The large banner was created by a sophomore art student at Columbia High School
MAPLEWOOD -- A student's long-planned art project in honor of LGBT Pride Month has taken on added significance in light of the deadly mass shooting at a gay night club in Orlando this weekend.
The banner, in the rainbow colors of the LGBT movement, hangs from the clock tower of Columbia High School and bears the words "Too Gay." It went up earlier this week.
Created by sophomore AP art student John Bell, the banner was installed with the encouragement of the South Orange - Maplewood school district, according to a statement on the district's website. The banner's text is meant to provoke a conversation about the extent of cultural acceptance gay people truly enjoy, according to Bell.
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"On the surface, society claims to accept gay people. But if we are flamboyant or very open about our gayness, are we 'too gay'?" Bell said in the statement. "So, as an artist, I am basically challenging how people may view gay people, and also celebrating Pride month."
The display is also serving as an unplanned tribute to the victims in the attack on Orlando gay nightclub, Pulse, where gunman Omar Mateen killed 49 and injured 53 early Sunday morning.
"In light of the Orlando shooting, the flag is here to remind us of the work we have to do and to celebrate LGBT people," Bell said.
As New Jerseyans streamed to vigils in honor of the Pulse victims, one student told News 4 New York the banner could make the school a target for more violence. But other Columbia students, alumni and their families praised Bell's display as a fitting honor for the dead and wounded
"This is courage. This is love. This is education at its finest. Kudos to the students, art teachers and administration at Columbia High School," one woman wrote on the school's Facebook page.
"I love my high school!" another poster wrote.
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.