Last month, DIVA reported that five students planned to sue the
district after a policy which limited staff discussions about gay
issues left them at risk of bullying.
The same month we also reported that a total of nine young
students have committed suicide in the area - and all of them are
said to be linked to homophobic bullying.
Now, the latest case - filed on behalf of the National Center for
Lesbian Rights - alleges that a lesbian student was repeatedly
harassed, both verbally and physically, and that the school
undertook disciplinary action against the student instead of her
tormentors.
The case - which brings the total number of students suing the
school to six - claims she was "subject to severe and pervasive
harassment".
"This is yet another incredibly distressing example of how the
district's shameful policy has hurt kids," NCLR Executive Director
Kate Kendell told the Minnesota Independent.
"The district has to stop turning its back on children, and
recognize that its illegal policy that singles out those who are
LGBT is the reason that so many children in their schools continue
to be tormented - verbally, physically, and emotionally - every
day."
