David L. Hudson Jr.: Public school officials need First Amendment lesson

  Giles County (Tennessee) public school officials got a lesson in First Amendment principles recently from U.S. District Court Judge Kevin Sharp.

  Richland High School senior Rebecca Young had worn a t-shirt on the first day of her senior year with the message: “Some People are Gay, Get Over It.” The t-shirt caused no disruption from her classmates or teachers.

  However, her principal was upset by the t-shirt and allegedly told Young she could not wear to school “any t-shirt referencing LGBT rights.” School officials later claimed such action was necessary to protect Young from would-be harassers and bullies.