Tennessee student suspended for saying 'bless you' in classroom

DYER COUNTY, TN -- Saying the words "bless you" got a Tennessee high school student assigned to in-school suspension.

She says she said it after another student sneezed, and she's not sorry about it either, instead she's defending her actions.

That senior at Dyer County High School says she was extending common courtesy, even though "bless you" and a few other words were banned from that particular teacher's classroom. Now she's doing her time in suspension and gaining support from those in her community.

"There were several students who were talking about this particular faculty member there that was very demeaning to them in regards to their faith," said youth pastor Becky Winegardner.

So far, the Dyer County School District hasn't publicly commented, but told the student's parents she was being a distraction.