L.T. v. Eleanor Murray Fallon Middle School

Background

L.T., a minor, and his father, Lance Turner II, sued Dublin Unified School District and individual school district employees. The complaint alleged that L.T., an African American student, was subjected to racial discrimination, harassment, and bullying at Eleanor Murray Fallon Middle School. The opinion notes that the school was erroneously sued as the defendant instead of the District.

The First Amended Complaint asserted five causes of action: race discrimination under 42 U.S.C. § 1983; race discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; negligence; intentional infliction of emotional distress; and violation of California Education Code section 220.

Settlement and Motion

After a settlement conference and further settlement discussions, the parties agreed to settle the case for $300,000. L.T.’s net recovery was $74,749.38. The settlement provided that his funds would be deposited into a blocked account, with no withdrawals of principal or interest before he reached age 18 unless authorized by written court order. The opinion states that L.T. was scheduled to turn 18 on April 29, 2028.

Plaintiffs moved under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 17(c), which requires courts to protect the interests of minor parties, for approval of the settlement. No opposition was filed.

Court’s Analysis

The court explained that it had to independently determine whether L.T.’s net recovery was fair and reasonable. The court focused on L.T.’s recovery, the facts and claims in the case, and recoveries in similar cases, rather than comparing his share with amounts allocated to adult plaintiffs or attorneys.

The court found that the $74,749.38 net recovery was fair and reasonable in light of L.T.’s claims and similar settlements. It also noted that his guardian ad litem supported approval, that the parties had actively litigated the case and participated in settlement efforts, and that litigation costs and attorney’s fees would be paid from the aggregate settlement without charging L.T. separately.

Ruling and Orders

The court GRANTED Plaintiffs’ motion and approved the proposed settlement. It ordered the defendant to prepare and deliver the settlement proceeds by July 7, 2025. The $74,749.38 payable to L.T. must be deposited into a blocked account at a federally insured institution in his name, and withdrawals are prohibited until he reaches the age of majority except by further court order.

Lance Turner II was ordered to file proof of deposit within 14 days after receiving the settlement funds. The parties were ordered to file a dismissal or joint status report by August 7, 2025. The opinion approved the settlement; it did not decide the merits of the underlying discrimination, harassment, bullying, negligence, or other claims.