HOWELL, Mich. (AP) – Four students initially suspended for 10 days have been suspended for the rest of the school year for spray painting “Love” on the grounds of Howell High School – including over an anti-gay message.

Three of the students are seniors who won’t be allowed to take part in their graduation ceremony or any other senior activities.

The school initially suspended the three and a sophomore for vandalism for 10 days on May 9, one day after they used spray paint to cover the words “God hates fags” scrawled on a rock near the high school entrance. Although the rock is frequently painted by students, the four also spray-painted “Love” more than 25 times around the flagpole and more than 25 times on sidewalks on the north side of the building.

But the students said they believed the anti-gay message was an attack on their openly gay friend, and they wanted to make a statement.

“We did it because it upset us that somebody could be that rude to our friend, that they could say something that close-minded. We were very insulted,” 18-year-old Shayna Kamilar, one of the suspended students, told the Detroit Free Press.

Vinnie Mascola, 17, said “our goal was that every single student who walked into Howell High School would have one word on their minds, and that word would be love. We made a mistake. But at the time, we weren’t aware that it was a mistake.”

Also suspended were senior Derek Weber, 18, and an unnamed sophomore.

Shayna Kamilar’s father, Gregg Kamilar, said the district will arrange for the seniors to complete their studies so they can receive diplomas. He said he and the other parents are planning a separate commencement ceremony for their children and any other students wishing to participate.

The suspension decision came after tribunals evaluated the cases. Gregg Kamilar said the cost of removing the graffiti came to $1,392, which he expects the students will have to pay themselves.

“As a taxpayer, I would be upset if they didn’t make the students pay it,” he told the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus.