Opinion ID: 1585751
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: is this present appeal moot because john graduated from high school pending the appeal of his case?

Text: The U.S. Supreme Court commented on claims under the EHA which seem moot; judicial review invariably takes more than nine months to complete, not to mention the time consumed during the preceding state administrative hearing. Courts have jurisdiction to grant relief under the act when the issues involved are capable of repetition, yet (evading) review. Hendrick Hudson District Board of Education v. Rowley, 458 U.S. at 186-87 n. 9, 102 S.Ct. at 3040-41 n. 9 (citations omitted). We have recognized the importance of addressing issues which avoid resolution because the challenged action is too short in duration to be fully litigated. Strong v. Bostick, 420 So.2d 1356, 1359 (Miss. 1982). Even if later events have reduced the practical importance of a case to the parties, the question is whether the allegedly wrongful behavior could not reasonably be expected to recur. (cites omitted) Sherry v. New York State Dept. of Education, 479 F. Supp. 1328, 1334 (D.C.West.Dist.N.Y. 1979). Moreover, the performance of a particular act sought to be enjoined may moot the issue of an injunction, but where there is a likelihood that the act complained of will be repeated, the issues remain justiciable and a declaratory judgment may be rendered to define the rights and obligations of the parties. 6 A Moore's Federal Practice, § 57.13; see: United States v. Phosphate Export Ass'n., 393 U.S. 199, 203, 89 S.Ct. 361, 364, 21 L.Ed.2d 344 (1968). On June 6, 1984, the hearing officer, found that the issue of John's expulsion was moot because he had completed the remainder of the 1983-84 school year. This holding, however, prevents a school from expelling a handicapped child because the school is required to keep the child in school pending review of the child's case. 34 C.F.R. § 300.513 (1980). The schools have a duty to maintain a safe learning environment to further the educational processes of other students. To hold that this case is now moot would, in effect, prohibit school districts from disciplining a handicapped child because the length of time required to appeal a case under the act. Consequently, we must hold John's case is not moot and address the issue.