ACLU of Nevada v. Clark County School District

  • Status: Ongoing
  • Court: Supreme Court of Nevada
  • Latest Update: Dec 09, 2025
Graphic with a dark blue and red overlay showing a school bus parked on a suburban street. 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

In February, Durango High School students were attacked by CCSD police, and video of the incident was captured by a bystander. CCSD continues to stonewall the release of public records related to the incident. The ACLU of Nevada is representing two of the students attacked in the incident.

The ACLU of Nevada filed for a writ of mandamus in a Clark County court in order to force the Clark County School District to release records that the civil rights nonprofit is entitled to. A writ of mandamus is a legal action meant to compel a government actor to follow the law.

In February, Durango High School students were attacked by CCSD police for recording officers in the community. Video of the incident captured by a bystander has been shared widely throughout Nevada — including before the Legislature — but despite persistent requests from the news media and others, the school district continues to stonewall the release of public records related to the incident, such as body-worn camera footage and incident reports. Even the ACLU of Nevada, which is representing two teenagers who were attacked in the incident, has been denied the records.

In March, the ACLUNV announced it was giving the school district 30 days to comply with the law or the nonprofit would file legal action. CCSD has failed to produce the records for the teenagers’ attorneys.

UPDATE: On December 9, 2025, the Nevada Supreme Court held oral arguments. Decision is now pending.

Case Number:
88680; Eighth Judicial District A-23-869216-W
Attorney(s):
Christopher Peterson, Esq., Jacob T. S. Valentine, Esq.

Documents

Supreme Court of Nevada
Eighth Judicial District Court
Where it started

Press Releases

Dec 08, 2025
Jan 23, 2025
Mar 18, 2024
Jan 31, 2024
Jan 19, 2024
Dec 18, 2023
Dec 15, 2023
Jul 10, 2023
Apr 18, 2023
Mar 20, 2023
Feb 15, 2023

News & Commentary

Sep 13, 2023

How Our Affiliates are Fighting for Education Equity

ACLU affiliates are challenging discriminatory discipline policies, censorship efforts, and the use of force in schools across the country.

Students raising their hands in a classroom.
Jul 12, 2023

CCSD fights for students … not to see videos, public records surrounding violent arrest

The ACLU, which is representing the students, and Clark County School District, represented by at attorney with the private law firm Marquis Aurbach, faced off in Eighth Judicial District Court Tuesday over access to the footage and release of documents related to the investigation.

Athar Haseebullah standing at a microphone speaking to the press while the 6 Emerging Leaders Board Members stand behind him in a line.

Learn More About the Issues in This Case

First Amendment View All Issues

Related News & Podcasts

News & Commentary
Sep 13, 2023
Students raising their hands in a classroom.
  • |
  • +2 Issues

How Our Affiliates are Fighting for Education Equity

ACLU affiliates are challenging discriminatory discipline policies, censorship efforts, and the use of force in schools across the country.
News & Commentary
Jul 12, 2023
Athar Haseebullah standing at a microphone speaking to the press while the 6 Emerging Leaders Board Members stand behind him in a line.

CCSD fights for students … not to see videos, public records surrounding violent arrest

The ACLU, which is representing the students, and Clark County School District, represented by at attorney with the private law firm Marquis Aurbach, faced off in Eighth Judicial District Court Tuesday over access to the footage and release of documents related to the investigation.

Related Content

Campaign
Dec 2025
Logo for ACLU of Nevada’s Firewall for Freedom campaign. The design features a red Nevada state emblem with the words ‘Battle Born’ on the left and bold text reading ‘FIREWALL FOR FREEDOM’ in red, white, and blue on a black background, with the ACLU Nevada logo below.
  • Voting Rights|
  • +5 Issues

Firewall for Freedom

Across the nation, the federal government is attempting to dismantle long-standing protections for free speech, privacy, equality, and democracy. But freedom doesn’t just live in the courts or in Washington. It begins right here, in Nevada. Our cities, counties, and communities can be the first line of defense against federal overreach. ACLU of Nevada’s FIREwall for Freedom campaign is both a proactive and responsive strategy to protect our rights and our people from unlawful federal interference. When local leaders refuse to be complicit in unconstitutional acts, when city councils pass protections, and when neighbors look out for each other, that’s how democracy endures. Local policies, local leadership, and local courage can stop unconstitutional federal actions before they take root.
Court Case
Nov 25, 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.
  • First Amendment|
  • +2 Issues

ACLU of Nevada v Clark County School District

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.