Anoka-Henn. school officials meet with civil rights groups over gay harassment claims

Lawyers for two national civil rights groups met with leaders of the Anoka-Hennepin School district Tuesday to discuss claims that gay students have been illegally harassed.

The Southern Poverty Law Center and the National Center for Lesbian Rights said last month Minnesota's largest school district must address anti-gay harassment or face a federal lawsuit.

The two sides agreed to a meeting in hopes of avoiding legal action. The groups want compensation for their clients, and also seek repeal of a district policy that requires staff to be neutral in dealing with sexual orientation curriculum issues.

District leaders have said they have no plans to remove that so-called "neutrality policy."

Neither side would comment on the meeting other than to say no final agreement was reached, but talks will continue.