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Recently, the Itawamba County School District, in Mississippi, canceled the high school prom because a lesbian student had asked if she could show up in drag and with her girlfriend. The school district officials stated that they hoped that a private group not bound by the same laws as a school district would hold an unofficial prom to replace the school prom. Apparently, this is actually going to happen.
But it is not going to be what they were thinking, exactly......
Humanists Prepare to Hold LGBT-Inclusive Prom in MississippiThe American Humanist Association (AHA) stepped forward today and offered to plan and fund a prom for the Itawamba County Agricultural High School in Mississippi. The Itawamba County School District made headlines earlier this week by cancelling their prom rather than letting a lesbian student, Constance McMillen, bring her girlfriend as her date.
"It's shameful that closed-minded members of the school board are prepared to deprive an entire class of students their prom over their outdated religious mores." said Roy Speckhardt, Executive Director of the AHA. "People can hold to any belief or no belief in this nation, but the school board misuses their position when they try to impose their beliefs on the student population in Itawamba."
McMillen was barred from the prom after making it known that she intended to bring a same-sex date. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Mississippi became involved and demanded the school reverse its policy. The school board responded by cancelling the prom.
"The ACLU is doing good work in Mississippi, and we humanists can also bring resources to the table that will defend students from a repressive school board," added Speckhardt. "Prom is a special event for teens across America; we'll make sure it's a special night for these students as well."
AHA members Todd and Diana Stiefel made a $20,000 grant available to the AHA for the purpose of holding a prom in Itawamba County. The AHA will be discussing logistics with the pertinent parties today.
Humanists and freethinkers have a history of speaking up for the rights of all. The AHA was among the first to support civil rights, equal pay for equal work, and the right of same-sex couples to marry. Recently the AHA launched the LGBT Humanist Council to advance equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families. (www.lgbthumanists.org).
The American Humanist Association (www.americanhumanist.org) advocates for the rights and viewpoints of humanists. Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., its work is extended through more than 100 local chapters and affiliates across America.
Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism, affirms our responsibility to lead ethical lives of value to self and humanity.
Bwahahahahaha!!!!! Suckah School District got Pwned!!!!
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Comments
Really EXCELLENT. A true Pwning.
Posted by: Terry Wilson | March 14, 2010 12:16 AM
Probably the school board will try to penalize students who go in some way--thus ensuring that the students remember the humanists as the cool parent who wanted to let them have fun and the fundamentalists as the mean parent who tried to stop them.
Posted by: Kerrick | March 14, 2010 12:30 AM
Kerrick, although I hope you are wrong, I'm sure you are right.
Posted by: Greg Laden | March 14, 2010 1:53 AM
Also, some students and parents will doubtless be organized to hold anti-gay prayers either inside the private prom, or outside, but will be met with smiles and toleration.
Posted by: HalfMooner | March 14, 2010 2:37 AM
I doubt many school districts in Mississippi have $20,000 to spend on a prom. I do hope that if the fundies keep there kids out of the prom, that they can truly make it a 'Night to Remember' for the kids who attend. Of course those who made the choice to stay home will harbor a great deal of resentment towards the girls who "messed up their big night."
Posted by: gwen | March 14, 2010 6:20 AM
It will be interesting to see how many of that class will show up to that private prom, even if it is funded for them. My guess is that the bigotry runs as a very high percentage and few will show up/sign up. It may be canceled yet due to lack of participation.
Posted by: NewEnglandBob | March 14, 2010 6:54 AM
The Kids will have a great time...The parents are not as cool as the kids. Don't worry.
Posted by: Terry Swanson | March 14, 2010 4:39 PM
As long as the students have a prom to attend. The girl should be allowed to attend whichever prom- private or public. The rest of the class should not suffer nor should she. Also the girl should not have been awarded money. That money could have been used to buy the Prom Dresses and tuxes for all students or put towards making the almost canceled prom that much better.
Posted by: Sandy Swiss | July 22, 2010 11:41 AM