FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Cleva Kah, Media Relations

Phone: 404-532-8345
E-Mail: thehouseofemagi@gmail.com

ATLANTA HONOR STUDENT DENIED GRADUATION BY SCHOOL OFFICIALS

ATLANTA, GA, May 25, 2010: After receiving official notification from Atlanta Public Schools confirming
her privilege to graduate with distinct honor, one of the district’s best and brightest students is now being
denied that right… and just a few days before scheduled ceremonies!
The student, Brittany Hemphill, is highly regarded by administrators, faculty, staff and students at
Benjamin E. Mays High School for her academic performance, conduct and outgoing personality.
However, an issue of “policy”, as stated by Atlanta Public School Officials, is at the crux of revoking her
rights.
“Technically, Brittany has met all of the prescribed requirements for graduation prior to the end of
the school term,” proclaims Casandra Johnson, concerned mother of the student. School officials revoked
her daughter’s participation just a few days before graduation due to a “failing” test score. “The school
administration and district officials knew my child’s test results before they sent us the letter of graduation
eligibility,” continues Ms. Johnson, “but unfortunately, it is clear that the ball has been dropped on proper
follow through and processing at the administration level, which is resulting in this devastating circumstance
for my child and I.” When district officials were questioned about their policies, they deflected responsibility
by simply stating that there were mistakes in how they were written.
Through extensive research and daily persistence, Ms. Johnson has been able to expose areas that
prove the school system has challenges in meeting their own requirements such as their failure to meet strict
deadlines, lack of knowledge regarding their own policies and even breaking major federal laws.
Unfortunately, her attempts in getting the administration to provide an exception in Brittany’s case has gone
unsuccessful, but Ms. Johnson has documented proof of the school system’s mishandling that could lead to a
major class action lawsuit. “What’s most disappointing is the administration’s blatant disrespect to hard-
working students and their parents,” retorts Ms. Johnson, “Instead of taking the time to review my findings in
detail, my child and I were often written off as if WE were the inconvenience. If anyone is inconvenienced,
it’s us.”
Recently, in light review of Ms. Johnson’s findings, school district officials approved and submitted a
variance request to the Georgia State Board of Education, which grants exceptions for required test scores
based on the evidence that a student has met the necessary criteria and awards a regular diploma. Brittany’s
case is unique because she is the only student from her school that is eligible for the variance during this term,
but the request should have been submitted on her behalf back in April.
The graduation ceremony is one of the most important highlights of a child’s educational experience;
especially, when they have worked so hard to meet the necessary requirements. The decision to deny Brittany,
and other students who have earned the right to participate in graduation ceremonies with their class, must be
overturned quickly, as ceremonies are scheduled over the next several days for Atlanta Public Schools.
Brittany’s commencement is scheduled for Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 6:00PM at the Atlanta Civic Center
and her right to participate in the ceremony should be restored.
Ms. Johnson and her daughter are available, immediately, for interview, and are prepared to present
documentation to appropriate authorities that prove the Atlanta Public Schools’ violation of federal law and
present the basis of a class action lawsuit against them. She can be reached at 404-494-6771, or via email at:
Cdjohnson2008@aol.com.

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