Monday, June 13, 2016

CHS GAY BANNER IS ART PROJECT

If you passed Columbia High School today, you likely saw the large banner hanging from the clock tower over the school's main entrance.

In rainbow colors, it declares, "TOO GAY."

This was not a protest banner radically posted, it was an AP art project, school officials told students. 

Principal Elizabeth Aaron explained the project in an email to CHS parents:

Good afternoon, CHS community. 
The banner hanging from the CHS clock tower is the final project of one of our AP art history students, sophomore John Bell. 
In his words, “On the surface, society claims to accept gay people. But if we are flamboyant or very open about our gayness, are we 'too gay'? 
So, as an artist, I am basically challenging how people may view gay people, and also celebrating Pride month."
He continues, “In light of the Orlando shooting, the flag is here to remind us of the work we have to do and to celebrate LGBT people.” 
The project was conceived of and planned over several months.  It was hung this morning as had been arranged some time ago. 
Thank you for your support of our work here at CHS, and of our students and staff,
Elizabeth Aaron

But could it be taken as an anti-gay message? Let's hope not.

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