IOWA PRIDE NETWORK COMMENDS SCHOOL BOARD FOR SUPPORTING ‘LARAMIE PROJECT’

West Des Moines, IA – September 18 – The West Des Moines Valley School Board expressed their support in allowing the student production of the “Laramie Project” to continue despite criticism leveled by a group of dissenting parents Monday night.

The “Laramie Project”, a play based on the aftermath of the violent killing of Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming student who was kidnapped, beaten and left to die because he was gay has generated controversy recently.

The majority of the people, including many students, voiced support for the play.

Ryan Roemerman, Director of the Iowa Pride Network, a nonprofit organization that works with gay and lesbian students, attended the Monday night meeting. “I’m pleased that school board members understand that bigotry, homophobia and intolerance towards gay people are issues that must be addressed in our schools and communities. I’m inspired by these brave students and administrators who are willing to step forward to help educate their community,” stated Roemerman.

In November of 2005, the Iowa Pride Network released its School Climate Survey detailing how lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students are constantly verbally and physically harassed in Iowa high schools:

• 92% of LGBT students in Iowa reported hearing homophobic remarks frequently in their schools.
• 83% of LGBT students report being verbally harassed because of their sexual orientation.
• 61% of students do not feel safe at school because of their sexual orientation.
• 59% of LGBT students reported some incident of having their property stolen or deliberately damaged, such as their car, clothing or books.
• 34% of Iowa LGBT students reported some incident of physical harassment (being pushed or shoved) because of their sexual orientation
• 18% of students reported some incident of physical assault (being punched, kicked or injured with a weapon) because of their sexual orientation or gender expression.

“As our School Climate Survey has shown, the issue of homophobia and intolerance in Iowa schools is a real issue and must be a real concern for all schools who wish to create safe environments for their students,” said Roemerman. “Congratulations to Valley for taking on this issue in order to create dialogue, safer school environments and understanding.”

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