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Lesbian Student Denied Right to Graduate Because she is a Lesbian
Melanie Nathan – 11-15-10;- KWTV News is reporting that an 18-year-old Melissa McKenzie said she was kicked out of Del City High School in Del City, Okla., at the beginning of the semester when the principal found out she was living with her girlfriend instead of her family. The principal then told her if she returned to her family’s home, she would be welcomed back to school.
The two students who are now fighting to graduate, believe the refusal is because the principle discovered that they were living together as a couple. I imagine the relevant question is whether or not the principle would refuse graduation for a straight couple living together – which from age 18 above would be legal. Does a principle have the right to dictate where a student should live as a condition for graduation?
Kelsey Hicks (pictured), McKenzie’s girlfriend, dropped out of school but wanted to finish her education so she could become a firefighter. Upon asking school leaders if she could return, she said they instead encouraged her to drop out says the report.
“The principal will say ‘Well, you’re gay. You’re not going to do anything with your life. You might as well just drop out now,’” Hicks said. “It’s stuff to put you down that makes you want to drop out.” Sourced at Advocate.com
School administrators defended their stance, saying neither of the former students filed complaints, though Hicks said she has contacted members of the school board about the problem.
“It is the policy of the Mid-Del Public School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs, services, and activities,” said a statement from district officials. “The safety of our students is always the priority of Mid-Del Schools.”
14 Responses to Lesbian Student Denied Right to Graduate Because she is a Lesbian
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dcmom3
November 21, 2010 at 9:52 pm
I am a DCHS alumni and the proud mother of a DCHS open lesbian senior. You need to recheck this story. http://www.news9.com/Global/story.asp?S=13540782 & http://www.autostraddle.com/del-city-story-raises-questions-67388/ I am happy that so many people are willing to come to the defense of these girls, however, we should get the facts before jumping to conclusions. The LGBT community at DCHS is outraged. My daughter is outraged. They love their school and their principals.
Susan
November 19, 2010 at 8:44 am
This is shocking and intolerable.
My daughter is a gorgeous, tall, thin model-esque blue-eyed blonde.She is also a 14-year-old lesbian who is in honors math and science. Her dream is to attend an ivy league school and become a microbiologist. My daughter is so incredibly bright and special, she will probably discover a cure for disease. My daughter doesn’t waste time wearing cleavage revealing clothing, gossipping or chasing boys. She diligently works and serves others. While other girls her age are crying into their texting devices over the stupid things boys their age do, she is attending her Math League meets, helping her family or singing in the school choir. She will most likely go on to “do” more with her life than be a lousy, homophobic school principal in a podunk town.
Melanie Nathan
November 19, 2010 at 11:40 am
Susan, thank you for your post – I love nothing more than a proud mom – oh yes and of course the kid that makes the mom so proud! I hope that with your experience you help advocate for equality; we need as many proud moms as we can get. Have you joined PFLAG? Also keep your eye on the work of GetEQUAL as next year they will be mobilizing around the USA for winning hearts and minds…… best, mel
Amber
November 16, 2010 at 12:06 am
When I went to school you had to live with your parents while attending school UNLESS you were legally emancipated.
The principal might be biased and homophobic. But, the fact is, emancipation wasn’t even hinted at in this article. And the school board district will most likely take this side of situation.
Melanie Nathan
November 16, 2010 at 12:19 am
Actually if you are over 18 you are no longer a minor – so the school board could be constitutionally challenged – if not already done elsewhere over another issue.
Pam
November 15, 2010 at 9:47 pm
Melanie, is that really all there was to the situation? It ended “just like that” with nothing else? Seems to me the full picture is not being published… or written. A little sensationalism?
Melanie Nathan
November 15, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Pam, there are parts of the story that need more investigating clearly – we should get more answers soon. The story just broke – so I am sure it is still unfolding. Maybe there will be more action like a law suit or maybe more to be revealed. We are keeping an eye on its developments. Thanks for commenting
Melanie Nathan
November 15, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Just added Video of the interview – see what you think…. Pam
John S
November 15, 2010 at 7:32 pm
It is time for the ACLU to step in plain and simple.
Melanie Nathan
November 15, 2010 at 8:33 pm
I posted my article on the FB page of ACLU OKLA – maybe more of you readers should too….mel
Cold War Vet
November 15, 2010 at 5:31 pm
I’d cut his car tires on a daily basis.
Melanie Nathan
November 15, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Yes like no gay doctor has ever saved a life? No gay teacher has ever taught a child, no gay nurse has ever stitched a wound, no gay American has ever paid taxes, no gay attorney has ever secured a settlement…. of course the list goes on…
Amanda
November 15, 2010 at 3:33 pm
I do not think she should be getting into trouble. I do not agree with the principals decisions. He should be fired for being sexist and discrimination.
samthor
November 15, 2010 at 3:18 pm
“Well, you’re gay. You’re not going to do anything with your life.”… wow.