FARGO-The Fargo Public School District has OK'd the formation of anti-abortion clubs at two high schools—a move that comes in the wake of claims that the district violated students' rights by initially not permitting the clubs.

The Thomas More Society, a nonprofit Chicago law firm that backed the students who sought to start the clubs, issued a news release Wednesday to announce that school officials had officially recognized the clubs at North and Davies high schools.

Last month, the Thomas More Society asserted that the school district violated the constitutional rights of sophomores Brigid O'Keefe at North and Katie McPherson at Davies by not giving official status to the anti-abortion clubs they wanted to create.

In response, the school district said the students could apply to form such clubs. District spokeswoman AnnMarie Campbell confirmed that the clubs were approved but declined to comment further.

In the Thomas More Society's news release, O'Keefe expressed gratitude for being allowed to start the Spartans for Life Club.

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"We look forward to educating our fellow students on the beauty of life at all stages and offering assistance to those in need in our community," she said.

The first Spartans for Life meeting is planned for next week, and Davies Teens for Life members have already held their first meeting, the Thomas More Society said.

Readers can reach Forum reporter Archie Ingersoll at (701) 451-5734.