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ACLU: Reno student suspended after lawmaker's office complaint

Posted at 10:35 AM, Mar 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-20 13:45:07-04

The American Civil Liberties Union says a high school in Reno unconstitutionally retaliated against a student after a Republican congressman's office complained to the administration about a call from the teenager.

The ACLU's chapter in Nevada on Monday sent letters to the Washoe County School District and U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei following the two-day suspension of student Noah Christiansen.

Christiansen called Amodei's office when he walked out of school Wednesday as part of a nationwide protest against gun violence. He says he could have used better language during the call, but that it's his right to use the words he wants.

The ACLU told Amodei it is disturbed by his office's move "to restrict the First Amendment rights" of a constituent. Amodei's office did not immediately comment on the situation Tuesday.

The organization says Christiansen's suspension should be overturned.