The ACLU filed suit on behalf of a group of students at Palmer High School in Colorado Springs who challenge the school's refusal to recognize their student club, the Palmer High Gay/Straight Alliance. The students started the club in January 2003, but school authorities have repeatedly refused to recognize it. Without recognition, the student group cannot meet on school property on the same terms as other student groups; cannot post club-related information at the school; cannot use the public address system to make announcements; and is omitted from the school's yearbook and official list of student-organized activities. Palmer High School had blocked earlier efforts to organize a similar student group in 1999. The lawsuit was resolved successfully in November 2005.
ACLU news releases:
- "Students sue Colorado Springs high school for blocking gay/straight alliance," ACLU News Release, December 12, 2003
- "Settlement resolves ACLU lawsuit on behalf of Palmer High School gay/straight alliance against Colorado Springs School District 11," ACLU News Release, November 22, 2005
Media:
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“Out on a limb -- How District 11 derailed student clubs in a costly crusade against gay teens -- all in the name of education,” Colorado Springs Independent, May 26, 2005
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“Colo. Springs District Settles Lawsuit Over Gay-Straight Club,” Education Week, December 6, 2005
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“Colo. Springs school district settles lawsuit over gay student group,” Summit Daily, November 22, 2005
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“Springs school district settles lawsuit over gay student group,” 9 News, November 22, 2005
ACLU case number
2003-15
