A History of Gay and Lesbian Students Association v. Gohn

• In Event: Activism in Higher Education in the Late 20th Century

Abstract

This paper offers a history of Gay and Lesbian Students Association v. Gohn, a landmark lawsuit brought by gay and lesbian students against University of Arkansas leaders. GLSA v. Gohn was the first lawsuit that sought to require institutions to not only recognize but also to fund their student organization. Drawing on court records, archival materials, and media coverage this paper provides in depth analysis of: (1) the events leading up to the students’ filing suit in Federal court, (2) the University’s victory at the district court level, (3) the students’ decision to appeal, (4) the students’ victory at the appellate level, and (5) the effects of the victory on the campus community.

Author

• Michael S. Hevel, University of Arkansas