8-Year-Old Girl Expelled From School After Crush on Classmate

Chloe, a second-grader at Rejoice Christian Schools in Owasso, was expelled after she revealed to another female student she had a crush on her. Chloe's mom, Delanie Shelton, told Fox News 23 her little girl is now having difficulty understanding why she was kicked out of classes.

"My daughter was crying saying 'Does God still love me?'" Shelton said.

The heartbreaking story began when Chloe confided to a female friend she had a crush on her. Rejoice Christian School, where tuition and fees for high school students can top $9,000 a year, takes a dim view of same-sex attraction even when it comes to 8-year-old little girls. Shelton said the vice principle sat her daughter down and told her "the bible says you can only marry a man and have children with a man."

Shelton also revealed how the female vice principle was "shocked and appalled" when she explained that yes "it's okay for girls to like girls" in a follow-up conference on the matter.

According to Shelton, the school explained boyfriend/girlfriend relationships are not permitted on campus, but provided no rules supporting Chloe's expulsion. Rejoice Christian School Superintendent Joel Pepin issued a statement noting "it is the school's policy to refrain from public comments regarding any particular student or family."

Pepin's words rang hollow for Shelton.

"They ripped my kids out of the only school they've ever really known away from their teachers and friends they've had over the past four years over something my daughter probably doesn't know or fully understand," she said of the school's actions and how it's impacting her daughter.

For her part, Chloe has found a silver lining in the matter. She's learned there's a great deal of love and support for her in the community, and that means a lot to the young girl.

"I feel so loved and supported, thank you so much to everyone who helped me feel better for being who I am," Chloe said via telephone to Fox News 23.

While the school's opinion appears final for now, the local community announced plans for a show of support for Chloe this Saturday, January 30, in the neighborhood across from the Rejoice campus. Residents will place signs with messages of support in their yards, and family and friends plan on driving past the school.

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