Eureka Students Protest for Gay Rights

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Eureka Students Protest for Gay Rights

By Michelle Mantel

A group of Eureka High School students are facing disciplinary action after a protest today.

Students say they're protesting for Gay Rights, but school officials disagree with the students' need to protest.

Eureka High School students line up, petitioning for equal gay rights.
The students say they're protesting because school officials at Eureka allegedly told a boy's parents he was gay. Those students say that boy now faces problems at school and at home.

"I guess he was in his car, he kissed his boyfriend and at the dance they were dancing together and someone from administration called and told his parents and his parents gave him six weeks to get out," said student Taryn Guzman.

The School District refuses to comment any further on the issue or how it was handled. But say ALL students will be disciplined if they don't follow rules laid out in a handbook.

"I think they just had some misinformation they don't understand the whole story and so that's why they're protesting against something but we handled everything properly we're 100% legal we follow the handbook," said Distrct 140 Superintendent Randy Crump.

But those lining the streets are more than happy to voice their opinions, and say their signs symbolize more than just a gay disciplined student

"I have a best friend whose bi–sexual too and we can't be around each other because it's wrong but then a heterosexual couple in the hall can hang on each other and not get in trouble," said Guzman.

The students also made and wore t–shirts to re–enforce their hopeful goal: equality. Even though officials say they don't discriminate.

"We don't discriminate whatever the student may be we don't discriminate," said Crump.

Some of the protesters say they've been here all day, starting at 7:30 this morning. Others say they'll continue with their pride, continue with their mission to send their message to the public by wearing these shirts to the Eureka football game tonight.

School officials say the students who skipped class to protest will face disciplinary action.

Friday, Jan 9 at 7:07 PM dragon wrote ...

hi gay bad straight good y is this so hard. i go to ehs and all these peeps who r friekin out in this comments r the 1s who shuld just plain be kicked out of school. theyre the ones who r always trying to start trouble and this is just a way to get more attention and make them feel special without the drugs which they are probably already back to by now since they havent come up with anything good since

Wednesday, Dec 17 at 7:38 PM EHS Student wrote ...

I am a student at EHS and I feel that this protest was not needed. The staff member did not call the gay kid's dad to tell him that he was gay, he called to tell his dad that his kid was "dirty dancing" at a school dance (which happened to be with another guy). The staff member had every right to call his parents for breaking a rule in the handbook. These kids were just protesting for the sake of protesting, they weren't being void of any rights.

Friday, Oct 10 at 8:19 AM Gina wrote ...

Maybe the Eureka High School needs to teach some of you kids how to spell. . . I would be embarrassed to use my first and last name on a blog and have everyone see that I can't spell. You need to grow up a little if you really want people to take you seriously. As for the protest, homosexuality is always going to be a divided issue. Either you think it's wrong or you don't. A protest of 20 people isn't going to change everyone's mind,and everyone has a right to their own opinion.

Thursday, Oct 9 at 2:05 PM Tesa Mears wrote ...

I was one of the many people in the protest and i beleive that we all have our own beleifs and we should follow them.we got tired of seeing gays and bisexuals get made fun of and treated different in our school and we stuck up for them becuase nobody else would. i dont see anything wrong with that.

Thursday, Oct 9 at 12:31 PM tesa mears wrote ...

I was another person in the protest. we all decided that what happened at the school was wrong. we put alot of effort into the protest we had around twenty people outside the school and at the four way in eureka and we had about 50 silent protestors inside the school. gays deserve the same rights as straights. i beleive that we all did the right thing. we stuck up for what we believed in and thats all that matters

Thursday, Oct 9 at 8:49 AM faith camp wrote ...

its not right that u let straghit people get away with it but not gays that really is not right. the protest was not all about gays it was about = rights to............. all you ac that have a problem with it. get over it because it is going to happen wether u like it or not...... srry that it had to be like this.. but mabey the skool will learn to treat everyone =.

