Johnson v. Board of Education

Statement of Facts

Appellant’s minor child was enrolled at Santa Monica High School for the Spring 1984 semester in an elective advanced level French class taught by Ms. Sharon Sawaya. As of the end of the second sixth week grading period, the student’s grade in the class was a “D.” Appellant and his child determined that it would be in her best interest to withdraw from attendance in this course.

The child brought a withdrawal petition home for appellant to sign. Appellant signed the petition. The pupil returned to school with the signed document. She submitted the petition to her teacher for processing in accordance with the rules of respondent school district. The child stated that Ms. Sawaya expressed a reluctance to sign the petition, took the petition from her and explained that she wanted to “think about it” first. According to the teacher, the pupil informed her that she was considering withdrawal but did not at any time submit a withdrawal petition to be signed.

Ms. Sawaya testified that she encouraged the minor to continue in the class and offered to help her during lunch hours and to allow her to make up some missed examinations. It is undisputed that the…