Ken Schram: Petty and small-minded educators
Fulton, Mississippi is a long way from Seattle, Washington.
But in some respects, it's closer than we'd like to think.
Constance McMillen didn't think it would come to this.
The 18-year-old high school senior didn't want to believe that the Itawamba County School District would cancel her high school prom because she planned on wearing a rented tuxedo and bringing her girlfriend as her date.
Now the whole nation has picked a side in the controversy, including the ACLU which has filed a lawsuit seeking a court order, hoping to force the school district to hold the prom.
Petty and small-minded educators, and I use that latter term loosely, have maliciously pitted this young woman against all those who have no tolerance or understanding of what it took for her to openly acknowledge her sexuality.
And what of gay and lesbian students here in our area and around the country?
Surely they're watching this drama unfold, weighing how to tell their family and their friends about their own sexual identity?
The bottom line: When it comes to gays and lesbians, discrimination, animosity and vindictiveness are, sadly, not limited to rural Mississippi school districts.
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Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com.
But in some respects, it's closer than we'd like to think.
Constance McMillen didn't think it would come to this.
The 18-year-old high school senior didn't want to believe that the Itawamba County School District would cancel her high school prom because she planned on wearing a rented tuxedo and bringing her girlfriend as her date.
Now the whole nation has picked a side in the controversy, including the ACLU which has filed a lawsuit seeking a court order, hoping to force the school district to hold the prom.
Petty and small-minded educators, and I use that latter term loosely, have maliciously pitted this young woman against all those who have no tolerance or understanding of what it took for her to openly acknowledge her sexuality.
And what of gay and lesbian students here in our area and around the country?
Surely they're watching this drama unfold, weighing how to tell their family and their friends about their own sexual identity?
The bottom line: When it comes to gays and lesbians, discrimination, animosity and vindictiveness are, sadly, not limited to rural Mississippi school districts.
---
Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com.