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In The Courts
Over the last 50 years, the NYCLU has been fighting for justice through the court system. The NYCLU's Legal Department has reinforced its longstanding commitment to standing up for the rights of LGBT New Yorkers by designating two attorneys to focus exclusively on LGBT issues.
- Recent Work: Gay? Fine by NYCLU
In October of 2007, NYCLU Staff Attorneys Palyn Hung and Matt Faiella worked with the NYCLU Central New York Chapter Director Barrie Gewanter, in representing Heathyre Farnham. Farnham, a 10th grade student, was sent home from school for wearing a t-shirt with the message: "gay? fine by me." After the NYCLU's intervention, the school admitted it violated Heathyre's First Amendment rights, and agreed to issue a declaration that all high school students are permitted to wear controversial messages, including messages supportive of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
See our Court Cases.