The following is in response to the Associated Press article: Lesbian teen back at Miss. school after prom flap
The Scoop
Photo released by Constance McMillen's family via The ACLU of Mississippi, taken in Fulton, MI
An article was just published in the news today about a girl in Mississippi whose homosexuality is suspected to be the cause of the school board’s decision to cancel prom.
Constance McMillen, an 18-year-old high school senior, knew that in the Itawamba County school district in which she lived, prom dates are required to be of the opposite sex. Knowing that same-sex couples had been turned away from proms in the past, McMillen decided to approach her school’s officials to let them know that she was lesbian and that she hoped to bring her girlfriend to the prom and wear a tuxedo.
The officials told McMillen that she would not be allowed to arrive with her girlfriend, that she would not be allowed to wear a tuxedo, and that she would be asked to leave if she made other students “uncomfortable.” A memo was sent out to the entire student body shortly afterwords, stating that (among other requirements) couples must be of the opposite sex at the prom.
The American Civil Liberties Union became involved, stating that it was McMillen’s constitutional right to attend prom with her girlfriend. The ACLU subsequently demanded that the school board’s opposite sex policy be changed by March 11th. Instead, the school board canceled the prom and issued the following statement:
It is our hope that private citizens will organize an event for the juniors and seniors… However, at this time, we feel that it is in the best interest of the Itawamba County School District, after taking into consideration the education, safety and well being of our students.
My Thoughts
Naturally, here at Search For Balance, I take a logical approach to everything. Let’s first take a look at the facts before drawing any conclusions or taking any sides.
First off, I have to give kudos to McMillen for standing up for her rights. It is not easy being in a member of a stigmatized minority group. I think she did the right thing in talking to the school officials before the prom rather than showing up with her girlfriend, knowing it would make a scene.
This being said, I believe McMillen is certainly not in the wrong for her actions. She had the choice, as a lesbian, to either play a part in order to fit in with the majority of her school, or she could ask to enjoy her prom as any of the other students would. Why should she hide her identity when no one else is obligated to?
The ACLU also plays a large role in this. I don’t know the details of how the ACLU got involved (whether McMillen sought them out, or otherwise), so I can’t really react to their actions. Since it is the ACLU’s job to point out the denial of human and civil rights in America, it does make sense that they would confront the Mississippi school board.
In terms of the Itawamba County school district, I don’t see how their decision to cancel prom is justifiable. Once again, I don’t know all the details, so I cannot come to any firm conclusions. They did not state specifically that the cancellation of the prom was directly a result of McMillen; although, many speculate that this was the primary reason. Prom is a significant staple for American high schools, and most schools would not cancel it were it not for a serious incident. And since the school can point to no other specific events leading up to this decision, the answer seems pretty clear.
It would not be the first time a school has threatened to cancel prom because of a homosexual student. A student in Alabama had a similar experience when requesting to bring her girlfriend to the prom. The school threatened to cancel the event and asked that the student not attend. Recently the decision was withdrawn and the student can now attend her prom with her girlfriend as requested.
As for McMillen, I feel terrible for her. The other students may now (and it being high school, probably will) blame her for the school’s decision and chastise her. She seems like a strong person, so I have faith that she will overcome it; though, it is a situation that no one deserves to experience.
What do you think? I’d love to hear your opinions on the issue. Was the situation handled well? What do you think should be done? Please leave your comments in the box bellow!
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