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School Reverses Ban of Shirts Honoring Deceased Middle Schooler

Posted at 8:22 PM, Nov 11, 2013
and last updated 2013-11-11 20:25:31-05

Photo courtesy Sara Arendt

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Lakeview Middle School reversed a school policy Monday that banned students from wearing shirts or other items meant to honor the recent passing of a sixth grade student.

Caitlyn Jackson passed away Saturday after a three-and-a-half year battle with cancer, according to officials at Lakeview.

The district’s crisis management team initially said that students could not wear clothing that displayed the name or photos of Jackson, citing past policy.  This sparked an intense community backlash.

“During this time of grief, we sincerely regret that our actions caused additional stress for Caitlyn’s family and friends,” a post on the district’s Facebook page read. “Today we heard from students and families the need to allow students to continue showing their support of Caitlyn under these special circumstances by wearing shirts bearing her name.”

Lakeview’s announcement also says that district staff met with Jackson’s family Monday afternoon before deciding to reverse the policy.