Is my school principal legally allowed to do this? (Regards Gay and Lesbian rights.)?

Question

*I'm not sure if these prices are exactly right, but that's not totally relevant to my question anyways... *

*Also, just to make it clear, I am straight, but I am very much for equality of all people, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, etc...*

Here's the question:

My school is currently selling prom tickets, at $20 dollars each. Or, a couple ticket is available for $30.

However, our school principal is only issuing these coupke tickets to male-female couples. He refuses to sell them to gay or lesbian couples, meaning that they must pay $40 for 2 separate tickets.

I was just wondering if he is legally allowed to do this, seeing as it's discrimination...

There is a petition going around school to stop this, but other than that, is there anything else we can do?

Please, I am not asking for personal opinions here on whether you think gay marriage etc. is morally wrong/right. I just want to know the legality of the issue and what can be done to stop it.

*I do realize that prom will most likely be over before anything could be done about it, but for the future students also...

*And also I do understand that people may just be wanting to take advantage of the discount and buy for their friends... So why not just have ONE set price?

Also, it is a public school.

I live in Texas, if that helps with anything.

I live in Texas, if that helps with anything.

Answer 1

Public school it's not legal.
However if the Principal had half a brain he would just announce that tickets are $20 bucks a person and give no "couples" discount.

Answer 2

I live in texas too, and Honestly I think that your principal cant be selling the tickets to couples..There is something there, a legal matter but I am not quite sure what it is..I dont think she can sell tickets to couples, period!!!

There is another issue here in Texas where this guy Or gay likes to dress as a girl and they suspended him..I dont know, I guess that they should not do that. It is the same as religion, do not promote it but ResPECT IT!!!!

Answer 3

this is discriminatory but whether it's illegal is a difficult question to answer. first, discrimination against gay people in public accomodations is only illegal in about 17 of the 50 states. (you can go to hrc.org to see what the law is in your state). but then, even if you live in a state where sexual orientation is covered by a non-discrimination law, it's an open question whether the law would cover a principal's rights to make policies. BUT, even if the law is not on your side, you and your friends know it's wrong, and you can change things if you try hard enough. if you and your classmates are serious about this, i suggest you try opposing this policy in the court of public opinion--how about contacting your local newspaper or tv station for some coverage? also, hrc.org might be able to help, and also glsen.org. (gay lesbian straight educators network) good luck!

Answer 4

You should cite the following Federal Court ruling that supports the position that to not offer gay scholl couples the discount is in fact discriminitory.

Cite the 1980 federal case in Rhode Island, pointed out that students have a constitutional right to bring same-sex dates and demanded that the school allow them to do so. In the Rhode Island case, Fricke v. Lynch, a federal judge ruled that students who want to bring same-sex dates to school dances are not only protected under the free expression provisions of the First Amendment, but that schools must take steps to ensure their safety when they do bring same-sex dates to school dances. In the 23 years since Fricke was decided, students throughout the U.S. have brought same-sex dates to school dances without incident.

So, gay students are no less equal under the law as straight student couple. The principal should reconsider this position on discounts and act lawfully regardless of any prior precendent set on this practice since it is discriminatory in nature.

Answer 5

The law varies from state to state. All states ban discrimination based on certain "protected classes." For example, government entities cannot discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin. Not all states include sexual orientation as a protected class. So the answer to your questions depends on the law of the state in which you live.

Answer 6

wow that is ******* bullshit, what an asshole. newayz im not sure if its illegal but its certainly not very nice of him. If he is selling them to couples that should include gay and lesbian couples too. With there being so many homosexuals i don't think it is fair to keep the meaning of couple a man/woman relationship. Couple means 2, and they are two pple that are together, even if they arent of the opposite sex. Get somebody to sue his as s.

Answer 7

I don't think that is fair at all.Once upon a time back in the 80's when I was young,there were some girls who just couldn't find a date to the prom (so they said) and they went with another girl.Nothing was said,no controversy was made.

Answer 8

It kind of depends.... Is this school a public or private school. Legally Private schools are allowed to make up as many rules as they wish, no matter how unfair they seem. Being Private they have the rights to be as exclusive as they please.
I am pretty sure however that if it is a private school, then they are not allowed to descriminate in the manner that they are.

Hope this helps.

Answer 9

Since the word "couple" Historically refers to the male/female twosome!, and many states, cities, and counties, in our enlightened world, still consider the term authentic!, there probably isn't anything else you can do, since the relationship is a choice, not a matter of fact!

Answer 10

here is what they need to do. Buy the tickets as a mixed couple. then when they get to the dance. Get back with the one they love. Stick it to the man. Oh wait, thats a bad use of words, LOL