Press Release Contact: Patrick Hoover, Esq. Ph: 301‐424‐5777 Fax: 301‐217‐9297
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
U.S. CITIZEN DENIED FREE PUBLIC EDUCATION IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD Montgomery County, MD – June 18, 2009 – For the past two years MCPS has denied fourteen year old Jeff Sukkasem his right to a free public school education based on its misguided interpretation of inapposite regulations. MCPS wrongly labels Sukkasem an “international student” who is only here for one reason: a free education in America. Sukkasem was born in California and has lived in the United States his entire life, aside from 18 months spent with his parents in Thailand. Sukkasem currently resides with his legal guardian in Bethesda, MD. He is both a U.S. citizen and a Montgomery County resident. Despite these facts, Sukkasem been denied enrollment in his local middle school, even though the Maryland State Constitution guarantees education for all children. MCPS has also ignored its own regulation which states that such students are to be admitted first minor child must be admitted and enrolled in school. In September 2009, Sukkasem should enter his freshman year of high school, but MCPS has again recently refused enrollment, insisting that he pay $12,000 a year before he may attend public school. Without the means of funding from either his parents or legal guardian, Sukkasem is forced to do the best he can to teach himself at his local library. Patrick Hoover, Sukkasem’s attorney in the matter, is currently working to appeal the MCPS public refusal to provide an education, so that Sukkasem may finally, after two lost years, enroll in school. For more information please see the attached press kit here or contact Patrick Hoover Law Offices at 301‐424‐5777. Patrick Hoover Law Offices is small firm located in Rockville, MD serving clients throughout Maryland and the District and Columbia. # # #