barnwell said she was walking quietly to class and decided not to stop for the pledge or a moment of silence that followed. A teacher yelled at her, confronted her and pushed her against a wall.
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Barnwell was then sent to the principal’s office, which she said was humiliating because she feared she was in trouble. The principal sent her back to class, but Barnwell said he never let her know that the teacher was wrong and she was right.
“I was completely and utterly disrespected,” Barnwell, 15, said at a news conference Thursday, according to The State newspaper. “No one has apologized, no one has acknowledged my hurt. ... The fact that the school is defending that kind of behavior is unimaginable.”
Barnwell’s parents are suing the River Bluff High School teacher, the principal, Lexington School District 1, and the South Carolina Education Department in federal court, saying they violated the girl’s civil rights and her First Amendment rights to both free speech or not to speak at all.
A state law passed more than 30 years ago requires public schools to play the Pledge of Allegiance at a specific time every day.
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But that law also prohibits punishing anyone who refuses to recite the pledge as long as they are not disruptive or do not infringe on others.
“The thing that’s beautiful about America is we have freedoms,” said Tyler Bailey, the family’s lawyer. “Students in our schools should feel safe, they should not be feel threatened for exercising their constitutional rights.”
Barnwell said she called her parents in tears and they said the teacher, principal or district never responded.
Lexington School District 1 said its attorney is working on a response to the lawsuit and didn’t have any additional comment. River Bluff High School’s website indicates the teacher and principal are still working at the school.
“I was just in disbelief,” Barnwell said, adding that she told the teacher, “Get your hands off of me.”
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