ACLU of Nevada v Clark County School District

  • Filed: May 15, 2025
  • Status: Victory!
  • Court: United States District Court for the District of Nevada
  • Latest Update: May 26, 2025
Graphic with a green overlay showing students raising graduation caps in celebration. On the left is the white ACLU of Nevada logo. On the right, separated by a vertical white line, the text reads “ACLU of Nevada v. CCSD” in a bold, serif font.

Summary

As Southern Nevada high school seniors headed toward graduation, many of the students were at risk of having their First Amendment rights violated under a Clark County School District policy adopted in March that added new restrictions on cap and gown decorations and banned objects and adornments that “constitute proselytizing speech.”

Our civil rights attorneys say that the policy has led to individual schools creating their own guidelines, which even contradict themselves. The complaint says, for example, that Canyon Springs High School and Del Sol Academy have communicated both that all cap decorations will be banned and that students can adorn their caps with decorations that have religious or cultural significance. Las Vegas High School is going even further and requiring students to submit pictures of decorations and accessories for advanced approval.

For the fourth year in a row, we are again hearing stories about CCSD schools enforcing unconstitutional restrictions on students’ decorating their caps and gowns at their high school graduation. Our clients and their families deserve the right to express themselves and celebrate their graduation.”

—

Executive Director Athar Haseebullah

Update: Judge Rules for ACLU in Emergency Federal Court Hearing

Federal Judge Richard Boulware ruled during an emergency court hearing, held on a Sunday the day before Memorial Day, that two stoles, one which displayed the phrase “Black Girl Magic” on kente cloth and one representing the ACLU of Nevada’s Emerging Leaders Program were lawfully protected forms of expression. Under the ruling The Clark County School District are to send new guidance to graduating seniors and school administrators before ceremonies start.

Case Number:
A-25-919151-C
Judge:
Hon. Richard Boulware
Attorney(s):
Christopher M. Peterson, Esq.

Learn More About the Issues in This Case

First Amendment Education Equity People Impacted by Discrimination View All Issues

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