Watch CBS News

Jahi McMath's Family Says School Is Resisting Request For Honorary Diploma

OAKLAND (CBS SF) - The family of Jahi McMath wants her school to grant her an honorary diploma months after the teen was left on life support following complications from surgery.

The 13-year-old from Oakland was declared brain dead after complications from tonsil surgery in December. She attended E.C. Reems Academy of Technology and Arts.

McMath's family claims the school is resisting requests to give her a diploma and recognize her at graduation because they have received too many complaints about displaying anything about the teen on campus, according to Tweets from McMath's uncle obtained by the San Jose Mercury News. Graduation ceremonies for the K-8 charter school are set for Friday.

McMath was admitted to Children's Hospital Oakland on December 9, 2013, for tonsil surgery and two other procedures to treat her sleep apnea. But hours after her surgery, she began bleeding profusely and suffered a heart attack, and was declared brain-dead a short time later.

Her family fought to keep her on a ventilator, and in January, after a prolonged court battle, the teenager was moved from Children's Hospital Oakland to an undisclosed Catholic organization, where she is receiving treatment.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.