Homophobic Students, Teacher Want to Ban Gays From Indiana High School Prom

Posted on Feb 11, 2013

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Diana Medley, a special education teacher at Sullivan High School, is among those who approve of the idea of holding a discriminatory “traditional prom” for straight students only.

Some students, parents and even a special education teacher are taking it upon themselves to ensure that their high school’s prom includes a heavy dose of discrimination by calling for the exclusion of gay attendees.

The group members met over the weekend at Sullivan First Christian Church to figure out how they can hold a “traditional prom.” The goal, they say, is to get the high school in Sullivan, Ind., to hold one that is “separate but equal.”

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“If we can get a good prom then we can convince more people to come and follow what they believe,” student Kynon Johnson told NBC 2.

“We want to make the public see that we love the homosexuals, but we don’t think it’s right nor should it be accepted,” said student Bonnie McCammon.

Along with parents and local pastors who supported the throwback initiative, one teacher also spoke out in favor of the homophobic prom.

“I believe that it was life circumstances and they chose to be that way; God created everyone equal,” said special ed teacher Diana Medley. “Homosexual students come to me with their problems, and I don’t agree with them, but I care about them. It’s the same thing with my special needs kids, I think God puts everyone in our lives for a reason.”

Asked if she thought gays also “have a purpose in live,” Medley responded, “No, I honestly don’t. Sorry, but I don’t.”

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Fortunately, not everyone shares these bigoted views. A counter campaign has launched that calls for the school to do the right thing by allowing all students to attend the prom. The Facebook group “Support the Sullivan High School Prom for All Students” states, “This page was started by concerned citizens of southern Indiana. We are not affiliated with Sullivan High School in any way. We simply wanted to show support for the school and those in the community who support LGBT rights.”

LGBT activist Dan Savage also weighed in on the news. He wrote on his blog that “There’s no way to stop the haters at Sullivan High School from holding an independent prom for the special bigoted kids. But here’s what we can do: we can make a noise so loud enough that all the queer kids at Sullivan High School hear it. Those kids need to know that there are people—a lot of people—who think this shit is wrong.”

—Posted by Tracy Bloom.

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