PITTSBURGH -- A 14-year-old rap fan was expelled from school after posting lyrics on the Internet that contain threats, police said.

But American Civil Liberties Union attorneys believe that Anthony Latour's songs are protected speech, and they are suing Riverside Beaver County School District for kicking the boy out.

"Anthony Latour recorded these songs in his own home. He never brought them to school," said Vic Walczak, director of the ACLU's Greater Pittsburgh chapter. "The principal admitted in the expulsion hearing that the songs did not cause a disruption in the school."

In April, Latour was removed from class by North Sewickley Township police and charged with making terroristic threats and harassment because he named another student in a rap called "Massacre."

"Anthony and this student engaged in a battle of verbal content," said attorney Kim Watterson. "It was a battle rap -- send me your discs, send me your songs, see if you can rhyme better than I can."

The lawsuit seeks to have Latour reinstated in time for the coming school year. Classes begin Aug. 31.

The school district's solicitor was not available for comment Wednesday.

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