Parents Sue Los Angeles School After Son’s Expulsion
The parents of a fifth-grade student from the elite Curtis School in Los Angeles have filed a lawsuit against the institution, challenging the expulsion of their son. The lawsuit, submitted to the Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses Curtis School and its head, Meera Ratnesar, of expelling the student without proper evidence or due process.
Controversial Email Exchange Cited in Expulsion Decision
According to court documents, the conflict began when the fifth-grader exchanged emails with a classmate on September 5. The emails included lyrics from the 2018 rap song “Murder on My Mind” by YNW Melly. The lyrics were initially introduced by the classmate, who wrote, “Wake up in the morning I got,” to which the boy responded, “Murder on my mind.” Later, during a math class email exchange on September 25, the boys shared squirt gun emojis, along with phrases like “I hate you” and “You dead yet.”
Parents Claim No Conduct Rule Was Violated
The boy’s parents argue that the emails did not break any school policy, noting that the squirt gun emoji is available within the Curtis School’s IT system. They also point out that no disciplinary action was taken against the other student, who introduced the song lyrics into the conversation.
Curtis School’s Decision Sparks Legal Battle
The school notified the boy’s parents of the expulsion on September 30, banning him from campus immediately. The lawsuit describes the decision as “arbitrary and capricious” and seeks to overturn the expulsion and recover attorney fees.
Curtis School Background
Curtis School, located on Mulholland Drive, is a prestigious K-6 institution with an annual tuition of $28,760. It is known for educating the children of notable celebrities, including David and Victoria Beckham.
