WATCH: Boy, 12, Tells School Board He Was Sent Home Over T-Shirt Saying ‘There Are Only 2 Genders’

12-Year-Old Challenges School Board Over T-Shirt Controversy

Liam Morrison, a student at John T. Nichols Jr. Middle School in Massachusetts, was sent home for wearing a t-shirt that read, “There are only two genders.” The incident led him to challenge the Middleborough School Council, where he spoke out against the school’s decision to send him home.

A Statement of Fact

Liam explained that his shirt was not meant to be harmful or threatening. It was simply a statement of fact. “What did my shirt say?” he asked. “Five simple words: ‘There are only two genders.’ Nothing harmful. Nothing threatening. Just a statement I believe to be a fact.”

A Right to Express Opinions

Liam argued that he has a right to express his opinions, even at school. “Even at 12 years old I have my own political opinions and I have a right to express those opinions. Even at school, this right is called the First Amendment to the Constitution.”

Disruptions to Learning

Liam also pointed out that disruptions to learning happen every day, but the school only seemed to care about his t-shirt. “Kids acting out in class are a disruption, yet nothing is done. Why do the rules apply to one and yet not another? I feel like these adults were telling me that it wasn’t okay to have an opposing view.”

A Call to Action

Liam’s hope in speaking out was to bring attention to the issue and to encourage the school board to stand up for students’ rights to express themselves. “Next time it might not only be me; it might be more students that decide to speak out,” he concluded.

Key Takeaways:

• Liam Morrison was sent home from school for wearing a t-shirt that read, “There are only two genders.”
• Liam challenged the Middleborough School Council, arguing that he has a right to express his opinions, even at school.
• Liam pointed out that disruptions to learning happen every day, but the school only seemed to care about his t-shirt.
• Liam’s hope in speaking out was to bring attention to the issue and to encourage the school board to stand up for students’ rights to express themselves.