Oklahoma Judge Rules in Favor of Exchange Student

Associated Press

SPERRY, Oklahoma -- A Tulsa County judge has ruled that a Vietnamese exchange student is entitled to a diploma from Sperry Public Schools.

Attorney Perry Newman asked the court to require the district to issue a diploma to 18-year-old Oanh Pham, who is being hosted by Newman's family. District Judge Linda Morrisey granted the request Thursday.

The Sperry School Board voted 2-1 against making an exception in Pham's case. Two members said she had only 23 of the 28 credits needed to graduate.

The Oklahoma Education Code says students who transfer from out of state after the junior year shall not be denied the opportunity to receive a standard diploma because of differing graduation requirements.

Board members couldn't be reached for comment.