A Christian school outside Atlanta was forced to withdraw by seniors just weeks before graduation after attending prom with a transgender boy.
Emily Wright, who had been attending North Cob Christian School until recently, went to a senior prom held at an off-campus venue with a friend who had not attended school.
“It was an off property. I signed a form that allowed her to bring guests,” Emily’s mother, Tricia Wright, told Atlanta Fox affiliates. Waga TVPlease note that the only limitation of the form was related to the age of the guest.
Ten days after the prom, Emily was called to the principal’s office.
“I was asked, ‘Is there anything I should know about the guests you brought to the prom?” And I knew exactly what they were talking about, so I said, ‘Yes, he’s transgender,'” Emily said, explaining the school’s response.
The school called Tricia and asked if she knew her daughter had brought a transgender guest to the prom. When she responded positively, the principal reportedly told her.
According to Baptist News GlobalNorth Cob Christian School was founded in 1983 as an alternative to conservative evangelical Christianity to replace Atlanta’s public school system. The school receives taxpayer funding under the Georgia School Voucher Program.
Todd Klingman, principal and principal of North Cob Christian School, is a graduate of Liberty University, a right-wing college founded by anti-LGBTQ Christian conservative Jerry Falwell. He previously served as principal and high school principal at two separate Christian academies in Texas.
Klingman’s personal views are unclear, but it is not shocking that anyone who embraces the Falwell-type view of morality may have problems with perceptions of LGBTQ identity, even at off-campus venues.
All over the country, other Christian schools have a clearer anti-LGBTQ policy, but have moved to firing gay or transgender students, LGBTQ teachers or administrators and denying entry to same-sex couple children.
Tricia Wright was shocked by the decision, believing that the school’s response was not a Christian attitude.
Wright said the school argues that its core values ​​are “love for God, neighbors, self” and “respect for people, property, ideas.”
Wright said First Atlanta news The school’s rulebook states nothing that LGBTQ individuals are not permitted to attend school events.
She understands North Cob Christian School as a private institution with different rules than public schools, but she believes the school is more charitable and welcome.
“That’s not a good example, in my opinion: not kindness, not loving, not accepting, not inclusive, not inclusive,” she said.
Emily cried to learn that she would be forced to withdraw from school.
“I thought my future was in danger. “Are you going to school? Where are you going to graduate?” Emily told Waga.
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
