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from Gay Activism in the Schools
'Diversity Day' Canceled
To Avoid Ex-Gay Viewpoint
March 24, 2006 -
Officials at Viroqua High School recently canceled a planned
Diversity Day after
the Liberty Counsel suggested that an ex-gay viewpoint should be represented
during the event.
Instead of permitting an ex-gay to speak to give a diverse viewpoint from the
gay couple scheduled to speak, the event planners shut down the day altogether.
According to event planner Ellen Byers, "Non-positive groups were not what we
were going for."
Chris Kruger with the gay Pride Center, said: "Having a Christian viewpoint
there would not necessarily be a bad thing, however, if it was a hateful group,
one that would not present an atmosphere where we would feel comfortable
talking, then that would definitely impede a discussion."
Liberty Counsel sent a letter of concern to school officials over the lack of an
ex-gay viewpoint. In the letter, the LC said: "By excluding the Christian and
ex-gay viewpoints, the (Viroqua) District violates the Establishment Clause and
the Fourteenth Amendment guarantee of equal protection."
Gregg Attleson, another organizer of Diversity Day, told a local newspaper that
its purpose was to expose children to minorities and people with alternative
lifestyles. According to Attleson, the gay couple refused to speak after they
learned that an ex-gay might be included in Diversity Day.
Additional Reading:
Sexual Orientation Consensus Guidelines Include ExGays...;
Gay Activism in the Schools.
Updated: 8 February 2008
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