Minnesota Lesbian Pep Rally Dispute Goes To Mediation

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Anoka-Hennepin school district is set go into mediation over its decision to prevent a lesbian couple from making a high-profile entrance to a pep rally at Champlin Park High School on Monday afternoon.

Two 18-year-old students filed court papers Friday, arguing the school's decision violated their constitutional rights to free speech.

A lawyer with the students says mediation is set for 9 a.m. Saturday in the Twin Cities. It's closed to the public.

The teens have been elected to the royalty court for the Snow Days Pep Fest. Traditionally, the court makes an entrance to a high school assembly in male-female pairs.

The lesbians want to make a political statement by entering together, but the school is concerned about the reaction that might provoke.

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