Student Suspended for
Dressing Like Girl

A male 11th-grader who came to school dressed in feminine clothing was removed from class on Friday, but nonetheless made the point he wanted to make.

Justin Reynolds said that one day prior he had told a teacher of his plans to show up at Dunnellon High School dressed in a simple black shirt, jeans, high-heeled boots, and a few accessories, according to Ocala.com.

The teacher said she would allow Reynolds the opportunity to speak to other classmates about gay and transgender rights.

"It wasn't anything over-dramatic," Reynolds said in the article. "It's an expression of yourself, no matter what. To dress out of your own gender shouldn't be anything."

When he arrived to school he was greeted with cheers and high fives, especially after giving tribute to slain transgender teenager Gwen Araujo, who was murdered in California in 2002.

However, not everyone was pleased. According to the report, 16-year-old Reynolds was called down to speak with the principal and assistant principal. He was removed from classes for the rest of the day.

Reynolds said that while some teachers and administrators were uncomfortable with his appearance, "there was no kind of animosity."

Principal Michelle Lewis said, "Discipline wasn't the tone of the conversation."

The Marion County Code of Student Conduct says that students must adhere to their own gender's dress norms.