Judge Rules School Can't Deny Gay Club Equal Access

GAINESVILLE, GEORGIA - A federal judge ruled today White County High School cannot deny a student gay rights club equal access or a fair opportunity to conduct meetings on school premises during noninstructional time.
An attorney who field the suit on behalf of a student, Beth Littrell, said ``I think this is a triple victory.''
Littrell is an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union which filed suit on behalf of Kerry Pacer, a graduate who was president of P.R.I.D.E -- Peers Rising in Diversity Education.
Littrell sail "I think it is obviously a victory for ourcourageous young plaintiff, it's a win for all students and a win for the principle of equality. It sends a clear message that school officials can't discriminate against students.''
U-S District Court Judge William C. O'Kelley also ruled that White County cannot discriminate against student groups on the basis of the religious, political, philosophical or other content of their speech.
O'Kelley ruled that school officials violated the Federal Equal Access Act during the 2005-2006 school year by barring P.R.I.D.E. from meeting on campus, while allowing other non-curricular clubs to do so.
The principal of White County High School, Brian Dorsey, said ``I don't have any comment since I haven't had time to read it.''
from Access North Georgia