Pennsylvania High School Students Organize Anti-Gay Day

Students at a Pennsylvania high school organized an “Anti-Gay Day” last week, according to reports. The event, which occurred only day after the national “Day of Silence” to raise awareness for LGBT bullying, included about 50 participants at McGuffey High School.

Those who took part in Anti-Gay Day wore flannel and called LGBT students names. One witness said that participants left notes on gay students lockers and started pushing them. A noose was reportedly left on a flag in one classroom and a list of students’ names were written down on a “lynch list.” 

Several students attended a school board meeting to inform administrators of the harassment. 

Kathy Cameron, of the Washington County Gay Straight Alliance told Buzzfeed News, “The board was appalled that the kids had been exposed to this treatment and assured them that they would look into it.”

School superintendent Erica Kolat released a statement saying that an investigation regarding Anti-Gay Day was ongoing. 

“On Thursday, April 16, 2015, allegations of harassment were brought to administration’s attention following the McGuffey High School Gay-Straight Alliance Club’s observance of GLSEN’s “Day of Silence.” Administration and school police officers have been investigating all allegations and continue to do so,” she said. 

Publication date: April 21, 2015