Gay Student Sues Ohio School District Over T-shirt

A federal lawsuit has been filed in Cincinnati on behalf of a gay student who says his high school is violating his freedom of expression rights by prohibiting him from wearing a T-shirt urging tolerance of gay students. Maverick Couch's mother filed the lawsuit Tuesday against Wayne Local School District and its high school principal. The lawsuit says Couch, a junior, was threatened with suspension if he wears the shirt bearing the message "Jesus Is Not a Homophobe." The lawsuit says school officials told him the shirt is sexual in nature and inappropriate at school. The lawsuit asks that school officials be ordered to allow Couch to wear the shirt. It also seeks unspecified damages. District superintendent Patrick Dubbs says he has not seen the lawsuit and cannot comment.