GARNETT, Kansas- A 13-year-old boy in Kansas is getting national attention, after he claims he was suspended from school for wearing a purse to class.
KCTV reports that Skyler Davis has worn his Vera Bradley bag to Anderson County Senior-Junior School for months. But recently, he claims he was sent to the Assistant Principal’s office for his fashion choices, then suspended after refusing to take the bag off.
“It expresses myself and I think everyone else can wear it, so I wear it as well,” said Davis.
KCTV reports that shortly after that trip to the Assistant Principal’s office, school personnel called Skyler’s mother, Leslie Willis, to come get him.
“I was a little furious, and I called the school to verify the story, and yeah, he refused to take off his Vera Bradley bag, nothing more to it,” Willis said.
Skyler’s mom says she reviewed the student handbook, but didn’t see a mention about bags or purses. She tells KCTV that she supports her son’s decisions, and wants him to be able to express himself without being discriminated against for it.
After placing calls to school officials, KCTV received a call from Anderson County School District Superintendent, Don Blome on Thursday. He told the news station that while he can’t discuss this specific incident, all students, no matter their gender, are not allowed to bring purses, bags or backpacks into core classes like math and English. He says those items must be stored in lockers.
On Thursday, Willis emailed KCTV, saying her son has returned to school, still wearing his purse. She’s also thanking everyone for their support.
Since the original story aired in Kansas, it’s been picked up by media outlets around the country. It’s also gotten the attention of a few stores that sell Vera Bradley purses. The businesses say they would like to give Skyler some of their products.
