Contact: Robbie S. Ward
STARKVILLE, Miss.--A Mississippian who made national news after her high school canceled a prom because of her date's gender will speak March 31 at Mississippi State.
Part of the Women's History Month observance, the public program featuring Fulton native Constance McMillen begins at 3 p.m. in the Colvard Student Union's Foster Ballroom. A reception following in the same location will include visual illustrations showcasing gender research by university faculty.
McMillen will discuss her 2010 lawsuit against Itawamba Agricultural High School and related events that made her a symbol for equality for gay and lesbian rights. School officials objected both to McMillen's girlfriend attending the event and their planned attire in tuxedos.
The program also will include MSU social work faculty member Sarah Young, who will discuss what gender scholars may learn from McMillen's experiences.
"Her lawsuit was groundbreaking for Mississippi and certainly opened up a conversation about youth rights, discrimination based on sexual orientation and the responsibility of school administration to respond appropriately and justly to the needs to students," Young explained.
The high school's decision and McMillen's lawsuit helped propel her to national prominence, including an Ellen DeGeneres Show appearance where she received a $30,000 scholarship check. She also has been honored by advocacy groups supporting gay and lesbian issues and served as the grand marshal of the 2010 New York City Gay Pride March.
Nicole E. Rader, an assistant professor of sociology and MSU gender studies director, said the academic program she heads seeks to focus on socially and historically relevant topics, including issues of sexual orientation discrimination.
"McMillen's story provides a unique opportunity to examine the relationship between gender and sexuality," Rader said "We look forward to generating discussion on this important social topic."
For more information, contact Rader at 662-325-7885 or nrader@soc.msstate.edu.