A group of 15 students and a few parents protested Friday morning in front of Franklin County High School over what they say is discrimination against gays and lesbians using restrooms during class.
Michael Barnes, 17, a former student at FCHS, said he organized the protest after hearing about an e-mail allegedly sent by Assistant Principal Karen Buzard prohibiting homosexuals from going to the restroom together.
In response, FCHS Principal Sharon Collett told The State Journal, “We would never send out an e-mail that had anything to do with sexual orientations.”
The protesters held a rainbow flag and signs that read “Honk if you’re gay” and “We have a right to pee.” They also painted “gay pride” and rainbows on their faces.
The front lobby of FCHS was crowded around 9:15 Friday morning with students wanting to know what was going on outside.
Four boys ran past Collett and other hall monitors to join the protest along U.S. 460.
Wayne Dominick, communications coordinator for Franklin County Schools, was at the school at the time of the protest and said he had not seen the e-mail.
Dominick said an open records request would have to be submitted in order for The State Journal to review e-mails sent by Buzard.
Dominick said Superintendent Harrie Buecker met Friday with some of the students involved in the protest and that steps are being taken to address the students' concerns.
Buzard was unavailable for comment.
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