WriterDom
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Teen Sues NJ School Over Suspension
.c The Associated Press
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - A recent high school graduate filed a federal lawsuit Monday over his suspension for wearing a T-shirt that bore a comedian's ``Top 10 Reasons You Might Be a Redneck Sports Fan.''
Thomas Sypniewski Jr., 19, said he wants the dress code at Warren Hills Regional High declared unconstitutional. He also seeks unspecified damages, claiming the school board unfairly portrayed him as racist.
``I say I'm a redneck because I like to hunt and fish, bale hay and listen to country music. Besides that, I wear the T-shirt because I think it's funny,'' Sypniewski said.
The reasons on the shirt are the work of comedian Jeff Foxworthy. Among them are ``you know the Hooters menu by heart'' and ``you wear a baseball cap to bed.''
The dress code does not allow clothing portraying ``racial, ethnic or religious stereotyping.'' Sypniewski was suspended for three days in March.
School board member James Broscious said it isn't a First Amendment issue: ``The board sees it as protecting all of the students in the school from harassment.''
.c The Associated Press
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - A recent high school graduate filed a federal lawsuit Monday over his suspension for wearing a T-shirt that bore a comedian's ``Top 10 Reasons You Might Be a Redneck Sports Fan.''
Thomas Sypniewski Jr., 19, said he wants the dress code at Warren Hills Regional High declared unconstitutional. He also seeks unspecified damages, claiming the school board unfairly portrayed him as racist.
``I say I'm a redneck because I like to hunt and fish, bale hay and listen to country music. Besides that, I wear the T-shirt because I think it's funny,'' Sypniewski said.
The reasons on the shirt are the work of comedian Jeff Foxworthy. Among them are ``you know the Hooters menu by heart'' and ``you wear a baseball cap to bed.''
The dress code does not allow clothing portraying ``racial, ethnic or religious stereotyping.'' Sypniewski was suspended for three days in March.
School board member James Broscious said it isn't a First Amendment issue: ``The board sees it as protecting all of the students in the school from harassment.''