(Thumbnail Image: CBS News)
A Mississippi teen wanted to bring her girlfriend to her senior prom – so the school cancelled it. Now Constance McMillan is suing the school for civil rights violations, hoping to get the prom.
We have perspectives from CBS News, The Guardian, CNN, FOX News and NBC News.
But CNN points out some of her McMillan's classmates aren’t showing any sympathy.
“According to the Associated Press one classmate told her quote ‘thanks for ruining my senior year.’”
CBS News interviewed the teen, who said it’s not easy, but she doesn’t regret asking to bring her girlfriend.
“You sound pretty postive about it, but that can’t be easy. I think we all remember back to our senior year and to have somebody say you ruined my senior year – what’s that like for you to hear?”
“I mean it hurts, but there’s nothing I can do about it. All I can do is hope that they understand that that was never my intention. I mean now it’s kinda like I’m fighting for prom for everybody now.”
“Do you ever wish you hadn’t asked?”
“Nope. I don’t”
The Guardian compares the situation to an 80’s teen drama – suggesting it’s a little hard to believe.
“If all those John Hughes movies are to be believed, the senior prom is a highlight of American teenage life. But in a real-life scenario that would have made for a great John Hughes plot, a cowardly school in Mississippi has cancelled its senior prom this year after a female student wanted to bring her girlfriend as a date.”
The host of FOX News’ Red Eye takes a lighter approach to the situation – questioning the girls’ motivation.
“Here’s my problem with the story. Most teens, whether they are gay or straight, everything they do is to seek attention. So isn’t this the case that these girls just wanted to blow everyone away with their progressiveness? It wasn’t really about the prom.”
But there is still hope for a prom for those seniors. According to NBC affiliate KSNT, one man is disappointed in the school and suggested an alternative for the teens.
“New Orleans hotel owner Sean Cummings is offering to take the students to New Orleans by bus, and host a free prom at one of his properties.”
Regardless of the outcome, many gay rights activists admire Constance McMillan saying this is a big step for gay teens.
Writer: Alyssa Caverly
Producer: Newsy Staff
