Indiana Teens Push for "Traditional" Prom Banning LGBT Classmates

Sullivan High School in Sullivan, Indiana found itself in the media spotlight this week after a group of students pushed for a separate "traditional" prom that would ban gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students from attending. The students pushing for the "traditional" prom met after Sullivan High Principal David Springer told the local news that "anybody can go to the prom."

Perhaps most alarming are the dangerous, homophobic comments from special education teacher Diana Medley, who compared "homosexual students" to her "special needs kids" and referred to homosexuality as a choice. When asked if she thought gays "have a purpose in life," Medley said, "No, I honestly don't. Sorry, but I don't. ... A gay person isn't going to come up and make some change unless it's to realize that it was a choice and they're choosing God."

Hearing this story reminded us of NOH8 Supporter Constance McMillen (pictured), whose request to bring her girlfriend and wear a tux to her Mississippi prom was rejected in 2010.

Constance's prom was then cancelled briefly before finally being rescheduled; but the discrimination didn't stop there. While the rescheduled prom that would allow all students (including Constance) to attend appeared to be official, parents of students in Constance's class organized a secret prom excluding Constance.

The controversy in Indiana serves as a harsh reminder of the discrimination that LGBT youth continue to face, even after stories like Constance's are heard. We commend the students, teachers, and other administrators respecting and supporting ALL classmates!