In a heart-wrenching incident, a biracial family from Louisville experienced what they believe to be racial discrimination while visiting a local trampoline park. The Johnson family, who had hoped for a fun day out, instead left feeling traumatized and disrespected. The family alleges that the staff at Sky Zone on Outer Loop not only denied them service but also forcibly asked them to leave because of the racial differences among family members.
At the center of this story is 11-year-old D’Corey Johnson, who recently gained national attention as a talented singer on America’s Got Talent. D’Corey is part of a blended family where his parents, Corey and Nakia, have adopted and fostered children of different ethnic backgrounds. Despite the diversity in their family, love and unity prevail. “We treat every child who comes into our home with the same love and care, regardless of their background,” emphasized Nakia. This sentiment resonates deeply within the family, especially with Chloe, one of the adopted daughters, who firmly stated, “Blood doesn’t define family; these are my parents by law and by love.”
The experience at Sky Zone was particularly distressing for the Johnsons. When attempting to sign waivers for the activities, an employee questioned the legitimacy of their familial relationships. Despite efforts to provide proof, the situation escalated quickly, leading to security involvement and the family being escorted out. Corey, trying to maintain composure, guided his children away from the confrontation, feeling helpless and unable to protect his family. Since the incident, Nakia has repeatedly tried to seek answers from the management but has received little satisfaction.
This unfortunate event highlights the ongoing challenges faced by mixed-race families in society. It underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting diverse family structures. The Johnsons hope that by sharing their story, they can raise awareness and encourage more inclusive practices. “We want to ensure that no other family experiences what we did,” said Corey. In response, Sky Zone has stated that they take allegations of discrimination seriously and prioritize guest safety and comfort. However, the Johnson family remains skeptical and calls for genuine accountability and change.
The Ninth Circuit Court has issued a temporary injunction preventing the enforcement of California’s new social media law aimed at protecting minors from addictive content. Senate Bill 976, which was set to take effect on February 1, has been halted until at least April, when further legal proceedings will determine its fate. The law, which requires parental consent for certain types of content targeting minors, has faced opposition from tech industry lobbyists who argue it violates the First Amendment. While this ruling provides a brief reprieve for tech companies, the broader implications of the law and its potential impact on free speech remain under scrutiny.
A coalition of major tech companies, represented by NetChoice, successfully argued that the bill could infringe upon constitutional rights. The legislation, introduced last September, sought to prevent social media platforms from offering personalized feeds to minors without parental approval. Critics contend that these algorithms constitute a form of expression protected under the First Amendment. In response, the court has ordered an expedited appeal, setting the stage for a significant legal battle in the coming months.
The debate surrounding SB 976 highlights the ongoing tension between safeguarding young internet users and preserving digital freedoms. Tech lobbyists have long maintained that existing parental controls are sufficient to manage minors' online experiences. They also argue that the law's definitions of what constitutes an "addictive feed" are overly vague and could lead to unnecessary regulatory burdens. Meanwhile, supporters of the bill emphasize its role in empowering families to make informed decisions about their children’s online activities.
In December, a district court judge partially granted a preliminary injunction, blocking some aspects of the law while allowing others to proceed. This decision was seen as both a setback and a victory by different parties involved. Now, with the Ninth Circuit’s latest ruling, the focus shifts to whether the law can withstand constitutional scrutiny. Both sides are preparing for a pivotal hearing in April, where the future of SB 976 will be decided.
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences for how states regulate social media platforms and protect young users. For now, the law remains on hold, but the underlying issues—balancing child safety with free speech—will continue to shape policy discussions. The California Department of Justice remains committed to defending the statute, asserting that it aims to provide families with greater control over their children’s online interactions without limiting freedom of expression.