Ah, the Deep South. It is often spoke of as a backwater and racist den of good ol’ boys striking deals and lynching black men from jail. The fact the Itawamba County School District recently canceled the high school prom over sexual orientation really isn’t a surprise to me. It’s very disappointing, but not a surprise.
I have long been an ally for LGBT issues and fully support Constance McMillen in this issue; however, I must also not find fault with the school district.
I do not agree with their decision and think they acted cowardly and against the ideals of the United States. It is unfortunate to report they are acting within the laws of the United States – something the ACLU and others are forgetting.
First, remember that in the United States, sexual orientation is not a protected class. It should be, but it isn’t. This means that employers and the government can freely discriminate against anyone who isn’t heterosexual. In the 21st century, this is something that really needs to be changed. While some states have made sexual orientation a protected class, the federal government still has not. This shortfall enables states, like Mississippi, to freely discriminate.
Second, one must remember that this is a school event. Public educational institutions have been given a wide berth when constructing rules for students. This is one reason that school uniforms are permitted on campus. A dance, is a school-sponsored event, so the district has the established precedence to dictate what individuals can wear. In fact, schools can even determine who can and cannot attend events.
Finally, let’s not forget that this dance is paid for by the district. They have the right to hold or cancel events as they see fit. While the reason for canceling this event is a crock of crap, they still have the right to do so.
I certainly hope the district learns a lesson from this fiasco, but more importantly, I hope America learns a lesson and finally rises up and demands equal protection for all.
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