Fountain Valley : Flyer Urging Student Boycott Sparks Response

An attorney for the Huntington Beach Union High School District has warned a Fountain Valley High School parent that a flyer she wrote “encourages students to violate the compulsory attendance laws . . . and could subject the parents of those students to criminal sanctions.”

The eight-paragraph flyer states, “Kids! Your teachers need your help! The next time your teachers stay home on a ‘sick-in,’ don’t go into a classroom with a substitute, go home. Get a parent request note from your parents for the next day.”

The flyer, written by parent Flora Davis, continues: “When your teachers picket before school starts, join them. Show them and the board that you care about them and your education. Ask your parents to help . . . . Remember, no one can stop you from joining your teachers in a peaceful protest by picketing with them.”

Glen H. Dysinger, the district’s assistant superintendent for administrative affairs, on Thursday said, “We can’t be in the position of having parents exhorting kids not to go to school,” Dysinger said.

In the letter to Davis, attorney David C. Larsen said the district “would be in a position to bring a civil action against the author and distributor of such a document . . . . You should be advised that the passing out of such a document is an irresponsible act and that the district in the future will pursue any legal remedies that it has available to it.” Dysinger said Thursday that the district’s next step will depend on Davis’ response.

The flyer, signed by Davis, appeared on campus the day before 85% of the school’s 3,400 students boycotted classes in a show of support for teachers in the contract negotiations.