HOUSTON – A 17-year-old Houston teenager says he was forced to change schools because he posted video blogs on his YouTube channel about being gay.
"I have to learn a new curriculum, new studies, and now I need to get back on track," he said.
Austin, who asked that KPRC2 not use his last name, says the principal at Lutheran High North called him into the office after finding out about the YouTube videos and gave him an ultimatum: Delete the videos or leave the school.
"He said that in the Bible, it declares that being a homosexual is a sin and we cannot have you promoting a sinful lifestyle," said Austin.
The teen decided to leave Lutheran High North.
"I realized that I don't want to be somewhere where I can be kicked out for being gay and being open it."
"It's a Lutheran school. What do you expect?" said one student.
Lutheran High North declined to speak with us on camera but released this statement:
"Lutheran High North welcomes all students and their families to the LHN community,"
Kramer said in the statement. "We profess and proclaim our Christian beliefs with the foundations and authority taught in the Bible, all within the teachings of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. We respectfully require students to adhere to these accepted values and moral beliefs. Sometimes, as in this case, students have to make choices and decide whether their beliefs align with our community and we respect their choices. We also respect student privacy and do not comment on any individual student or their actions."
Austin's family says they do not plan on taking any legal action against the school -- they simply want to "move on."
"I'm not going to tell a business how to run its business. They do have a right to do that. I think it's unfortunate," said Austin's mother, Cheryl.