Demand ALL Proms Are Fair: Support the Student Non-Discrimination Act
Demand ALL Proms Are Fair: Support the Student Non-Discrimination Act
Why this petition matters
By now many have heard about the drama surrounding Prom at the Itawamba Agricultural High School in Mississippi. After a lesbian student named Constance McMillen was told she wouldn't be able to bring her girlfriend as her date to Prom, the ACLU intervened on her behalf and the school eventually cancelled the Prom altogether. School officials are currently encouraging a private prom be organized that can continue to deny Constance and her girlfriend entrance.
What's happening in Mississippi unfortunately happens all too often around the country, and not just during Prom season. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students -- and those students who are perceived to be LGBT or who associate with LGBT students -- are subjected to discrimination, including harassment, bullying, violence; and are deprived of equal access to educational opportunities.
Congressman Jared Polis took a stand earlier this year to fight for LGBT students when he introduced the Student Non-Discrimination Act. "Like Title VI for minorities in the 60s and Title IX for women in the 70s," Congressman Polis said at the time of the bill's introduction, "my legislation puts LGBT students on an equal footing with their peers, so they can attend school and get a quality education, free from fear.”
Tell your Representative in Congress to co-sponsor the Student Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 4530), so Constance McMillen -- and every student -- can have equal access to public education.