Be a Real Maverick: Stand Up For Equality
Last April, on GLSEN's National Day of Silence, Maverick Couch wore a T-shirt to Waynesville High School in Waynesville, Ohio that featured a rainbow Ichthys or “sign of the fish” along with the words “Jesus is not a homophobe.” The school principal ordered Maverick to turn the T-shirt inside out and told him that if he wore it again he would be suspended from school.
Maverick did not give up. He researched his First Amendment Rights as a student and went back to school determined to wear his shirt to mark GLSEN's 2012 National Day of Silence. On his own, Maverick repeatedly requested the right to wear the shirt and was told each time that he would be suspended if he wore the shirt. Maverick called Lambda Legal.
On January 24, 2012, Lambda Legal sent an educational letter to the school, something we commonly do in cases like this, reminding school officials that students are protected under the First Amendment. The School Board refused to change its position, arguing that Maverick’s t-shirt is “sexual” and “indecent.”
On April 3rd, Lambda Legal filed suit against Wayne Local School District on behalf of Maverick Couch, asking the court to allow Maverick to wear his T-shirt, not only on April 20th, GLSEN's National Day of Silence, but any day.
Throughout this process, Maverick Couch has led the way. Maverick is standing up for his rights as well as for the rights of LGBTQ students around the country. He truly is a Maverick.Make a $25 gift to Lambda Legal today!
