SPECIAL MOTION TO STRIKE IS GRANTED.

Background

On March 10, 2020, Plaintiffs Jada Vaughn (“Jada”), by and through her Guardian ad Litem Jenell Contreras and Jenell Contreras filed the instant action against Defendants Torrance Unified School District (“TUSD”); Jon Pearson; Ben Egan; Chris Sheck; Sue Key; Andrew McCarty; and Does 1 through 50. The Complaint asserts causes of action for:

Negligence;

Violation of Unruh Civil Rights Act – Civil Code §§ 51, et seq.; and

Violation of Bane Act – Civil Code §§ 52, et seq.

Defendants now move to strike allegations in the Complaint related to communications made in connection with Plaintiff Jada’s Targeted Student Safety Plan, communications regarding Plaintiff Jada’s safety and status at North Torrance High School (“NHS”), and communications regarding Plaintiff Jada’s inter-district permit to stay at NHS as an unlawful Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (“SLAPP”).

Legal Standard

Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16 sets f