With the state of America's teenagers, these days, Caleb Laieski, a tenacious 15-year-old from Arizona, gives this reporter a little hope. If his starting Gays and Lesbians United Against Discrimination at the tender age of 13 isn't enough to convince you, how about the fact that the boy has put Arizona schools on notice?
His cause? Caleb wants to put a stop to anti-gay bullying in schools. But not just for students! For teachers, administrators, and other school employees, as well.
In March, Caleb was represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona in a case against the Dysart Unified School District when he felt they weren't doing enough to protect him and others like him. After talking to students in other districts, Caleb realized the problem was much more widespread. So the courageous teen emailed more than 5,000 school administrators, city council members and state lawmakers telling them to do something about LGBT discrimination ... or else.
Says Caleb: “This is more not to threaten a lawsuit but to put resources out there. But if they don't want to cooperate, there's going to be consequences.”
Good on ya, Caleb. Way to get things done.
His cause? Caleb wants to put a stop to anti-gay bullying in schools. But not just for students! For teachers, administrators, and other school employees, as well.
In March, Caleb was represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona in a case against the Dysart Unified School District when he felt they weren't doing enough to protect him and others like him. After talking to students in other districts, Caleb realized the problem was much more widespread. So the courageous teen emailed more than 5,000 school administrators, city council members and state lawmakers telling them to do something about LGBT discrimination ... or else.
Says Caleb: “This is more not to threaten a lawsuit but to put resources out there. But if they don't want to cooperate, there's going to be consequences.”
Good on ya, Caleb. Way to get things done.
Comments