Mon. April 7, 2008
Reedsburg, WI -
An elementary school dress-up day in Reedsburg, Wisconsin raised the ire of a conservative Christian radio group last week.
Students at Pineview Elementary in the southern Wisconsin town had been dressing in costume all week as part of Wacky Week. On Friday students had the option of attending school dressed as senior citizens or members of the opposite gender. A local resident informed the Milwaukee-based Voice of Christian Youth (VCY) America. The radio network interrupted programing for a special broadcast that aired on nine radio stations throughout Wisconsin accusing the school of promoting alternative lifestyles.
"It concerns us when a school district strikes at the heart and core of the Biblical values," Jim Schneider, VCY America program director, said in an article in the Reedsburg Times Press. "To promote this to elementary school students is a great error."
After the radio broadcast, the school received phone calls from people across the state complaining about the school event. However, the response surprised Principal Tammy Hayes who according to the Times Press said she had received no objections to opposite gender dress-up from anyone when a flyer detailing the events of Wacky Week was sent home with children the week before.
"Nobody contacted me," Hayes said.
Hayes said the idea for senior citizen/opposite gender day had actually come from students.
For the complete article (non-reader view with multimedia and original links),
Tap here.
Head to the local LGBTQ news, events, directory and people network at ChicagoPride.com