A Pennsylvania girl's similar case reached the Supreme Court in 1992. She lost after the high court declared honor society membership to be a privilege, not a right. Local communities are a better judge than the national government in determining how honor should be defined. But, just as it is not unreasonable for a chapter to bar sexually active students, it is not unreasonable to allow them, either. Many school principals have fought quite vigorously to maintain the eligibility of such students, including pregnant girls, according to David Cordts, associate director in the department of student activities at the National Association of Secondary School Principals, which has overseen the honor society since 1921.
Community standards are whatever the community decides they are.
Minds do change. Two courageous young Kentucky women could use their support.