Pacific Justice Institute Secures Resolution for Mother Barred from Daughter’s Senior Year Events

WICHITA FALLS, Texas - A Texas mother who was barred from her daughter's school events after speaking out against district officials has reached a favorable resolution in her case against City View Independent School District, with assistance from Pacific Justice Institute (PJI).

The dispute began after the mother, Shannon Pennington, raised concerns regarding the school district's handling of bullying involving her child. Shortly thereafter, school officials issued a criminal trespass warning that prohibited her from entering district property, effectively cutting her off from participating in her daughter's education and school activities.

The trespass order, issued in early 2024, barred the mother from all district campuses and events, despite no evidence that she posed any threat to students or staff. Over the following months, she was unable to attend numerous milestones during her daughter's senior year.

Legal action was ultimately filed challenging the district's actions, arguing that the exclusion violated both statutory protections and fundamental parental rights. Court filings emphasized that Texas law allows exclusion from school property only under limited circumstances, such as when an individual poses a substantial risk of harm or refuses to leave after a warning; however, the district provided no evidence demonstrating that those statutory requirements were met, instead asserting that they were satisfied without substantiation.

In January 2025, a judge intervened and granted relief allowing the mother to attend her daughter's senior night basketball event. However, despite the court's order, school officials continued to restrict her participation, preventing her from joining her daughter on the court during the event.

The case has now been resolved to the satisfaction of the mother, bringing an end to a prolonged and emotionally difficult chapter.

"This case is a powerful reminder that government institutions cannot weaponize their authority to silence parents who speak out," said Brad Dacus. "No parent should be cut off from their child's life simply for raising concerns. When schools cross that line, they must be held accountable."

Attorney Janelle L. Davis also commented on the case, stating, "This situation was about control over a parent. The district used a sweeping trespass order to exclude a mother who dared to challenge its decisions. We are grateful this matter has now been resolved in a way that brings peace and closure to the family."

Throughout the ordeal, the mother missed the majority of her daughter's senior-year activities, moments that can never be replaced. The resolution ensures that similar actions will face scrutiny moving forward and underscores the importance of protecting parental rights.

Pacific Justice Institute remains committed to defending families across the nation from unlawful government overreach and ensuring that parents are not punished for advocating on behalf of their children.

Learn more about Pacific Justice Institute's work defending parental rights:

WWW.PJI.ORG.

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