Student Banned From Yearbook Because He is Gay
A high school in Arkansas banned a yearbook interview with a gay student because he talked about his experience coming-out.
Officials at Sheridan High School decided to pull the interview of openly gay student Taylor Ellis from the Yellowjacket yearbook because it was not in line with “the mission of our school,” CNN reported.
"We must make decisions that lead in the proper direction for all of our students and for our community," Sheridan School District Superintendent Brenda Haynes said in a Tuesday statement obtained by CNN. The school didn't just ban Ellis' profile, but seven others. “The seven profiles will not be published in the yearbook.
"We have reviewed state law, court cases, and our own policies," Haynes continued. "It is clear that the adults who have the responsibility for the operation of the District have the obligation to make decisions which are consistent with the mission of our school. We have done so."
In the interview, Ellis, a 17-year-old junior, said at first he was afraid of being honest about his sexuality. But "he found that most of the student body, as well as the teachers, were very accepting of him," the profile said according to CNN.
Ellis, who came out a year ago, said he did not understand why the school decided not to publish his interview.
"It's not something I'm ashamed of," Ellis said according to Arkansas News. "In fact, I'm proud of who I am. That's why I can't understand why my school was trying for force me back into the closet."
The Human Rights Campaign, which advocates on behalf of the LGBT community, has started an online petition to get the high school to reinsert the interview. The organization has collected over 30,000 signatures so far, according to Arkansas News.
"This discriminatory exclusion by Sheridan High School administrators has nothing to do with Arkansas values," HRC President Chad Griffin said according to KATV, a CNN affiliate.
Ellis said his high school is "history" once he graduates.
"When I'm done with Sheridan, I'm done with Sheridan. I have one more year, and after that I’ll thank God every day that I'm not there anymore," KATV reported.
By Oulimata Ba |
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