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AUGUST, 2002 - SCHOOLS HAVE TO PAY GAY YOUTH FOR YEARS OF BULLYING AND PHYSICAL ATTACKS

School district officials in Reno, Nev., and a gay former student who says he was repeatedly harassed finalized a settlement on Wednesday that includes policy changes to protect gay and lesbian students.

The terms of the settlement include a $451,000 payment to the former student, Derek Henkle, for damages and legal costs. In addition, the Washoe County School District must implement student education programs about harassment and intimidation of students, train staff about how to prevent and respond to such incidents, and acknowledge that students' freedom of expression includes the right to discuss their sexual orientations and related issues.

The agreement is the first in the country to recognize the constitutional right of gay and lesbian youth to be open about their sexual orientation in schools and to be protected from discrimination and harassment, according to the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, which co-represented Henkle with the law firm O'Melveny & Myers.

The $451,000 is also the largest pre-trial award of its kind in the nation, Lambda Legal said.

Henkle, who endured bullying and physical attacks at three different high schools in the district, said, "I'm pleased that this settlement will show other students that they can fight for their rights to be open and honest about who they are, to be protected from harassment and abuse, and as a result to have basic access to an education."

Now 21 and living in San Francisco, Henkle said he will use some of the money to pursue a college education.

- Gay.com / PlanetOut.com Network