Federal Judge Allows ACLU to Represent LGBTQ Support Group in School Discrimination Case

DETROIT – A federal judge in the Western District of Michigan granted the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan’s (ACLU) motion to intervene and represent a student-run LGBTQ support group to fight school discrimination on Friday. The ACLU filed its motion in March 2018, after a lawsuit was filed against Williamston Community Schools for adopting policies that prohibit discrimination against students for their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The ACLU is representing Williamston High School’s Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), a student-run LGBTQ support group.

Jay Kaplan, LGBT Project staff attorney for the ACLU of Michigan, had this reaction:

“We are pleased that the Magistrate recognized the impact that this lawsuit has on creating a safe learning environment for LGBTQ students, which is also the mission of the Williamston Gay-Straight Alliance. LGBTQ students belong in school, period.”