Prom canceled after lesbian submits a date request

[ZombieHorde]

by Tonya Kemble

Students at a northern Mississippi school got some truly disappointing news yesterday when they were told that prom would be canceled. If we can learn anything from John Hughes, it is that school dances are pivotal moments in the high school experience. So, why would the school board choose to cancel such a momentous event?

Constance McMillen has the answer. She is a student at Itawamba County Agricultural High School and she is a lesbian. McMillen wanted to wear a tuxedo and bring her girlfriend as her date. This request was against school policy, so Constance got the American Civil Liberties Union involved to help her out. While the school board did not specifically say McMillen's request is the reason why they decided to cancel the April 2, 2010 dance, they did cite recent "distractions" as a cause.

In a time when the nation's students are subjected to both old-fashioned, and perhaps more vicious, cyber-bullying the Itawamba County school district has put a gigantic target on Constance McMillen's back. They have essentially cast her in the role of the "Grinch Who Stole Prom" when all she wanted was the right to bring a date of her choosing.

Regardless of political or moral beliefs, parents should agree that schools must be a safe haven and a model for tolerance. Itawamba does have a non-discrimination policy, but this policy does not include sexual orientation. This is common for many schools. Locally, teens have gathered together to correct this omission.

http://www.examiner.com/x-5567-St-Louis-Parenting-Examiner~y2010m3d11-Prom-canceled-after-lesbian-submits-a-date-request

[HockeyMom]

1. True

To most young people it is a non issue. It is the parents and school district officials that seem to have the problems.

I am the mother of both gay and straight daughters. My older gay daughter went to the Prom dressed in a gown along with her girlfried, also dressed in a gown. They doubled dated with a gay male couple. On first glance nobody knew. When they got to the Prom, they simpled stayed with their REAL dates.

My younger straight daughter did NOT go to her Prom even though she had a steady boyfriend. Why? She refused to wear a DRESS and wanted to go her ice hockey tournament instead. Actually, the only time she has ever worn a dress was at her WEDDING last year.

Ironic, huh? Take that, you homophobs!!!!!!!

[mitchtv]

2. typical Xian Scumbags

ROT IN HELL , IDIOTS

[Ian David]

3. Atheist group offers to hold gay-friendly prom

Atheist group offers to hold gay-friendly prom
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=7903373&mesg_id=7903373

[EFerrari]

4. Update: NOLA hotel owner has invited the WHOLE CLASS to come to his place

via buses and have their prom there.

MS Safe Schools Coalition is coordinating

Second Chance Prom

Constance McMillen was denied the opportunity to attend prom with her girlfriend.
Press Release

Unfortunately this story is all too familiar in Mississippi. The ACLU of Mississippi is working with Constance to get the official school prom reinstated. But if you are interested in donating to a second prom for Constance, the other students at Itawamba High, and the ongoing efforts of the MSSC to make sure LGBT students in MS are protected and treated with dignity in the future, please click on the link below.

NOTE: To earmark money for the MSSC's work please put "MSSC" in the "Why are you donating?" field or email Jennifer Carr at [e-mail] after donating.

https://co.clickandpledge.com/sp/d1/default.aspx?wid=26771

The MSSC is organizing its Second Chance Prom, this year in Constance's community, so that ALL students, gay and straight, at Itawamba will have the opportunity to be themselves at the prom. We thank you very much for your support! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

(hotlinks at link)

http://mssafeschools.org/

[TexasObserver]

5. recommend