In the case of Roach v. North Haven Board of Education, a student sued a board of education alleging she was improperly expelled and selectively prosecuted. To prevail in a claim for selective prosecution, the student would have to provide evidence proving that other students in her similar situation are treated differently by the school. The board of education moved for summary judgment, which is a preemptive decision in favor of one party over the other.
On Thursday, March 30, 2000, an assistant principal confiscated a box knife from the student. The school’s assistant principal suspended the student for two days pending further investigation and action by the Principal. After the two-day suspension, the student was suspended for an additional ten days. The student claims that another student was once in possession of a razor blade on school grounds and was given only a five-day suspension. The court granted the school’s motion for summary judgment.
The evidence that the student submitted to support selective prosecution was not sufficient, because the school had offered evidence that the other student was a special education student. This evidence undermined the student’s argument, because the student was not, in fact, in a similar situation to her, but in a separate education program altogether. Therefore, he claims for selective prosecution were rules insufficient by the court.
Source: Roach v. North Haven Board of Education, 2002 Conn. Super. LEXIS 4028 (Dec. 10, 2002)
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This case was not handled by our firm. However, if you have any questions regarding this case, or any education matter, please contact Joseph Maya at 203-221-3100 or by email at JMaya@mayalaw.com.
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