Student Weighs Appeal of Case Against School District

A lawyer representing a former student whose lawsuit against Newport-Mesa Unified School District was dismissed by a judge this week said Wednesday that the case is “ripe for appeal.”

Ryan Huntsworth, who graduated from Corona Del Mar High School last year, sued the district, saying he was denied a fair hearing after he was accused of violating the district’s zero-tolerance drug policy.

“I’m meeting with his parents Friday to decide whether to appeal or whether we’re going to ask the court to reconsider the ruling,” said David Shores, Huntsworth’s attorney. He said the reasons given for dismissing the lawsuit were “technical and . . . esoteric.”

But Mike Fine, the district’s superintendent for business issues, said the ruling upheld the district’s zero-tolerance policy. “I don’t think there’s any question about it,” he said.

Huntsworth was stopped by Newport Beach police in 1998 for playing his car stereo too loudly. Officers reportedly found a pipe and a tiny amount of marijuana but cited Huntsworth only for noise pollution. Police faxed a copy of the report to the school, however, and district officials said the youth had violated the zero-tolerance policy. He was transferred to another high school to finish his senior year.

Shores argued that Huntsworth was transferred without due process, and he was allowed to return to Corona Del Mar High School to graduate with his class. The attorney subsequently filed a $5-million lawsuit on Huntsworth’s behalf against the school district alleging civil rights violations.

Huntsworth also sued the Newport Beach Police Department and the city for $5 million, alleging illegal search and seizure, and violations of his property rights. Shores said he expects that suit to be settled in November.