Morrow

On June 1, 2005, the Los Angeles Times reported Jefferson High School principal Norman K. Morrow—plaintiff and appellant in this appeal—would be replaced the next month “amid criticism by city and school district officials over his handling of a spate of student brawls that many say have been fueled by racial tensions.” Local Superintendent Rowena LaGrosa of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) reportedly stated that Morrow would be replaced six months before his planned retirement. The newspaper further related that Superintendent of Schools Roy Romer “voiced the need for stronger leadership at Jefferson, saying in an interview that Morrow ‘had retirement plans that did not fit with the district’s needs.’ The principal’s handling of the recent violence had ‘accelerated’ a decision to replace him, Romer said.”

Morrow sued the school district, Romer, and LaGrosa alleging that their statements to the press invaded his privacy (the first cause of action) and defamed him (the sixth cause of action). The trial court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss the invasion of privacy and defamation causes of action pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16 (the…