Calif. school relents, allows student pro-life club same privileges as other clubs

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund have voluntarily dismissed their lawsuit against Westmont High School officials after they agreed to allow a student pro-life club to have the same access to privileges that all other student groups on campus enjoy.

“Pro-life students shouldn’t be discriminated against because of their beliefs,” said ADF Senior Legal Counsel David Cortman.  “These students were not asking for special treatment, only their First Amendment right to the same privileges that all other student clubs enjoy.  The school has now recognized that fact, so there is no need to pursue further legal action at this time.”

In October, a student attending Westmont High School submitted a written request to school officials asking to start a pro-life club called “Live Action – Pro-Life Club.”  School officials denied the club official status along with all rights, benefits, and privileges that all other recognized student clubs received.  On Jan. 14, ADF attorneys filed suit and a motion for preliminary injunction in federal court asking that the school’s discriminatory actions against the club be stopped.

ADF is a legal alliance defending the right to hear and speak the Truth through strategy, training, funding, and litigation.