May 12, 2010
Court Ruling Prevents Layoffs at Gompers and Markham
On May 12, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge William F. Highberger issued a preliminary injunction barring budget based lay offs at Gompers, Markham and Leichty Middle Schools.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) had filed a lawsuit against the State of California and LAUSD on February 24, alleging teacher layoffs due to the budget crisis deprive low-income and minority students their legal right to an education consistent with statewide standards. Specifically, the lawsuit challenged the equity of last year’s teacher layoffs at Gompers, Markham and Leichty.
“Today the students and teachers of three of the most challenged schools in Los Angeles won a major victory. The preliminary ruling in favor of an immediate injunction acknowledges what we have always known– the students attending these schools have a right to a quality education and the current system has violated their rights," said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at a press conference on the Courthouse steps.
"Today was a good day for all our children," said teacher Markham teacher Nick Melvoin. Mr. Melvoin, one of the lead organizers behind the suit. Mr. Melvoin and principal Tim Sullivan have served as pubic advocates for the suit. Both are profiled in the LA Weekly and Mr. Melvoin was featured on KTLA this past week.
