Press Conference & Court Hearing: Neighborhood School Closure Civil Rights Lawsuit Moves Forward
Press Conference & Court Hearing
Neighborhood School Closure Civil Rights Lawsuit Moves Forward
SACRAMENTO, CA – This Thursday, July 11, students, parents, community members, and plaintiffs will convene for an evidentiary hearing in the civil rights lawsuit (A.A., et al v. Sacramento City Unified School District, et al) against the Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD). A press conference that will highlight the long-term detrimental impact that the closures have on minority, low-income, and limited-English proficient families and preview arguments that will be made during the hearing will precede this hearing, which was granted by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller.
Parents and students continue to express frustration and anguish with the poorly developed school closure plans that deliberately targeted socioeconomically disadvantaged communities and families. The court hearing will feature expert testimony from Dr. Jesus Hernandez, a professor who has conducted thorough and comprehensive research on the impact of discriminatory policies on Sacramento’s historically disenfranchised communities. The Court will also consider arguments around the exercise of a preliminary injunction in order to prevent the close of Sacramento’s neighborhood schools. Contrary to efforts to discredit parents and families, the U.S. District Court is proceeding with the lawsuit with expediency because it recognizes the seriousness of the plaintiff’s claims and the need for a speedy resolution.
WHO: Plaintiffs including Students, Parents and Parent-Teacher groups from closed schools, Hmong Innovating Politics (HIP), and United for Sacramento Students (USS)
WHAT: Press Conference before Federal Court Evidentiary Hearing
WHEN: Thursday, July 11, 2013
WHERE: Sacramento Robert Matsui Federal Courthouse
Press Conference - Court House Plaza
Hearing - Courtroom #3, 15th Floor
501 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
TIME: 8:00am – 8:30am (Press Conference & Rally) & 9:00am – 3:00pm (Court Hearing)
CONTACT: Stephanie Yang, 916.367.1900
**Interview Opportunities**
Attorney Mark Merin and HIP organizers will be available for comment at the conclusion of the court hearing. The time is at the discretion of the court.
HIP Organizers envision a Sacramento of empowered communities that thrive in a socially and economically just democracy.