Thursday, Oct 9 at 8:45 AM faith camp wrote ...

if u dont go to this skool there is no reason u should talk about this like you know what is going on. it is not like we heard about this and just heald a prtest no we wated a week and got alot of info beor we did this. i am sry that u feel like gays should not have rights but they do. the have rights like anybody else in this world. all u ac that marrie ur cousin so u dont bring strangers in your family you have rights to. everybody has rights.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 2:00 PM Alora wrote ...

i was in the protest. and i found it to be something i am proud of, something i will say that i did, bc i thought it was right. to everyone who said these children, well excuse me, i am a legal citizen, and a registered voter, and i do believe that gay is okay. I am straight, but i am friends to a bunch of beloved homosexuals. we did what we felt was right, and i was raised to do what ever it is to let my voice be heard. im not ashamed, we knew about the consequences,and we still did it im proud

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 9:19 AM Anonymous.. wrote ...

As a 32 year old Eureka High School alumni, I have to say that because the community of Eureka was, and is a "christian" community, this kid should not be judged for being honest about his sexuality. Lets face it, the town is all apostolic christians and they are the ones that are judging. How 'god-like' is that? If it weren't for their faith sheltering them, half of their kids would be honest and admit to being gay too.Not to mention Randy Krump should be the one questioned on the same subject

Monday, Oct 6 at 5:47 PM Janelle wrote ...

I was a student not being able to go out because of my classes. I know that the school followed everything the way they could. What our protest was about is that fact that other groups in the school get better respect than us. We knew doing this would show everyone that yes we are in this community and yes we are in the high school. Alot of kids fear what their parents will say when they say they are gay expically if your parents are against being gay. There are many factors and it went too fast

Monday, Oct 6 at 1:52 PM Concerned Citizen wrote ...

It troubles me that the assumption by many is that the school administration acted inappropriately even though they have indicated that they followed the rules laid out in the student handbook and do not discriminate. Those that broke the rules and their friends seem to be believed without question. It is a sad day in our society that all authority figures are treated as liars and with great disdain. Please don't rush to judgement before all of the facts are made public.

Monday, Oct 6 at 11:42 AM Angry wrote ...

I've seen parents stand by their kids that have murdered, cheated, robbed etc but heaven forbid if you're gay. They should be charged with abandonment.

Monday, Oct 6 at 6:32 AM Lisa wrote ...

The school has violated this boys rights. The ACLU will be all over this, with just cause, and the administation has themselves to blame.I bet for the most of you this is the first gay man you know, and it scares you. I know for a fact we have many people in our community who arent straight. Who are you to judge this boys prefferance? Open your eyes, step outside of woodford county,you may be suprised the world isnt full of blue jean skirts and plaid shirts!

Sunday, Oct 5 at 8:14 PM Laura wrote ...

We werent looking for attention, nor were we "just trying to get out of school" We stood out there because someone had to fight for equality and fairness. I have seen so many straight couples kissing in the hallways and teachers just walk by and turn away, but if they see a gay couple then they get disaplined and the parents get called. They had NO right to call his parents and out him like that! you can say what you want about us but we stood up for what was right. and i would do again any day.

Sunday, Oct 5 at 6:39 PM Anonymous wrote ...

dont be gay and it wont be an issue

Sunday, Oct 5 at 10:14 AM anfkid wrote ...

I am really upset at the way the school handled the situation, and if the school lets everyone else kiss in front of them, then they should not punish just him. They also had no right to contact the parents. However if the boy new what the rules were then I am not that upset at the school for taing action against he knew what was coming. As far as the kids protesting, they should not have protested during the school day. That was the mistake on their part. It was handled wrong.

Sunday, Oct 5 at 9:05 AM Alyssa (again) wrote ...

We did research. And seriously...don't say ANYTHING about what goes on in our school unless you roam the halls every day like we students of EHS do.

Sunday, Oct 5 at 7:55 AM anonymous wrote ...

There was not a lot of misinformation. After doing my own research. Regardless of anything, the individual responsible for "outting" this student's sexual orientation, should be disciplined. What positive result was accomplished "tattling" on the student? It seems to me more harm was done. If I were that student, I'd look to do something legally, and check into the website that Aubrey posted for the ACLU. Here it is again: http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/youth/28754res20070301.html#2

Saturday, Oct 4 at 11:34 PM joe smo wrote ...

