School District Pays $400K to Settle Muslim Suit

[MountainLaurel]

The Washoe County School District has agreed to pay $400,000 to settle civil rights lawsuits involving a Muslim girl who dropped out of school after being bullied for wearing a head scarf and her religion.

Jana Elhifny will receive $350,000 in the settlement announced early Wednesday. Stephanie Hart, a non-Muslim who was ostracized when she befriended Elhifny at North Valleys High School and also left school will receive $50,000.

Elhifny and her family came to Reno from Egypt in 2003. In her lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court, she said she faced death threats and harassment, and that school administrators did nothing to stop it.

The monetary award will be paid by the district's insurance carrier.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-04-08-muslim-school-bullying_N.htm

[cosmik debris]

1. I wonder how long it took

And how much it cost to get the justice that she deserved?

And I wonder what her life would be like if she had not had the patience and the money to pursue that justice?

Stories like this remind me that it is easy to take away freedom--anyone can do it. But it is expensive and time consuming to get your freedom back. Sometimes only rich people can afford freedom.

[Why Syzygy]

2. Not curious enough

to actually obtain facts when one of your bitter snob-servations is at the ready.

http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/o039melveny-and-aclu-settle-two-civil-rights-lawsuits

This is why some of us donate to the ACLU. The other firm no doubt took it on a contingency fee.
It cost the SCHOOL DISTRICT. Sure is expensive to violate civil rights.

[cosmik debris]

3. That did not answer any of my questions.

How long did it take?

How much did it cost?

What would her life have been like?

I suppose you don't have answers, just whines.

I know you are looking for opportunities to attack me personally, but this one is a FAIL!

[Why Syzygy]

4. All I'm 'attacking' are your less-than-critical reading/thinking skills. nt

[cosmik debris]

5. Fail!

I read and understood both posts.

Neither answered my questions.

Perhaps it it YOUR reading skills that could use a little help.

How long did it take?

How much did it cost?

What would her life have been like?

You have no answers, just a grudge.

[Why Syzygy]

6. Your lazy thinking knows no bounds.

I understand that :google: is eschewed by your club. Too bad.
The question of cost would need to be addressed to the attorneys involved. Call them and ask.
www.mclrenolaw.com
The question of "what her life would have been like" .. one she would not have had this experience in bravery and correcting an injustice. The rest is left to the imagination, unless you want to interview her.
The incident happened in the fall of 2003, the case was filed in 2004. I assume you have access to a calculator.

“Ms. Elhifny and Ms. Hart had the courage to stand up for themselves and defend their right to a
safe education. Because of their bravery, we hope that no other student in Washoe County will
have to endure what they did,” said Peter Obstler, partner at O’Melveny & Myers LLP and lead
attorney for Ms. Elhifny and Ms. Hart.
Lee Rowland, attorney for the ACLU of Nevada, noted that “The ACLU of Nevada is proud to have
co-counseled such an important case with O’Melveny & Myers. We look forward to working
collaboratively with the Washoe County School District to develop policies that will help to ensure
that every child has a safe and secure learning environment regardless of race, sex, or ethnicity.”
C. Robert Cox, member of the Maupin, Cox & LeGoy law firm, and lead attorney for the District
and the Individual Defendants, stated: “The District welcomes the end to the expensive litigation
created by these cases, especially in light of its insurance company’s willingness to fund a
resolution. More importantly, the District affirms its support for the North Valleys High School and
the exemplary efforts by its administration and staff in their professional and thorough handling of
the educational and personal issues raised by Ms. Elhifny, recognizing the many education
opportunities offered to her and rejected during the Fall of 2003 before withdrawing from the
District.”
http://www.aclunv.org/files/20090408%20Final%20Joint%20Press%20Release.pdf

http://www.aclunv.org/aclu-settles-federal-discrimination-lawsuits-washoe-county-school-district

[cosmik debris]

7. Well, at least you admit that you don't have all the answers. n/t

[Why Syzygy]

8. Horrors!

[cosmik debris]

9. You offered more insults than answers

I guess that's just the kind of person you are.

[Why Syzygy]

10. I've learned better than to approach you with an open heart.

You get the guarded version.

[cosmik debris]

11. Preemptive insults? n/t

[54anickel]

12. Gee, you'd think a little diversity training might not be a bad investment too...

The district also agreed to work with lawyers on harassment and discrimination policies.