A Kentucky family has accused their daughter's Christian school of expelling the teen after she was photographed posing with a rainbow birthday cake while sporting a rainbow sweater, NBC News reported.
A Kentucky family has accused their daughter's Christian school of expelling the teen after she was photographed posing with a rainbow birthday cake while sporting a rainbow sweater, NBC News reported.
But15-year-old Kayla Alford's brightly-colored attire and similarly decorated cake were apparently deemed a "lifestyle violation" by school administration, compelling them to formally terminate the teen's enrollment.
While dining at a local restaurant, the teen was presented with a beautiful cake topped with rainbow icing — perfectly on-par with what was apparently a rainbow-themed birthday celebration.
Her mother, Kimberly, posted a photo of a smiling Kayla posing with her rainbow birthday cake on Facebook.
"She was so happy," Kimberly told WAVE3 News. "She looked beautiful."
The letter, which was written by Bruce Jacobson, the head of Whitefield Academy, read:
"The WA Administration has been made aware of a recent picture, posted on social media, which demonstrates a posture of morality and cultural acceptance contrary to that of Whitefield Academy's beliefs."
"We made it clear that any further promotion, celebration, or any other actions and attitudes that are counter to Whitefield’s philosophy would not be tolerated. As a result, we regret to inform you that Kayla is being dismissed from the school immediately.”
Kimberly told WTHR 13 that her daughter does not identify as LGBTQ, and said that the shirt and cake were only meant to be festive.
"I feel judged [and] she feels judged," Kimberly said. "There was nothing intended by that and even when I went back and got the receipt from the bakery, it didn't say anything about representation. It just said assorted colors."
"Inaccurate media reports are circling stating that the student in question was expelled from our school solely for a social media post," the Academy said in a statement.
Kimberly clarified that her daughter had been on probation since October for "behavioral issues," like bringing an e-cigarette to school and cutting class.
The counselor gave Kayla the book "Gay Girl, Good God," written by Jackie Hill Perry, who insists she is a reformed lesbian after God helped stop from being gay.
Kayla and the counselor reportedly met weekly to discuss the book.
As for why she decided to share her daughter's story, Kimberly said she believes Kayla was treated "unjustly" and wants to prevent similar treatment to other students.
"I just want to defend her in a graceful way," Kimberly said. "I want to stand up for my child. Just treat people with kindness and love, and don't be judgmental."
h/t: NBC News