Jay Paul Deratany is advising Rhonda Mangus in the case involving her son Michael Mangus, which dates back to 2005 -06, in the North Tonawanda High School and the Appellate Court of New York State.
The then 13 year old Michael left North Tonawanda High School when he became the target of bullying and a death threat due to his gay identity. His mother Rhonda was later placed in the database of offenders by the Niagara County Department of Social Services and the New York State Office of Family and Child Services for "educational neglect".
An attempt to remand this ruling in the state Supreme Court failed.
Deratany is offering his legal expertise and continued support while Mangus seeks local counsel. The boost of morale from Deratany, she says "is like a dream come true, and I am so grateful to him, and to his associate, Nathan Polum." The two are helping her with filing paperwork for a postponement.
Deratany is also politician and human rights playwright: In 2009, he ran for Cook County commissioner, but lost the seat by a narrow vote to the GOP incumbent. In 2008, his play, "Haram Iran", a true story about two youths on trial for the crime of homosexuality in Tehran, debuted in the Chicago theater district. It will have its west coast premier this March at the Celebration Theater in Los Angeles.
Deratany is also representing the Duckett family in the pending legal suit against CNN's Nancy Grace.
