Los Angeles student Mariel Williamson was told by her high school that she could not share information critical of the dairy industry without conveying a pro-dairy message. Now he is suing the Los Angeles Unified School District and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for violating his First Amendment right to freedom of expression.
Williamson’s lawsuit was filed on her behalf by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), a nonprofit group of physicians, dietitians, and scientists who “work with policymakers, industry, the medical community, the media, and the public to create a better system.” A future for people and animals.” Williamson, head of Eagle Rock’s Animal Awareness Club, said in a statement:
Shutting down a dissenting view from a student proves that the USDA is more focused on selling milk than the well-being of students. This case was the only way to make people aware of how wrong it is.
Under the National School Lunch Program, “fluid milk”—cow’s milk—must be served at every school lunch and breakfast, despite milk’s devastating cost to the environment, animals, and public health. Even in New York City, where all public school cafeterias are required to serve vegetarian meals on Fridays, dairy milk must be offered. Anna Herby, PCRM’s Nutrition Education Program Manager, shared:
As we grow older, many of us lose the ability to produce lactose enzymes, and therefore, cannot digest lactose-containing products such as cow’s milk. As a result, lactose is not absorbed and instead remains in the intestines where it causes symptoms including upset stomach, diarrhea and gas.
According to reports, Eagle Rock displays posters and even “Got Milk?” Distribute and promote dairy products in schools. Advertisement in the morning announcement. Williamson’s case, the first of its kind, highlights the wide disparity between the dairy milk and plant-based milk sectors. Although our current food system is rigged against plant-based milk, the future looks bright with strong young people like Mariel Williamson willing to stand up for justice.
Are you in Los Angeles and want to take action for animals? Email Sean [email protected] For information on joining the Los Angeles Mercy for Animals Volunteer Hub! Click here for other ways to get involved wherever you are