EFLAND, N.C. (AP) — A teacher has resigned after reading his third-graders a story about a gay couple, sparking controversy in a small North Carolina town.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reports that Omar Currie read “King & King,” about two princes who fall in love, after a student was called gay and told he acted like a girl.

The newspaper says assistant principal Meg Goodhand gave him the book. Currie says other administrators didn’t support him.

A school committee upheld using the book. But three people filed complaints, including a parent who appealed the ruling to the superintendent. A public meeting is scheduled for Thursday as part of the appeal.

Schools spokesman Seth Stephens said Monday that Currie and Goodhand have resigned.

The newspaper says Goodhand wouldn’t comment.

Efland is a town of about 700 people near Chapel Hill.

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Information from: The News & Observer, http://www.newsobserver.com

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