IN School Will Not Discipline Homophobic Teacher

The Northeast School Cooperation will not discipline a teacher who told media sources that LGBT students have no purpose in life.

Earlier this week Sullivan High School came under scrutiny as students, parents, and faculty rallied to create a "traditional" prom that would exclude gay students. The group met last Sunday at Sullivan First Christian Church to plan and discuss the event. Sullivan High School special education teacher, Diana Medley, was interviewed by local media about her strong support for a separate event. When asked if she believed gay students had a purpose in life, Medley told NBC 2, "No I honestly don't. Sorry, but I don't. I don't understand it. A gay person isn't going to come up and make some change unless it's to realize that it was a choice and they're choosing God."

On Tuesday, the Superintendent for the Northeast School Cooperation, Mark Baker, released a statement [PDF] that defended Medley's remarks. He wrote, "In regards to the story that WTWO aired on February 10, 2013, the Northeast School Corporation employee that was interviewed was expressing her First Amendment rights. The views expressed are not the views of the Northeast School Corporation and/or the Board of Education." The statement made no indication of any disciplinary or remedial action against Medley on how her views could impact students or any position on a separate prom excluding gay students.

Media Resources: ThinkProgress 2/13/2013; Northeast School Cooperation 2/12/2013; Feminist Newswire 2/11/2013

© Feminist Majority Foundation, publisher of Ms. magazine

If you liked this story, consider making a tax-deductible donation to support Ms. magazine.