The lawsuit was filed in Becker County District Court on September 22.<\/p>\n
The ACLU of Minnesota<\/a> and Lockridge Grindal Nauen PLLP represent the families.<\/p>\n The lawsuit names the school district and board members John Steffl, Sanford \u201cSandy\u201d Nelson, Michelle \u201cMickey\u201d Okeson and Michael Walther.<\/p>\n The dispute centers on a July 27 school board vote.<\/p>\n The board voted 4-2 to order removal of non-school materials not funded, sponsored or approved by the district.<\/p>\n The motion specifically mentioned rainbow stickers, posters, flags and buttons.<\/p>\n According to the lawsuit, the motion was raised during the meeting without appearing on the published agenda.<\/p>\n The families allege the action violated Minnesota’s Open Meeting Law.<\/p>\n The complaint also alleges the policy was motivated by bias against LGBTQ+ students and viewpoints.<\/p>\n Those claims remain allegations and have not been decided by a court.<\/p>\n The suit was brought for two students through their parents, Amber Estenson and Nicole Hadding.<\/p>\n The students are identified by initials in court records.<\/p>\n The complaint alleges violations of free speech and equal protection rights under the Minnesota Constitution.<\/p>\n It also alleges violations of the Minnesota Human Rights Act<\/a>.<\/p>\n The families claim the policy has discouraged students and teachers from expressing support for LGBTQ+ people.<\/p>\n The lawsuit seeks an order blocking enforcement of the policy.<\/p>\n It also seeks restoration of removed materials, attorneys’ fees and other relief.<\/p>\n The complaint seeks civil penalties against the four board members over the alleged Open Meeting Law violations.<\/p>\n Superintendent Mark Jenson stated the district had not directed removal of Pride materials.<\/p>\n Earlier reporting showed some district leaders objected to how the July motion was introduced.<\/p>\n Board member Michael Walther previously said the goal was neutrality when discussing the policy with the Star Tribune.<\/p>\n Valley News Live<\/a> reported that the board later declined a proposal that would have postponed the policy.<\/p>\n The court will now determine whether the challenged policy or the board’s actions violated state law.<\/p>\n I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/p>\nFamilies Challenge July Board Decision<\/h2>\n
Lawsuit Raises Constitutional Claims<\/h2>\n
District Position and Earlier Reporting<\/h2>\n
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