Detroit Lakes Families Sue School Over Pride Ban

Detroit Lakes (trfnews.i234.me) — Two families have sued the Detroit Lakes Public School District over its ban on certain Pride materials.

The lawsuit was filed in Becker County District Court on September 22.

The ACLU of Minnesota and Lockridge Grindal Nauen PLLP represent the families.

The lawsuit names the school district and board members John Steffl, Sanford “Sandy” Nelson, Michelle “Mickey” Okeson and Michael Walther.

Families Challenge July Board Decision

The dispute centers on a July 27 school board vote.

The board voted 4-2 to order removal of non-school materials not funded, sponsored or approved by the district.

The motion specifically mentioned rainbow stickers, posters, flags and buttons.

According to the lawsuit, the motion was raised during the meeting without appearing on the published agenda.

The families allege the action violated Minnesota’s Open Meeting Law.

The complaint also alleges the policy was motivated by bias against LGBTQ+ students and viewpoints.

Those claims remain allegations and have not been decided by a court.

The suit was brought for two students through their parents, Amber Estenson and Nicole Hadding.

The students are identified by initials in court records.

The complaint alleges violations of free speech and equal protection rights under the Minnesota Constitution.

It also alleges violations of the Minnesota Human Rights Act.

The families claim the policy has discouraged students and teachers from expressing support for LGBTQ+ people.

The lawsuit seeks an order blocking enforcement of the policy.

It also seeks restoration of removed materials, attorneys’ fees and other relief.

The complaint seeks civil penalties against the four board members over the alleged Open Meeting Law violations.

Superintendent Mark Jenson stated the district had not directed removal of Pride materials.

Earlier reporting showed some district leaders objected to how the July motion was introduced.

Board member Michael Walther previously said the goal was neutrality when discussing the policy with the Star Tribune.

Valley News Live reported that the board later declined a proposal that would have postponed the policy.

The court will now determine whether the challenged policy or the board’s actions violated state law.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.