Alternative Event for Author Greg Herren Set for Tomorrow Evening at Richmond Church
The ACLU of Virginia today asked Manchester High School in Chesterfield County to allow gay author Greg Herren to speak at the school tomorrow afternoon as originally planned. Herren’s invitation to address the members of the school’s Gay-Straight Alliance and other students was rescinded last week by Principal Peter Koste, who indicted that “concerns from the community” and possible “inappropriate” content led him to cancel the talk.
“This appears to be nothing more than raw discrimination against the Gay-Straight Alliance because it dares to address the issue of homosexuality in high schools,” said ACLU of Virginia executive director Kent Willis.
Despite being uninvited by the school, Herren, who is from New Orleans and writes mystery novels, will be in the area tomorrow to give a presentation. After hearing about the cancellation of the speech at Manchester High School, the Metropolitan Community Church offered Herren an alternative venue. MCC is located at 2501 Park Ave in Richmond. The event begins at 7 p.m. and the public is invited. (For more information on this event, contact Rev. Robin Gorsline at 804-343-9477.)
Although some of Herren’s writings may be considered erotic, he has made it clear that his talk with students would not include any discussion of sexual activity or sexually explicit language.
In a letter faxed earlier today to Koste, the ACLU expressed concerns about other actions taken by Manchester High Schools officials that discriminate against the GSA. The ACLU has been told by representatives of the GSA that it is not allowed to use its full name in the posters it displays in school, nor is it allowed to state in announcements that GSA meetings are open to all students, including those who are gay, straight or questioning.
The ACLU also learned that the Manchester High School GSA received approval to operate for only one year, but that no such restrictions apply to other student clubs.
“Based on the information we have been able to obtain, we believe there is a pattern of illegal discrimination against the GSA at Manchester High School and that the cancellation of invitation is merely the most recent example of that pattern.” added Willis. “We want assurances from officials at Manchester High School that the Gay-Straight Alliance will receive the same treatment as other student clubs. The school can start by contacting Mr. Herren today and re-inviting him to speak at the school tomorrow afternoon.”
For a copy of today’s letter from ACLU of Virginia legal director Rebecca Glenberg to Manchester High School Principal Peter Koste, contact the ACLU of Virginia at 804-644-8022 or acluva@acluva.org