First: PAT, please work on your syntax and learn what a "caps lock" key does. Second: If things happened the way that they have been reported, then good on these students for standing up to this type of BS. If things didn't happen the way that they have been reported, then at least Eureka made the news for something exciting(other than, you know, grass growing and paint drying).

Saturday, Oct 4 at 10:26 PM question wrote ...

Well then I believe that the school needs to make a statement to the public with the parents of the child as to what really happened to clear it all up. A public word would be nice from the dean.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 3:37 PM Anonymous wrote ...

It is sad too see that there is a lot of mis-information about what really happened. Eureka High School is a very accepting school, and the teachers and administration do not discriminate based on anything! The students are going on a lot of hear-say, and the protest was not needed.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 3:10 PM Aubrey wrote ...

After doing a TINY bit of research on the subject of gay teens being outed by a school official, I found an article from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). It states that Federal Courts have ruled that schools should NOT reveal a minor's sexual orientation to their parents or anyone else without the students permission... even if you're open with your friends or the staff. If this has happened to you you are urged to call the ACLU. http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/youth/28754res20070301.html#2

Saturday, Oct 4 at 2:34 PM MomofThree wrote ...

Ginger: I agree, it's not the school's place to "out" students. That is what upsets me most about the situation. That said, I forgot to mention: Shame on his parents too.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 12:44 PM Angered citizen wrote ...

It's funny we teach our students to not discriminate against people yet the school can do it and it's ok. Wake up! It's the 21st century, people have rights, and the students have the rights to express their feelings freely, FREEDOM of PRESS, FREEDOM of SPEECH. NO student should be punished for their protest. The school is in the wrong.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 9:27 AM Mari wrote ...

This is why public displays of affection are not allowed in schools; everyone should have received the same treatment (no matter your preference).

Saturday, Oct 4 at 8:50 AM Stan wrote ...

I think all forms of PDA should be cracked down on in the public school system. Gay, straight or bi sexual whatever you want to call yourself, nobody wants to see anybody making out in public, it's just plain rude. I know Eureka to be a relatively small town and although I do agree that his teacher should not have told his parents, they would have found out sooner or later from someone else. His parents are going to feel however they want to on this issue, there is no changing that.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 8:30 AM Joe wrote ...

Eureka is one of the most conservative towns in Central Illinois. These kids complaints and protests might be falling on deaf ears. . . Unfortunately I dont think they were out to protest gay rights, they just wanted to protest ANYTHING and make some news. These are still children and they do have a voice but they may have gone about this the wrong way.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 8:05 AM Dego wrote ...

Shame on those parents for giving their son 6 weeks to get out. That boy is your son, and you should love your children unconditionally. Is it because he is an embarassement to you? I'm sure you did things when you were younger that embarassed your parents. Where do you get off, I think you should be charged with abandonment if you make your son leave his home. Get your snobby nose out of the air.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 5:29 AM Bob wrote ...

There is nothing about the other boy that was involved. Is he from the same school? And the parent's are not very understanding as far as I can see there kicking him out. And the school DID NOT HAVE the right to call the parents. Thats the problem now day's every one think's that they have to run every one's lives. People need to MIND there own business.

Friday, Oct 3 at 11:07 PM Clarence wrote ...

Actually, these "CHILDREN" as you call them, have all of their facts straight. The students directly affected by the situation did their research, and what the school administration did was illegal. According to privacy rights these students have at public schools, the administration was NOT allowed to contact the boy's parents. And it wasn't all about the situation about the boy and his partner, but more about the fact that there are other rights not given to gay students that are to sraight.

Friday, Oct 3 at 10:43 PM MomofThree wrote ...

If this is true, I fully support the students. Shame on the school!

Friday, Oct 3 at 10:34 PM brett wrote ...

