NBC -- An Arizona high school student says bullying and death threats over his sexuality have led him to take action.
15-year-old Caleb Laieski attends Willow Canyon High School and says his concerns about bullying have gone largely ignored by teachers.
"There are a lot of teachers that when people say you're gay, or they call me a faggot or even some death threats have been made to me in classroom," said Laieski. "I do see teachers, they hear it and everything and they choose not to intervene."
Laieski came out three years ago, and has since become an activist on issues related to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender rights.
In 2008, he founded Gays & Lesbians United Against Discrimination (GLUAD).
"I think tolerance comes about with education," said Laieski.
Dan Pochoda, legal director of ACLU Arizona, says Caleb's situation is "troubling."
On behalf of the ACLU, Pochoda wrote a letter to the Dysart Unified School District asking the school to look into Laieski's situation.
Pochoda also requested the district "ensure that all District bullying, anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies specifically include actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity."
"We'd like to work this out in discussion, face to face discussion rather than litigation which we would do if necessary," Pochoda said.
Citing privacy reasons, Dysart officials say they cannot comment on specific student situations.
"The Dysart District has policies in place that prohibit illegal discrimination and harassment as well as bullying," Jim Dean, Director of Community Relations for Dysart Unified School District, wrote in an email. "These policies include reporting and complaint mechanisms for concerns to be raised and addressed."
The school district has resources for student including a Safe Schools Hotline, but Laieski says the efforts haven't been enough to prevent him for being bullied.
"I'm not asking them to agree on my perspective," said Laieski, "I'm asking for tolerance."
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