By the account of the [ACLU], . . . Brad Mathewson, a 16-year-old junior [at a Missouri high school], was sent to the principal's office at Webb City High School on Oct. 20 for wearing a T-shirt . . . [that] bore a pink triangle and the words "Make a Difference!"
Mr. Mathewson, the A.C.L.U. said, was told to turn the shirt inside out or go home and change. . . .
A week later, Mr. Mathewson was again admonished for wearing a gay pride T-shirt, this one featuring a rainbow and the inscription "I'm gay and I'm proud." Told once more to turn the shirt [inside] out or leave, he chose to go home and was eventually ordered not to return to school wearing clothing supporting gay rights.
School officials said yesterday that they could not comment on the situation, or confirm or deny the A.C.L.U. account. . . .
from the NY Times.
If the report's accurate, it should be a first amendment violation: students in public schools can wear clothing expressing poltiical views if there's no serious risk it will substantially disrupt the school, and there's no showing there's such a risk here. Go to How Appealing for links to the ACLU's brief and complaint.
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