First of all they didnt lie about anything. the kids parents did get called and he does only have 6 weeks to get out of the house. he isn't ashamed to tell he was afraid of what would happen to him. its because of people like you that he has to be afraid. Plenty of couples who are boy girl kiss in the hallways and when its seen teacher turn an eye. especially at dances. but when a gay couple does it all of the sudden they have to call his parents. its completely wrong.

Friday, Oct 3 at 10:31 PM Suzie wrote ...

I am ashamed to have attended a school where a teacher can totally turn a young adults life upside down,and the administration backs them. I know for a fact that students (including myself and my husband)kiss in the halls and no parents were ever called.This is only an issue because a "teacher" over stepped there boundary's. Teachers are paid to teach state approved curriculum, not there personal views or opinions. To the administration and the teacher you should all be ashamed for yourselves.

Friday, Oct 3 at 10:02 PM Ginger wrote ...

It is one thing to call parents when rules have been broken but it is totally unacceptable to out a teen boy to his parents. The administration had no right to disclose the other party's gender. Regarding Darci's comment: Coming out to your friends and coming out to your parents are two very different things. It is a personal decision that only an individual can make. I agree that his problems are going to get worse but not because of these students standing up for his gay rights!

Friday, Oct 3 at 9:58 PM Nate wrote ...

Good for the students! They are taking a stand over what is believed to be discriminatory events by the administration at the Eureka High School Homecoming Dance. The Eureka Community has more of a LGBTQ community than they may think. And Darci, coming out to your parents is one of the hardest things someone may have to due in their life. It is that students choice as to when and where this occures. If the administration actually outed this student, it is a huge problem. Kids You have support!!

Friday, Oct 3 at 9:57 PM Heather wrote ...

Hello Darci?! Why else would he not want to tell his parents? Duh...he got 6 weeks to get out. It was in no way the schools business. Eureka is a small town, and it would've gotten back to the parents eventually anyway, so the school didn't need to take it upon themselves to contact them. I am glad that these students are learning to stand up for something you believe in. It doesn't happen enough in this country.

Friday, Oct 3 at 9:40 PM PAT wrote ...

IT DOES NOT MATTER IF HE IS GAY OR NOT. IT WAS A WAY FOR THE STUDENTS TO GET OUT OF SCHOOL. IF HE IS HAVING PROBLEMS AT SCHOOL THEN WHY DON'T THOSE STUDENTS PROTESTING DO THE PROTESTING IN SCHOOL. JUST WANTED TIME OFF OF SCHOOL. THEY COULD OF PROTESTED ON THE WEEKEND. GEE, HOW MANY WOULD OF SHOWED UP TO DO THAT?? NO MANY I AM SURE..THEY SHOULD BE SUSPENDED FOR A DAY OR TWO. EACH AND EVERYONE OF THEM..THIS IS A SHAME THE STUDENTS WILL FIND ANY REASON TO PROTEST AND NOT ATTEND SCHOOL.........

Friday, Oct 3 at 9:40 PM Young People wrote ...

Good for these young people for standing up for equality, the basic foundation of democracy. In too many parts of the USA, democracy has already been voted away - replaced by mob rule.

Friday, Oct 3 at 9:06 PM Anonymous wrote ...

The students who protested didn't have all of the information. Most protested out of a desire to get attention drawn to them, not to protest against gay rights.

Friday, Oct 3 at 8:33 PM Alyssa wrote ...

No, we did not take it too far. I speak on behalf of myself and my friends, who stood outside all day just for this purpose. Eureka High School is a PUBLIC SCHOOL not some priva, and should have rules the same way all PUBLIC SCHOOLS do! Sure, maybe public display of affection shouldn't be allowed, but that doesn't go for just gays, it says specifically in the handbook that PDA is not allowed...so why do I see boys and girls kissing in front of the faces of school officials during school hours?

Friday, Oct 3 at 6:37 PM Darci wrote ...

These kids took this too far. Eureka is a small town and rumors go from small to out of control in no time, just like every other small town. If that kid isn't ashamed of kissing his boyfriend in public why was he so ashamed to tell his parents the truth in the first place? If he thinks he was having problems before I can bet you they will only get worse because of these "children" not having their facts straight and turning this into news.

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