Kudos to WHS students for standing up to authority

To the editor:

I recently read a piece in the Frontiersman that led me to experience two completely different emotions.

My first reaction to the controversy regarding the Wasilla High School choir having a song pulled by Principal Dwight Probasco was one of disbelief. Seems someone had complained to him about “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which was slated to be performed by the choir at this year’s graduation ceremony. A gay person in a band called “Queen” penned the song, so he arbitrarily told the choir not to sing it at graduation.

After all, what high school administrator in his right mind would want to be perceived by our community as being pro gay? Heck, we all know singing a song like that at a school function could be obnoxious to some, so he acted swiftly and axed the tune.

Seems Mr. Probasco has changed his mind and will now allow “Bohemian Rhapsody” to be sung, albeit with censorship of a stanza instead of the complete death sentence he had previously condemned it to. How nice. Could this change of heart have been caused by his sympathy for the singers, in that they had practiced the song for the entire year and thought it appropriate for the occasion? Maybe he concluded that just because one parent complained didn’t mean the rest of our community was as blatantly homophobic as this person. Or maybe it was because one student stood up and said, “This is a crock of you-know-what and we’re not going to take it.”

That person, Casey Hight, thought the principal’s decision was contemptible and said as much.

“I felt like the school was discriminating for sexual orientation and I felt it was wrong,” she said.

Well, often actions speak louder than words, so she followed up by contacting a Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, and Transgender advocacy group in Anchorage. It advised her to contact the American Civil Liberties Union. Most of us know of these folks. They’re the people who have “esquire” behind their names and write letters to public school officials regarding students’ civil liberties. If the letters don’t serve to educate, they file lawsuits. Well, that stuff is all yucky, and what principal in his right mind wants to exasperate that kind of mess. It’s apparent Mr. Probasco doesn’t so he, to his benefit, changed his mind about the song being performed.

My second emotion after reading the story was one of gratitude. I want to thank Ms. Hight for having the fortitude to stand up to authority and call out the principal for his first decision. You are to be commended. Furthermore, if Mr. Probasco wishes to become a leader who exemplifies the benefit of acceptance and diversity in his school, he needs to become aware of how his actions can be perceived by the student body.

Bullying isn’t pretty, and when an authority figure uses draconian decisions to placate homophobic members of our community it serves only to help spread animosity and disdain.

I’m glad he changed his mind and hope he has learned from his mistake. It’s way past time we stop demonizing gay people (or the songs they write for that matter).

Bill Stanfill

Palmer