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(Minneapolis) OutFront Minnesota praises the
decision of a federal judge ordering Maple Grove High School to
provide equal access to a gay-straight alliance, Straights and Gays for
Equality (SAGE).
“This ruling represents a strong victory for students in Minnesota
who wish to form gay-straight alliances,” said Phil Duran, OutFront
Minnesota staff attorney. “It affirms that federal law protects student
groups’ access to critical support services, such as a school’s public
address system, bulletin boards, and meeting spaces. It’s an
affirmation that gay-straight alliances have the right to publicize
their activities in the same ways as other student organizations.”
Gay-straight alliances have grown in prominence in Minnesota over the
last 20 years, and represent opportunities for students to address
issues of concern, such as anti-GLBT harassment or violence, and to
teach other students about GLBT-related topics.
Students associated with SAGE approached OutFront Minnesota in 2003
to discuss the situation and assess their options. OutFront
Minnesota connected the students with the American Civil Liberties Union
of Minnesota, a strong ally in the pursuit of gay, lesbian, bisexual,
and transgender (GLBT) equality. The ACLU-MN worked with the law
firm of Robins, Kaplan, Miller and Ciresi to secure yesterday’s
decision.
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