Source: WPTY TV, ACLU press release
MEMPHIS, TN -- A Memphis high school principal who "outed" two gay high school students in September 2007 violated the students' constitutional right to freedom of association, the American Civil Liberties Union charged today.
The ACLU said Daphne Beasley, the principal of Hollis F. Price Middle College High School, publicly told teachers and staff over the school's intercom system that she wanted the names of all student couples, "hetero and homo," because she wanted to monitor them personally to prevent students from engaging in public displays of affection.
The two students represented by ACLU attorneys, Andrew and Nicholas (who have asked that their last names not be revealed), were both A students who had been seeing each other for a short time and were attempting to keep their relationship quiet and private, according to an ACLU statement.
The principal heard about them through another student, then wrote their names on a list she posted next to her desk, in full view of anyone who entered her office.
Although the boys had never been observed by any school staff engaging in any sort of display of affection, the principal called Nicholas's mother Nichole.
According to Nichole, Beasley said things like "Did you know your son is gay?" repeatedly and went on to say that she didn't like gay people and wouldn't tolerate homosexuality at her school.
"This school has no business singling these boys out and taking away educational opportunities against them simply because they were dating," said Bruce Kramer, a partner at Borod and Kramer in Memphis and cooperating attorney on the case.
Andrew's mother, Andrea, saw the list when she met with the principal a few days after the list was posted.
"I couldn't believe it when I went to meet with the principal and that list was right there by her desk where anyone could see it," said Andrea, Andrew's mother.
"African American people face enough obstacles to succeeding in this world and I want my son to have every opportunity he's worked so hard for. Our schools should be helping our children do well, not tearing them down for something like this."
The ACLU sent a demand letter to the Memphis City School board on calling for the principal be reprimanded. The letter, which was made public today, states the boys have suffered "emotional distress and have been prevented from fully exercising their right to freedom of association."
The letter points out that the principal ordered the boys not to even walk or study together at school.
It says Beasley's "surveillance and intrusion into the personal lives of students" at the school "are not only highly disturbing but are violative of both state law and constitutional protections."
ACLU officials say school officials have confirmed that the list exists. In the letter sent to MCS board members, the ACLU points out the boys were told not to walk or study together while at school.
As a result of Beasley's list, the ACLU letter states, that, "because of a false perception that he would 'embarrass' the school by engaging in gay affection," Nicholas was not chosen as part of a team that was to travel to New Orleans to help rebuild homes.
"No student, particularly one who has a long history of community service, should be subject to discrimination based on his actual or perceived sexual orientation," the ACLU writes in its letter.
Full article: Memphis Principal Accused of "Outing" Gay Students | WPTY TV
ACLU Takes On High School Principal For Discriminating Against Male Couple | ACLU press release