Earlier today, Lambda Legal filed suit against Wayne Local School District in Ohio on behalf of a Waynesville High School Student, Maverick Couch.

Last April, on the National Day of Silence, Maverick Couch wore a T-shirt to Waynesville High School 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 the 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.”

Today, LAMDA LEGAL papers in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio asking the court to issue an injunction prohibiting the school from further interference with Maverick’s First Amendment rights.

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.

Stand Up 4 Equality with Maverick:
Learn More and Sign Our “Let Maverick Wear His Shirt” Petition

Learn more about the case by visiting our case page for Couch v. Wayne Local School District

Request a limited edition “Maverick”
t-shirt that you can wear on this year’s National Day of Silence, with
your gift of $25 in support of Lambda Legal’s work. The shirt comes in 2 unique styles.