WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Ceara Sturgis and mother speak out

Ceara Sturgis and mother speak out

COPIAH COUNTY, MS (WLBT) - "I think I have just as much right as everyone else to be in that yearbook," Ceara Sturgis says about the decision officials have made on not allowing her senior yearbook photo to appear in the yearbook.

Sturgis is once again speaking out! Ii can not believe they are still going through it. It's crazy," Sturgis added.

After Copiah County School District officials said "no" to the ACLU demand letter telling them to immediately place Sturgis' senior portrait in the school annual. Ceara first told WLBT last Tuesday the school was refusing to put the picture in the yearbook because she was gay and wearing a tuxedo.

"I figured I've been going there for 13 years. They would put it in the yearbook, but I guess I was wrong," Sturgis said.

While Ceara and her mother Veronica Rodriguez are not sure if they will seek legal action, they say their fight continues.

"I am taking a stand for all the other people who weren't allowed to be in the yearbook for the same situation, and maybe, I can win this," Sturgis added.

We asked Ceara was it worth the fight, especially if they take legal action. Ligitation could take months or even years and by that time graduation may have come and gone.

"Well yeah, yeah. I'm standing up for a bunch of people that support me," Sturgis said.

Ceara's mother agrees with her daughter's decision.

"To hide how you express yourself is not being true to yourself," said Veronica Rodriguez, mother is Ceara Sturgis.

Once again, we tried to reach Copiah County school officials, they did not return our telephone calls or our emails.