Do students have the right to wear antigay stickers, or is it a form of bullying?

“Yes, there is freedom of speech established by Tinker, but at least in my view, it’s a hate crime because a group was targeted,” Oberman said.

District administrators said they discussed the issue extensively and believe they are doing the right thing.

“Sometimes people can be uncomfortable because of an opinion, but that doesn’t mean it’s bullying,” said Laura Fisher, assistant superintendent of personnel services.

Administrators checked ID cards on Feb. 16 and found three students wearing the anti-gay symbol and three wearing pride symbols. The number of anti-gay stickers has since grown to a dozen, gay students stay.