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A transgender student at a Kenosha high school can now run for prom king after district officials overturned an earlier decision by the school.

Sixteen-year-old Ash Whitaker, a junior at Tremper High School, had been nominated for the prom court, but was told he'd have to run for prom queen because he is genetically female.

Fellow students objected, staging a protest on Tuesday at the school and gathering more than 7,100 signatures in support on the political action website MoveOn.org.

District spokeswoman Tanya Ruder said Friday that she could not comment specifically on Whitaker's case, citing privacy concerns. But she said the district has clarified its policy to ensure that any student who qualifies for prom court can apply on the ballot under the gender with which he or she identifies.

Whitaker, whose mother teaches at the school, also objects to having to use the girls restroom or a private restroom, rather than the boys'. Ruder said the district is working on an overall policy related to transgender students, but that it is not yet in place.

Whitaker and his mother could not be reached for comment Friday. He told one TV news station that he was fighting for more than just himself.

"It's about all the other kids who are still in the closet," he said.