As you’ll recall, a lesbian student who wanted to wear a tuxedo and bring her girlfriend to the Itawamba Agricultural High School prom was prevented from doing so when the school’s administration canceled the event, citing “distractions.” The American Civil Liberties Union has since sued the high school for violating Constance McMillen’s rights. However, while Judge Glen H. Davidson has denied the ACLU’s demand that the high school go ahead with the prom, he has ruled that McMillen’s rights were violated.
It isn’t known at this time what the final result will be for McMillen, other than vindication and the knowledge that a precedent has now been set for the rights of gay and lesbian teens across the country. To be sure, the ordeal hasn’t been an easy one for the teenager, who is still considering whether or not to attend a privately-held replacement prom. “I want to go because all my junior and senior class will be there,” she said, “but I don’t want to be somewhere I’m not welcomed.”
There is a silver lining to this story, however. At her appearance on the Ellen Degeneres Show, McMillen was presented with $30,000 college scholarship from digital media company Tonic. This too shall pass for Constance, and she will emerge all the better for having been tested. It’s not every day that one becomes a champion for one’s lifestyle, but she’s handling it very well, and should be proud of herself. Let’s teach our kids that it’s the grit in life that produces greatness, and that we always have the option to shrink from a challenge, or meet it head-on.
