Gay Pride Allowed at Ponce de Leon High
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Updated: 7:34 PM May 14, 2008
Gay Pride Allowed at Ponce de Leon High
A U.S. district judge ruled Tuesday that students would be allowed to wear their gay pride outfits.
Posted: 4:47 PM May 14, 2008
Reporter: Alex Denis

Heather Gillman Back to School
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School went on as usual today at Ponce De Leon High. Except for the visiting news reporters, there was little evidence the school and one of its students had just ended a federal court battle over freedom of speech.

Yesterday U.S. District Judge Richard Smoak ruled the school board was wrong to enforce a ban on students expressing their support for gay rights

For Heather Gillman it's been a long battle. She started the process of suing the Holmes County School Board almost eight months ago after Ponce De Leon administration banned her from wearing a t-shirt she had made supporting gay rights.

The case made it to federal court where a U.S. district judge ruled that the Holmes County School Board had violated Gillman's right to free speech.

"I'm just really happy with the court's ruling. It was pretty hard going through it, but I'm glad I did so I can support gays and lesbians."

The judge also ordered the school board and Principal David Davis to notify students in writing that they had the right to express their support for equal treatment of gays in an appropriate and non-disruptive way.

Principal Davis would not go on camera. He did say he's disappointed in the judges' decision, but he will abide by that ruling. Some parents say this was a great lesson for the students and the right decision made by the judge.

Theresa Cottle, a parent, said, "First Amendment is what we were after, freedom of speech. It doesn't matter if you're gay, lesbian, whatever. It is the first amendment."

Gillman says she's still shocked that her case could one day set the standard for others and that she's looking forward to wearing her gay pride outfit to school.

As for the parents, they're proud that the students took a stand.

"I just hope there's no repercussions on this on the children and I hope they continue to stand up for what they believe in and what they feel."

Gillman says a group of her friends are planning to wear their gay pride outfits tomorrow to school.


Latest Comments

Posted by: Mike Location: Santa Rosa Beach on Dec 14, 2008 at 01:42 AM

Good to hear this. We are shooting for a Gay Pride Parade on 30a in June www.gay30a.com
Posted by: ~~Jordan~~ Location: Westville Fl on Jun 17, 2008 at 08:56 PM

Look at yall , So freakin stuipd and mad bc of what davis did ... I think davis done is an Wonderful thing he have ever done ... Some ppl need to get ur freakin story ST8 .. Buddy Brown is NEVER COMING BACK !! Davis is STAYING !!!
Posted by: Mary Location: Westville Florida on May 19, 2008 at 09:23 PM

I must say that the days of "respecting your elders" are over! There have been too many mental and physical abuses under this old way of thinking. I was molested and hurt in so many ways because I was taught to respect disgusting adults that took advantage of my good-intentions. If you want the respect of a baby or a mate, give it first! Respect and honor go both ways. No? I suppose if you feel all children should respect an adult no matter what, you are denying that you feel vulnerable and powerless...God-forbid a child may know a thing or two!
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