Suit Filed Over School's Treatment of Pro-Life Student Club

The Alliance Defense Fund announced Monday that it has filed suit on behalf of a California high school student against Campbell's Westmont High School challenging the school's refusal to give full recognition to a proposed student organization whose name would be "Live Action – Pro-Life Club". The complaint in P.A. v. Gordon, (ND CA, filed Jan. 14, 2008), alleges that plaintiff is an adherent of the Christian faith who desires to share her religious and political views with her classmates. It contends that the school's actions have violated plaintiff's rights under the 1st and 14th Amendments and the federal Equal Access Act. While the Club is permitted to meet on campus, it is denied equal access to the benefits provided to other student groups because of its controversial religious and political nature. In particular the Club is not permitted to use various school facilities to advertise its meetings and activities. Plaintiff has also filed a motion for preliminary injunction and a Memorandum in support (full text).