ROSEVILLE, Mich. – The principal of Roseville High School said he got some kickback when he allowed students on Friday to wear hooded-sweatshirts in memoriam of Trayvon Martin.
"I'm taking a little bit of a beating. I understand why. They're drawing more toward the political battles in Florida," said principal Peter Hedemark.
The 17-year-old Martin was killed Feb. 26 by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in the city of Sanford, Fla., where Martin was visiting.
Zimmerman has claimed self-defense and says Martin attacked and beat him.
Several parents called the school and Local 4 News to voice concerns over Hedemark's suggestion.
"To turn a blind eye to how this affects 16, 17, 18 year old kids, especially young men, especially minority young men, would hypocritical to all the other things we try to do," Hedemark said.
Hedemark says about 25 percent of the students are African-American and almost half of all students participated by wearing hoodies.
Senior Juliana Mac Lean said, "I felt the need to bring this to other people's attention because it's wrong, its unjust. I really care about other kids and I want to see a difference made."
Normally, the hoodies worn over the head would violate the school dress code.
The school is also selling extra Skittles, the candy carried by Martin when he was killed.
The proceeds will go to The Interfaith Center, a local organization the principal says promotes diversity.
Jared Walker an African-American senior at the school and said he has a message for parents who object, "I would tell them that students can have a feeling about something too. We watch the news as well and try to keep up on current situations as well."
Hedemark said next time he will communicate better with parents and students when he plans an event that could cause controversy.