Ex-Gay Request Results in Cancellation of 'Diversity Day'

Family News in Focus
March 23, 2006

School Cancels Diversity Day Because it was Becoming Too Diverse

by Kim Trobee

Cancellation came about when ex-gays asked to address students.

Today was supposed to be Diversity Day at Viroqua High School in Wisconsin. It was called off, not by angry parents, but by a simple request to allow former homosexuals speak to students along with gay activists. Diversity Day was supposed to represent all races, faiths and ideas but Rena Lindevaldsen with Liberty Counsel says when Christians and ex-gays demanded a voice the district canceled the whole thing.

“There’s a bigger problem at issue here across America, the ex-gay perspective is not being represented. Our students are literally being lied to about homosexuality and the devastating lifestyle and the consequences of that.”

Chris Kruger is with the Pride Center, a gay advocacy group that was slated to participate. He claims concern for the feelings of gay students.

“Having a Christian viewpoint there would not necessarily be a bad thing, however, if it was a hateful group, one that would not present an atmosphere where we would feel comfortable talking, then that would definitely impede a discussion.”

Lindevaldsen argues that barring certain voices from participating doesn’t encourage diversity or tolerance. It simply allows a privileged few to silence others.

“We have groups that say they’re promoting tolerance but what they’re really doing is indoctrinating our youth with a particular message and are refusing to give the whole story.”

Attorneys for the district counseled administrators to cancel the event calling it a “hot button issue” that they would rather not deal with.

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PFOX note: Is your workplace, government agency or public school holding a gay pride/diversity/tolerance event of some kind? If so, would you request that they also include an ex-gay speaker or hold an ex-gay event? If they hold a gay event or speaker, then they must also provide equal access to other sexual orientations, including ex-gays. Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX) will help you by providing speakers and informative handouts for the ex-gay event. Contact PFOX.

At a time when former homosexuals are facing increasing intolerance, ex-gay presentations are important for others to recognize and appreciate the ex-gay community. Equal access to public facilities by ex-gays supports sexual orientation diversity and tolerance. Ask your workplace, agency or public school to sponsor an ex-gay event or speaker today!

Also available: Ex-gay brochures you can place in your student center, schools, libraries, diversity center, exhibit table, etc.