Student sues school after he's suspended for preaching

EVERETT, Wash. — A high school senior is suing his school for suspending him for preaching on campus.

Michael Leal said the principal at Cascade High School suspended him three times in October for his freeform sermons.

“It's better to obey god than to obey men,” Leal said. “I believe I’m not doing anything wrong.  I’m just sharing my beliefs.”

However, the principal believed he was being disruptive while speaking and passing out pamphlets.  Some students outside the school said Leal is overly-aggressive in the way he preaches.

“God hates like people in the Army who serve and like gay and lesbian people,” said one freshman recalling the types of things Leal talks about.

Leal insists he is not pushy.  He is suing the school in federal court claiming his first amendment rights of freedom of speech and religion were violated.

The school district would not comment on camera.

KIRO