OAKLAND, CA – The family of eighth-grader Jahi McMath is asking supporters to contact her school, E.C. Reems Academy of Technology and Arts, to ask that she be granted a diploma along with the members of the class with whom she would have graduated this year.
Jahi was declared “brain dead” in December 2013 after complications from a tonsil surgery left her relying on machines for survival. The surgery was intended to help with sleep apnea, but in recovery she suffered from a heart attack. Her family refused to let the hospital take her off machines, sparking a legal battle.
In early January, Jahi was released to her family, and transferred to an undisclosed location. Since March, her family has made few public statements outside of social media, though they have indicated that Jahi is recovering from her injuries.
On the Facebook page dedicated to Jahi, the family says, “Jahi has been a student at E.C Reems Academy of Technology and Arts Oakland California, from kindergarten to 8th grade. Jahi should be graduating from the 8th grade this month but it may not be possible for her to make it to the ceremony, as she is fighting to recover.”
“Please take a minute of your time to call the school and let them know we want them to acknowledge Jahi McMath at the 8th grade graduation ceremony,” they wrote.
Jahi's uncle, Omari Sealy, wrote on Instagram that “the school said they received too many complaints about displaying anything about Jahi McMath.” On Tuesday, Sealy told San Jose Mercury News the executive director of Jahi's school said that she and the school board would discuss the matter today.
Contact:
E.C. Reems Academy of Technology and Arts
8425 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94605
Phone: (510) 729-6635