Arguments Set For Monday In Cancellation Of School Prom
Written by Chris Joyner Thursday, 18 March 2010 07:27
Constance McMillen is pictured at left is standing outside Itawamba Agricultural High School in Fulton, Mississippi. The Itawamba County School Board has canceled the school prom after she challenged its prohibition on same-sex dates.
U.S. District Court Judge Glen Davidson will hear arguments Monday in Aberdeen on whether to reverse the Itawamba County School Board decision to cancel a high school prom after a student challenged its prohibition on same-sex dates.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi has asked for an injunction reinstating the April 2 dance at Itawamba Agricultural High School. The ACLU alleges the school district violated the First Amendment right to free expression of Constance McMillen, a lesbian student, when she was told she could not bring her girlfriend to the dance or wear a tuxedo.
Following a meeting last week, the school board issued a statement that the prom was being canceled because of "distractions to the educational process."
Cleveland lawyer Benjamin Griffith of Cleveland, who has expertise in representing local governments in civil rights cases, will serve as Itawamba's attorney.
McMillen is represented by ACLU attorneys from Jackson and Washington with additional attorneys from New Orleans and New York.
Her case has emerged as a cause celebre among gay rights advocates around the nation.
On Friday, she will be a guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and comedienne Wanda Sykes has invited McMillen to attend the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation awards next month.
There has been some protest in McMillen's hometown of Fulton.
A handful of adults Sunday posted signs at the high school supporting the school board's decision.
Read the original article in The Clarion Ledger
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