GenQ - For the not so straight individual

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Virginia has written a letter demainding that a school apologize to a teen that was told by a high school official to cover up a lesbian-themed T-shirt or face suspension.

Bethany Laccone, 17, said she was asked to cover a logo of two interlocked female symbols while attending a hotel management class this month at I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth. She's a senior at nearby Woodrow Wilson High School, where she has not faced a similar ultimatum.

After Laccone's teacher asked her to cover the shirt, she said she zipped up her jacket. One week later, she again wore the bright red shirt, which she said is her favorite. Laccone said her teacher again asked her to cover her shirt or go to the assistant principal's office. Once there, Laccone said she was given a choice.

"I could either zip up my jacket, turn my shirt inside out, or get suspended," said Laccone, who covered the shirt, but told her parents what had happened.

According to the ACLU, administrators later told Laccone's father the shirt had upset a conservative instructor and interfered with her ability to teach.

In Thursday's letter, they argue the T-shirt "intended to convey a particularized, political message that lesbian identity should be celebrated and is a source of pride."
In a letter sent Thursday, the ACLU asked Norcom administrators to remove any mention of the incident from Laccone's records and agree not to similarly censor other students. The ACLU gave the school until Jan. 11 to respond or possibly face further action.

"What's happening to Bethany Laccone is a clear-cut case of unconstitutional censorship," said Kent Willis, executive director of the Virginia chapter.

On Friday, Norcom Principal Lynn Briley said the school would comply. "Yes, we did make a mistake," she told The Virginian-Pilot newspaper of Norfolk. Briley agreed that Laccone had been censored, but said no note had been placed in her file. She said she would apologize to Laccone and try to meet the group's other demands.

Laccone said she just wants to wear her shirt. "I don't feel like I should have to hide my sexuality," she said.