Openly gay Clyde CISD student protesting his in-school suspension for wearing nail polish
ABILENE, Texas — An openly gay Clyde CISD student is protesting his in-school suspension for wearing nail polish.
Trevor Wilkinson, a senior at Clyde High School, was sent to ISS on Monday.
Upset by the suspension, Wilkinson broke down in tears and posted about it on Snapchat.
The school district's student handbook says male students are prohibited from wearing make-up and nail polish.
If a student's "grooming or clothing" violates the dress code, they are given the opportunity to correct the problem.
If not corrected, the student may be assigned to in-school suspension for the remainder of the day, until the problem is corrected, or until a parent or designee brings an acceptable change of clothing to the school. Repeated offenses may result in more serious disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct
Wilkinson told KTXS he thinks the policy is unjust and he's taking a stand to get it changed.
On Thursday, the school have him three choices, according to Wilkinson:
- Remain in ISS
- Remove the nails
- Go to virtual learning
Wilkinson said he's not removing the nails and he chose to stay in ISS.
KTXS also reached out to the school district.
Superintendent Kenny Berry said no changes will be made to the dress code this school year.
"The District appreciates the feedback and input on this issue received from members of the community, and will take this into consideration when it conducts its annual review later this school year," said Berry in a statement.
KTXS has gotten calls and emails from people around the country who are upset about the school district's decision to put Wilkinson in ISS.
Thousands have signed an online petition Wilkinson started hoping to get the policy changed.
Abilene Pride Alliance sent Clyde CISD a letter.
It reads in part, "We are asking for this discriminatory policy to immediately be addressed at your next school board meeting and that the child in question be released from suspension with an official apology from the School District."
We'll continue to follow this story and let you know what happens.
Berry's Full Statement
The District conducts a diligent and thoughtful review of the dress code on an annual basis. That review process results in the development of a final dress code that is consistently implemented and enforced during the next school year. Parents and students are provided a copy of the dress code prior to the start of each new school year.
Questions or concerns with the dress code are reviewed individually, and the District cannot share any information regarding a specific student. The District appreciates the feedback and input on this issue received from members of the community, and will take this into consideration when it conducts its annual review later this school year.
