L.T. v. Eleanor Murray Fallon Middle School
3:24-cv-00110
N.D. Cal.Jun 6, 2025Background
- L.T., a 12-year-old African American minor, alleged persistent racial discrimination, harassment, and bullying while attending Eleanor Murray Fallon Middle School, a Dublin Unified School District school.
- Multiple incidents included the use of racial slurs, racial epithets (e.g., “monkey”), and physical intimidation, with alleged inadequate disciplinary responses by school staff.
- L.T., through his guardian ad litem (his father, Lance Turner II), filed suit in federal court asserting federal and state civil rights claims, negligence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
- The parties engaged in settlement negotiations, culminating in a $300,000 settlement, with L.T. to receive $74,749.38 net proceeds in a blocked account until age 18.
- Plaintiffs sought court approval for the minor’s compromise under FRCP 17(c); defendants did not oppose.
- The court reviewed the settlement’s fairness to L.T. and compared the net recovery to similar cases.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approval of Minor’s Compromise | Settlement is in L.T.’s best interests; fair net recovery; funds protected. | Not opposed | Settlement approved as fair and reasonable. |
| Adequacy of Settlement Amount | Amount reasonable compared to similar cases; protects L.T.’s future. | Not opposed | Amount is reasonable in light of circumstances. |
| Safeguarding Minor’s Proceeds | Proceeds to be placed in blocked account until L.T. is 18. | Not opposed | Funds to be deposited as proposed. |
| Payment of Attorney’s Fees/Costs | All attorney’s fees/costs paid from aggregate amount, not from L.T.’s share. | Not opposed | Structure approved; L.T. not liable for fees. |
Key Cases Cited
- Robidoux v. Rosengren, 638 F.3d 1177 (9th Cir. 2011) (district courts have special duty to protect minors’ interests in settlements and must independently evaluate fairness of net recovery)
- Dacanay v. Mendoza, 573 F.2d 1075 (9th Cir. 1978) (court must ensure settlements involving minors are in minor’s best interests and assess fairness independently of adult interests)