Two teenagers who were falsely accused of wearing blackface and subsequently expelled from their elite California Catholic school have recently been awarded over $1 million in a joint settlement. The incident occurred in 2017 when the students took a photo of themselves wearing a green acne face mask during a sleepover, as a show of solidarity with a friend suffering from severe acne. The treatment, which turned dark green once dry, was mistaken for blackface when the photo resurfaced in 2020.
The photo went viral during the height of the Black Lives Matter protests following George Floyd’s murder, prompting their expulsion without due process. After a Santa Clara County jury found that the school breached an oral contract and failed to provide appropriate procedures, the students, identified as A.H. and H.H., were each awarded $500,000 in damages, in addition to having their $70,000 tuition reimbursed. The ruling was seen as groundbreaking for private high schools in California, as it establishes a precedent for fair treatment of students before punitive actions are taken.
One of the attorneys for the students, Krista Baughman, emphasized the significance of the case in holding private schools accountable for their disciplinary processes. The jury’s decision validated the students’ claims that the school acted unfairly and without proper consideration. In a statement, A.H.’s family expressed gratitude to the court system for providing justice and clearing their sons’ names of the false accusations.
The lawsuit initially sought $20 million in damages, but only a portion of those claims were upheld by the jury. While the school has expressed disagreement with the decision and is considering legal options, including an appeal, the ruling marked a significant outcome for the students and their families. The students’ innocence in the matter was ultimately recognized through the legal process, highlighting the importance of upholding fair procedures in educational institutions.
The lawsuit has generated attention not only for the financial settlement but for the broader implications for private high schools in California. The outcome has set a precedent for holding schools accountable for their disciplinary actions and ensuring that students receive fair treatment before facing punitive measures. The case underscores the importance of due process and fair procedures in educational settings, particularly when accusations can have lasting consequences on students’ reputations and futures.
Overall, the resolution of the lawsuit brought justice to the two teenagers who were wrongfully accused and expelled, shedding light on the need for schools to act responsibly and justly in their disciplinary processes. The significant financial settlement, along with the acknowledgment of the school’s failures in handling the situation, serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding fairness and equity in educational institutions. The case has paved the way for improved accountability and transparency in how schools address disciplinary issues, protecting the rights and dignity of all students involved.