Gay Pride Allowed at Ponce de Leon High

School went on as usual today at Ponce De Leon High. Except for the visiting news reporters, there was little evidence the school and one of its students had just ended a federal court battle over freedom of speech.

Yesterday U.S. District Judge Richard Smoak ruled the school board was wrong to enforce a ban on students expressing their support for gay rights

For Heather Gillman it's been a long battle. She started the process of suing the Holmes County School Board almost eight months ago after Ponce De Leon administration banned her from wearing a t-shirt she had made supporting gay rights.

The case made it to federal court where a U.S. district judge ruled that the Holmes County School Board had violated Gillman's right to free speech.

"I'm just really happy with the court's ruling. It was pretty hard going through it, but I'm glad I did so I can support gays and lesbians."

The judge also ordered the school board and Principal David Davis to notify students in writing that they had the right to express their support for equal treatment of gays in an appropriate and non-disruptive way.

Principal Davis would not go on camera. He did say he's disappointed in the judges' decision, but he will abide by that ruling. Some parents say this was a great lesson for the students and the right decision made by the judge.

Theresa Cottle, a parent, said, "First Amendment is what we were after, freedom of speech. It doesn't matter if you're gay, lesbian, whatever. It is the first amendment."

Gillman says she's still shocked that her case could one day set the standard for others and that she's looking forward to wearing her gay pride outfit to school.

As for the parents, they're proud that the students took a stand. See Gay Pride Allowed at Ponce de Leon High