A Tennessee high school senior’s high school diploma was withheld after coming out as gay, sparking public outrage, a family protest, and a formal lawsuit. Morgan Armstrong, a graduating senior at Tennessee Christian Preparatory School, alleges that the school is punishing her for publicly revealing her sexuality. According to court filings, Armstrong posted about her identity on social media and was subsequently suspended. She was informed that her diploma would not be mailed as scheduled.
Her family held a protest across the street from the school on graduation day. Now, they’re demanding answers—and justice.
Morgan Armstrong Comes Out, Faces Suspension and Diploma Hold
The conflict began when Morgan Armstrong shared a coming-out post on social media. Anticipating mixed reactions, she limited comments and sent a private message to close friends, WSMV reported.
The school, however, took issue with the post. In a letter addressed to the Armstrong family, Tennessee Christian Prep claimed the message contained “a disparaging remark reflecting the people at Tennessee Christian.” They accused her of publicly criticizing the institution and stated that the post reflected negatively on “faculty, staff, alumni, and students.”
Despite these claims, Armstrong’s parents insist the post did not mention the school at all. Still, the letter warned that if Armstrong continued sharing such content, her diploma would not be sent on the scheduled date, June 15, 2025, and the message would be forwarded to colleges.
The lawsuit argues that even if a disciplinary action was warranted, it should have been limited to a one-day suspension. Instead, the family is pushing back on what they describe as targeted retaliation rooted in bias.
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Lawsuit Demands Diploma, Final Exams, and Protection from College Retaliation
Filed by attorney Daniel A. Horwitz, the lawsuit demands that the school:
- Allow Armstrong to take her final exams
- Issue her diploma without delay or restriction
- Cease any communications with colleges or universities regarding her social media posts
Horwitz argues that Tennessee Christian’s actions violate basic educational and contractual rights and amount to viewpoint discrimination.
The lawsuit seeks both injunctive relief and damages, calling the school’s behavior “unethical, retaliatory, and unlawful.”
School Responds: Denies Allegations, Says Diploma Will Be Delivered
In a statement released to the press, Tennessee Christian Preparatory School said:
“As of 11:00 AM on May 22, we have yet to be served with process for the alleged lawsuit. The administration and Board of Trustees express deep disappointment over the inaccuracies contained in the alleged filing by Daniel A. Horwitz with Horwitz Law in Nashville.”
They added that despite the conflict, they are “fully committed to delivering Morgan Armstrong’s diploma” and insist their goal remains the academic and personal success of all students.
