Students petition... high school cancels production of play about slain gay man

[Jessica_Rose]

Students petition after high school cancels production of play about slain gay man

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/students-petition-after-high-school-cancels-production-of-play-about-slain-gay-man/ar-BB1j7GO4?ocid=windirect&cvid=7a13e22bc97e457cb8f90601a68c225b&ei=13

Story by John Russell (29 Feb 2024)

A high school in Fort Worth, Texas, canceled a student production of The Laramie Project recently, sparking outrage from many in the community.

According to The Dallas Morning News, Timber Creek High School officials provided no explanation when they informed parents of the cancelation in an email last Friday. They said only that they were "working on developing an alternative production opportunity" for students" and that students would "still have an opportunity to read, discuss, and analyze the play" about the aftermath of the 1998 murder of gay Wyoming college student Matthew Shepard "during the school day."

"By banning this play, we are not only suppressing an important piece of history but also denying our students a chance to understand and empathize with the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community," a statement on the petition's website reads. "The absence of such narratives can lead to ignorance, prejudice, and discrimination."

It also cites a 2019 FBI report ranking Texas third in the nation for incidence of hate crimes. "It's essential that our education system works towards creating awareness about these issues rather than shying away from them," the petition reads.