As Live Action News previously reported, Nevada high school student Angelique Clark was recently denied permission to form a pro-life club at her school, West Career and Technical Academy. Clark was told by school officials that her club would be too controversial, that it would make pro-choice students feel excluded, and that others were more qualified to speak on the topic.
Following the school’s denial, Clark teamed up with Thomas More Society and sued the school, stating that she was not asking that the school to agree with her pro-life stance, but that they allow her the opportunity to speak her mind and use her right to free speech. School officials subsequently reconsidered, and in September decided to allow the pro-life club.
Now the Thomas More Society has announced that the matter has been settled outside of court, as District officials agreed to not only allow the pro-life club to exist, but to pay the club’s $30,000 in attorney fees.
“We’re pleased that District officials worked so diligently with us to protect the First Amendment rights of Angelique, her pro-life club, and all their students,” Associate Counsel of Thomas More Society Jocelyn Floyd said in a statement. “This settlement is a victory not only for Angelique and her pro-life club, but for all students who wish to speak out or form clubs to address issues that they’re facing.”
West Career and Technical Academy is not the only school to deny pro-life clubs. Schools in North Dakota and Iowa have also attempted to block pro-life student groups, and students in Fargo recently won their battle to create such a group.
The $30,000 settlement reached in Nevada may send a message to other school districts that are considering blocking the free speech of pro-life students.
