Student suing Everett district over religion

EVERETT — An Everett high school student who was suspended for preaching and handing out Christian booklets is suing the school district.

Michael Leal says he was suspended three times in October at Cascade High School in violation of his free speech rights.

KIRO-TV reported that school officials say he was suspended for being disruptive, not for the content of his message.

The federal lawsuit was filed Monday in Seattle with the help of the Pacific Justice Institute.

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