I.C.

FACTS

We have reviewed the record and recount the relevant facts, as we must, in the light most favorable to the verdict. We

2 will supplement our recitation as necessary in connection with plaintiff’s contentions on appeal. 1. Plaintiff’s Injury The incident resulting in this lawsuit occurred on September 19, 2016, during defendant Marco Godinez’s art class at Dominguez High School in the Compton Unified School District (the District). Mr. Godinez had been an art teacher at Dominguez High for about 15 years. Class had begun, with the students seated and working on their assigned projects. Plaintiff I.C., who was almost 16 years old, and his friend Christopher L. began “horseplaying.” The horseplay was “slap- boxing,” which in this case consisted of playfully trying to tap each other on the cheek and avoid getting tapped at the same time. Mr. Godinez, who was at his desk in the center of the class grading assignments in sketch books, saw them and told them to stop, and they stopped. They did not, however, stop for long. According to another student, A.F., the punching started approximately 30 seconds later. Mr. Godinez heard chairs screeching and looked up to see the two…