Heather Gillman is a junior at Ponce de Leon High School in Florida. Her cousin attends the same school and was suspended for five days for supporting gay rights. Heather wore a rainbow belt and handmade shirt that said “I Support Gay Rights.” She decided to challenge the school’s policy against non-violent freedom of expression.
The school district determined that wearing rainbow symbols on clothing, rainbow stickers, or writing pro-gay rights messages on themselves could reasonably disrupt the school environment. The following messages were proclaimed off limits:
“I Support My Gay Friends”
“Equal, Not Special Rights”
“Gay? Fine By Me”
“Gay Pride”
“God Loves Me Just the Way I Am”
In February, 2008, Heather and her mother sued the school district and principal for violating her free speech rights. It’s not a matter of money - they are asking for $1.00 in damages, and a statement from the school that the students’ rights were violated.
