Girl Seeks Damages After Suspension From School
A 15-year-old girl has filed a $50,000 claim against the Burbank school district for suspending her from classes because she wore a sweat shirt imprinted with Old English-style letters that school officials said are gang-related.
The American Civil Liberties Union filed the claim--which can lead to a lawsuit if it is rejected--on behalf of Monica Marquez, who was suspended from Burbank High School for two days in December for wearing a sweat shirt bearing the words: “In Memory of Kenny Caldera, In Christ Hands Now.”
An ACLU attorney said Marquez is not a gang member and neither was Caldera, a classmate who was killed last year by gang members, but that school officials said the shirt’s lettering style is often used by gang members on garments. School Supt. Arthur Pierce said the claim for damages is being reviewed.
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