"Champions of Free Speech" ACLU Muzzling Student Speech

The Boyd County, Kentucky, Board of Education settled a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) which was brought on by wide-spread anti-gay harassment occurring in the school. The settlement required that Boyd County schools conduct homosexual anti-harassment training.

The school district agreed with ACLU terms, which required that all middle and high school student attend the training. Parent would not be given a choice to "opt-out" their children, regardless of personal or religious beliefs. Students who disagree that homosexuality is acceptable will not be permitted to speak their opinion.

"Students are being forbidden from expressing their own viewpoint on this matter. That's unconstitutional" said ADF Senior Legal Counsel Kevin Theriot. "The school district is attempting to change the beliefs of students without their parents' consent."

ADF attorneys seek injunction to ensure free speech in Boyd County schools

Sharon McGowan, a staff attorney with the ACLU’s Lesbian and Gay Rights Project stated "As a champion of free speech and religious freedom, the ACLU believes that all Americans have an absolute right to exercise their religious beliefs and express their political opinions no matter what they are."

ACLU Asks Court to Let Students Join in Kentucky Anti-Gay Harassment Training Case