Queer Valedictorian's silenced LGBTQ identity speech may see federal Civil Rights review

[brooklynite]

Courier-Post

LVOORHEES Eastern Regional High School's 2021 valedictorian was silenced briefly during commencement remarks about mental illness and his own experience as a queer-identifying teen surviving high school.

Now, the Voorhees school district wants a federal agency to review whether it acted improperly in muting Bryce Dershem's microphone and allegedly crumpling the paper copy of his speech on the dias before 450 graduates and their families.

Bryce Dershem's valedictorian speech about his queerness and mental health was cut short by school administrators.
Eastern Regional Camden County High School District Superintendent Robert Cloutier told the Courier Post Monday he has directed school district attorney Anthony Padovani "to contact an appropriate government agency to conduct an independent review."

Padovani said he's filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights in Cherry Hill, requesting the agency investigate whether the school district discriminated against Dershem.

[3Hotdogs]

2. Noos Flash !!! Save the attorney's money for the court fine.

They discriminated against Dershem.

[70sEraVet]

3. I am in awe of the strength of these young people.

Gives me hope.