Boy in high heels removed from class

A pair of high heels got a Bay Area student sent to the principal's office after he wore them to class.

"He likes the way they make him feel. They make him feel more confident, and he just likes to wear them," said Riverview High School senior Hayley Stepp, who says she's a friend of the student.

Stepp says he's proud of who he is, but embarrassed now.

"The first time he felt shame was when he was called out of school," said Stepp.

A teacher called the principal's office. That teacher said the boy's shoes were disrupting the classroom. Principal Bob Heilmann says there was name calling. He asked the student to take off the heels.

"As a principal of a high school, I have to take the paternal side and make sure he's going to be okay," said Heilmann, afraid the boy would be bullied. "Anytime anyone goes out from, quote, 'the norm' or anytime anyone wants to make a statement, you have to be willing to take what comes with it."

Riverview students we talked to believe most at the school are accepting of students expressing themselves however they want, and don't care who wears high heels -- even if they don't like it.

"I don't think guys should wear heels. Personally, that's my opinion," said Junior Kjai Betts.

Sophomore Sarah Strawn says she was in class with the student when he was asked to step out of the room.

"I think it wasn't really that big of a deal. If he wants to do it, then he can do it," Strawn said.

Principal Heilmann says any attire that's a distraction is a problem, but the student guidebook doesn't specify what types of shoes male and female students have to wear.

Some students really took the issue to heart, organizing a small protest.

"One boy wore a dress on Monday and after we chatted about it, he decided not to," said Heilmann, saying that boy went and changed his clothes. "I was concerned about his safety."

Heilmann says he thinks self expression is a wonderful thing, but he did what he felt was best for the student.

He says boys are allowed to wear heels at Riverview -- unless students are paying attention to the shoes instead of class.

The student who wore the heels was not disciplined.