Student ordered to change 'gay' shirt

WHITE HOUSE, Tenn., April 7 (UPI) -- A Tennessee high school student's mother said her son's rights were violated by school officials who made him remove a T-shirt bearing the word "gay."

Julie Gordon of White House said officials at Greenbrier High School violated her 15-year-old son's freedom of speech and expression by sending him home to change out of a T-shirt reading: "I Heart Lady Gay Gay," a play on the name of singer Lady Gaga, WSMV-TV, Nashville, reported Wednesday.

Cole Goforth said his sexual orientation is well-known at his school and he has worn shirts bearing the word "gay" before without any problems.

"We've had a few disruptions the last few days, and we thought the slogan on that shirt would continue to escalate those incidents that had occurred," said Danny Weeks, assistant director of the school board.

However, Cole and his mother said they feel the student is being singled out for his orientation and method of dress.

"I just think my sexuality isn't widely accepted around here, so of course they are going to single me out," he said.

The school said Gordon is welcome to appeal the dress code.