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(Minneapolis) - The decision by students at Maple Grove High School to
file a federal lawsuit against their district in response to its
repeated violation of their state- and federally-protected rights was
the right thing to do, says Ann M. DeGroot, executive director of
OutFront Minnesota, the state's leading public policy agency for the
gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community and its allies.
"By standing up in defense of their rights simply to meet and speak,
these brave students have begun a process that we hope will ultimately
result in more GLBT-supportive school environments across Minnesota,"
DeGroot said.
A student-initiated group called "Straights and Gays for Equality"
(SAGE) has been repeatedly rebuffed in its efforts to enjoy the
opportunities other student groups at their school have to meet, discuss
issues, and publicize their activities, according to a complaint filed
in federal district court. The group aims to improve the situation of
GLBT students in the school through discussion of and education about
GLBT-related issues and homophobia. Although a federal law, called the
Equal Access Act, guarantees such groups the same rights accorded to all
student organizations, SAGE asserts that district officials have, for
years, denied them opportunities to put up posters, distribute
information, have publicity tables, or make announcements that are
routinely granted similar groups. The students also allege that by
singling out a group because it might discuss issues related to sexual
orientation, the district violates state non-discrimination law, as well
as state and federal constitutional guarantees.
"OutFront Minnesota has long worked with students, staff,
administrators, parents, and others from across the state to help
districts find ways to address discrimination, harassment, and violence
directed against individuals because of their sexual orientation or
gender identity, and student-initiated groups like SAGE have a role to
play in that effort as well," said DeGroot. "Often, it is students
speaking to students that can really make a difference in a school's
climate. While it is frustrating that this district's actions have left
these students with no choice but to head to court, we are hopeful that
the outcome will help other districts recognize their responsibility to
create an educational environment in which all students, including GLBT
students, may effectively receive the education they are entitled to."
Contact:
Ann M. DeGroot, Executive Director
(612) 822-0127, ext. 107
Monica Meyer, Public Policy Director
(612) 817-3480
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