HOOVER, Alabama -- Hoover High School today reversed its decision to stop a student from wearing a T-Shirt expressing acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle.

Principal Don Hulin this afternoon issued a statement, saying the T-shirt in question -- which said "gay? fine by me." -- "has not caused a substantial disruption and the student will be allowed to wear it."

The Southern Povery Law Center this morning sent a letter to Hoover school officials, warning that the group would file a federal lawsuit if the ban were not lifted by Sept. 12.

A statement issued earlier today by the principal indicated the school respects the rights of students to exercise their constitutional entitlements and works very diligently to encourage a culture of tolerance and understanding among its diversified student body. However, the earlier statement appeared to be defend the ban against the T-shirt in question, saying that "students at Hoover High School exercise their First Amendment rights without restriction unless such expression disrupts the learning environment or deprives the rights of others."

A second statement issued this afternoon said basically the same thing but added more:

"Our dress code at Hoover High School is designed to facilitate the learning environment that is so important to our school. The T-shirt at issue has not caused a substantial disruption and the student will be allowed to wear it," the statement said. "Our focus has been and will be on the learning environment at Hoover High School."

Efforts to reach both Hulin and Hoover schools spokesman Jason Gaston for further comment were unsuccessful.