INDIANAPOLIS – An agreement was reached today in the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana lawsuit filed in November against East Allen County Schools (EACS) on behalf of Leo Pride Alliance. Leo Pride Alliance, a student-led Gay Straight Alliance for high school students at Leo Jr. Sr. High School, claimed that EACS had imposed undue, unequal burdens on the group.
EACS denied all allegations, but has agreed to allow Leo Pride Alliance to change its name to Leo GSA (Gay Straight Alliance), and to provide the organization with all meeting, communication and fundraising opportunities provided to other groups.
The ACLU of Indiana released the following statement:
“The student led Gay Straight Alliance group at Leo High School must be treated in the same manner that all other student groups are treated. We are pleased that East Allen County Schools agreed to the equal treatment of the group, relieving these students of any unwarranted burdens.
GSA groups across the country provide an important service, offering social, emotional and educational support to students, during a time that otherwise might be increasingly difficult for LGBTQ students. The ACLU of Indiana will continue to ensure that all schools in our state provide GSA groups and other student led groups with the equal rights granted to them by the U.S. Constitution.”
