Opinion ID: 24815
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Hendrick Middle School Math Night

Text: 19 On October 12, 1998, Johnson attended a Math Night at Hendrick Middle School. Johnson had a daughter in the PISD school system, but his daughter did not attend Hendrick Middle School. Johnson brought a report to the Math Night that was prepared by the Texas Education Agency and that evaluated the Connected Math textbook and concluded that it was nonconforming. The report, however, had also approved of the use of the Connected Math curriculum in Texas schools. 3 Johnson alleges that, prior to the meeting, he handed out this report to arriving parents. Johnson admits that he did not seek to obtain permission to distribute this literature. As he was distributing the materials to parents, Criswell, the Principal of Hendrick Middle School, informed Johnson that he would not be allowed to pass out literature unless the material had been reviewed and approved by school officials. Johnson alleges that Criswell was highly agitated and shouted at him. Johnson, then, offered Criswell an opportunity to view the Texas Education Agency's report, but Criswell declined to examine it. Criswell told Johnson that he would be required to leave the premises if he wished to continue distributing his materials. Johnson states that he put his materials away after this directive. 20 During the actual meeting, Criswell alleges that Johnson and other parents who opposed Connected Math were disruptive. Johnson denies his involvement in any disruption, but does admit that some of the parents interrupted the faculty presentation. Johnson did ask one or two questions, after raising his hand to be acknowledged, in the question-and-answer session.