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Trial Date Set For ACLU, Lake County School's Gay-Straight Alliance Case

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A federal judge has set a trial date for a lawsuit challenging the Lake County School Board's refusal to allow students to form a gay-straight alliance at Carver Middle School in Leesburg, Florida.

The lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida in December 2014 on behalf of a group of students who attend the middle school.

The suit challenges the board's refusal to allow the formation of the club, stating it is a violation of the students' rights.

Gay-Straight Alliances are student organizations made up of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students and their straight allies who advocate for an end to bullying, harassment and discrimination.

Daniel Tilley, a staff attorney for LGBT rights at the ACLU of Florida who will represent the organization, spoke with WUFT News.

Sherri Owens, communications officer for Lake County Schools, responded in an email declining to comment at this time, saying, "With the trial coming up in just a few days, I don’t think the timing is appropriate for us to discuss the case."

The trial will begin March 2 at the U.S. District Court in Ocala, Florida.

Jonathan is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.
Jonathan is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.