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larrym@wvgazette.com
Katie Sierra was wrongly denied the right to start an "anarchy club" at Sissonville High last year, a Kanawha Circuit jury concluded Friday.
But the civil jury upheld the decision to suspend the 15-year- old and bar her from wearing T-shirts adorned with hand-written political slogans and music lyrics.
The jurors, five women and a man, awarded Sierra $1, the "nominal" damages requested in her lawsuit. The award allows her lawyers, Roger Forman and Jason Huber, to petition Judge Jim Stucky for their fees and expenses.
The jury deliberated for about three hours, capping off a five- day trial that attracted Court TV and other media. Supporters of both sides frequently packed the gallery throughout the trial.
Afterward, Principal Forrest Mann said he has not changed his mind about Sierra's beliefs or behavior
"We'll go with the court's decision," he said. "If that's what we are to do, we will make that possible without interfering with the learning environment."
"We are tremendously pleased with the result," Huber said. "The jury's verdict sends a message to...