TUSCALOOSA AREA YOUTH WINS AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
April 19, 2007
The American Civil Liberties Union announced today the winners of its annual Youth Activist Scholarships for 2007. Elizabeth Esser-Stuart of Northport Alabama, who attends the Alabama School of Fine Arts, is one of eleven high school seniors from across the country who will each receive a $4,000 college scholarship in recognition of their outstanding work to protect civil liberties, especially for young people.
Elizabeth took action when the principal of her school forbade students from wearing t-shirts with the slogan, “Gay? Fine by me.” Elizabeth, only a sophomore at the time, did copious legal research on students’ constitutional right to free expression and worked to educate her fellow students on the importance of free speech. On several occasions, she presented research to the principal that made it clear that the ban was unconstitutional, urging him to reverse his policy. He refused.
Subsequently, Elizabeth contacted the ACLU of Alabama. Working together, they challenged the principal’s action. Elizabeth’s extraordinary efforts to protect her fellow students’ constitutional rights paid off when the principal agreed to let the students resume wearing the shirts.
“When I hear of an infringement of basic human rights, there is a rush that returns, running through my veins, urging me to act,” said Elizabeth.
“In a time when our rights are being threatened and core values undermined, it is inspiring to see young people stand up and defend our freedoms,” said ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero. “This scholarship is one way the ACLU can recognize the bravery and determination of these young men and women who could be tomorrow’s leaders.”
The award was first given in 2000 to honor the efforts of graduating seniors who have demonstrated a strong commitment to civil liberties and civil rights through activism.
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