Christian school pays $10K to student suspended for coming out as gay

Tennessee Christian Preparatory School has agreed to pay $10,000 to a former student, Morgan Armstrong, to settle a lawsuit filed after she was suspended and barred from graduation for coming out as gay on social media. The judgment entered on Monday resolves the legal battle initiated by Armstrong, who was a graduating senior at the time of the incident in April 2025.

Under the terms of the settlement, the private school will pay Armstrong $10,000 and rescind her suspension. Armstrong had announced her relationship with a woman on Instagram, leading to her suspension less than a week later. She alleged that the school's administrators threatened to withhold her diploma and make disparaging remarks to colleges if she engaged in "online slander" against the school.

The school, however, denied the allegations, maintaining that Armstrong violated school policies for reasons unrelated to her sexual orientation, citing academic and attendance issues, excessive tardiness, and failure by her parents to make required payments. The school stated that both parties acknowledge the disagreement remains unresolved and have mutually agreed to move forward.

Armstrong's attorney, Daniel Horwitz, expressed pride in representing Armstrong, stating that schools should be places where students feel welcome and accepted, not disciplined for being gay. Armstrong herself questioned the differential treatment, comparing her situation to other students posting about their relationships.