Gillman case to heard Monday

A federal lawsuit filed by a 16-year-old claiming her rights were violated by educators who prevented her from wearing clothing, stickers or buttons supporting gay rights makes it to court Monday.

Heather Gillman sued Ponce de Leon High School principal David Davis and the Holmes County School Board for allegedly violating her right to free speech.

She claims the school officials ordered her not to wear items containing slogans or symbols supporting homosexuals.

The case will be heard at the United States Courthouse in Panama City.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Gillman and an openly gay cousin by the American Civil Liberties Union.

The principal, Davis, has been removed from the original lawsuit, though Judge Richard Smoak has said he can be sued as an individual.

ACLU officials could not be reached for comment Friday morning.

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