Constance McMillen, an 18-year-old high school senior has been in the media spotlight since her school district decided to cancel the school’s prom rather than allow her to escort her girlfriend. The ACLU filed a lawsuit on her behalf demanding the school district reverse that decision.
Though U.S. district judge Glen Davidson ruled that the Itawamba County School District violated McMillen’s constitutional rights, he would not force the school to hold the event. Davidson stated that he would hold a trial on the issue.
District officials decided to cancel the prom “after taking into consideration the education, safety and wellbeing of our students.” However the decision certainly did nothing for the safety and well-being of McMillen, who has missed school in the face of hostility from her classmates since the cancellation.
Victory for McMillen in this case will set a precedent for other LGBT youth who want equal recognition of their relationships at school activities.
