Much controversy occurred at DeSoto Middle School over a recent decision made by the principal, who sent a student home for wearing a pro-homosexuality shirt to school.
Dawn Henderson arrived at school only to be sent to the principal Keith Simmons who demanded she change her shirt which said “Some Kids R Gay. That’s OK.”
Henderson refused to change her shirt because she felt it was her right to express her opinion.
After her refusal, Simmons sent Henderson home for the day.
This incident caught the attention of the American Civil Liberties Union.
Marjorie Esman, the executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana, sent a letter to Simmons stating that sending Henderson home constituted a violation of the student’s first amendment rights.
School officials are claiming that the T-shirt caused disruption in the school, but as of yet, no incident reports have been filed.
Members of the ULM GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) had very strong feelings about this.
Jeremy Katz, the vice president, stated, “This symbolizes the abuse of power that principals have over students; she had every right to wear that shirt.”
In fact, she has the right to wear the shirt as an expression her opinion. Ryan Byrd, the secretary of GSA, agreed.
“The shirt had no profanity and did not have any violent material on it; in fact it was just showing support of accepting others for who they are,” he said.
Ryan feels the principal was pushing his opinions on others, causing the upcoming generation to believe being gay is wrong.
