MILWAUKEE -- A fashion show is turning into a fight for expression at Milwaukee's High School of the Arts, Milwaukee television station WISN reported.

At the annual show two years ago, Joel Littleton modeled his women's-wear design.

But this year, he said the principal decided he could only participate if he wore men's clothing.

Littleton is a senior and said no one has questioned his cross-dressing in the past. He even wore a dress to prom.

Fashion show organizers asked the American Civil Liberties Union to step in. Littleton believes the decision violates his right to free expression.

"They didn't really give me a reason why he shouldn't be in the fashion show. All they told me was he has to wear gender-specific clothing in order to participate," student organizer Amaker Johnson said.

"It's an artistic forum, you know? It's transforming your body into something completely different. That is very artistic," Littleton said.

Late Thursday afternoon, Milwaukee Public Schools' central office told the station that the principal at the school would reopen discussions about Littleton's participation in the event.

The show is scheduled for next Friday night.