LITTLE ROCK — A Midland School Board member’s Facebook remarks against gays prompted the Arkansas Department of Education on Wednesday to issue a statement saying that it “strongly condemns remarks or attitudes of this kind” and “is dismayed” that a board member would use a public forum to “post something of this insensitive nature.”
In response to a nationwide call to wear purple on Oct. 20 in memory of gay teens who have died recently, Midland board member Clint McCance, 31, of Pleasant Plains in Independence County wrote on his socialnetworking page: “Seriously they want me to wear purple because five queers committed suicide. The only way I’m wearin it for them is if they all commit suicide.
“I cant believe the people of this world have gotten this stupid,” he continued. “We are honoring the fact that they sinned and killed thereselves because of their sin. REALLY PEOPLE.”
In a follow-up to his initial post, McCance said, “I like that fags can’t procreate. I also enjoy the fact that they often give each other aids and die.”
He added later: “I would disown my kids if they were gay. They will not be welcome at my home or in my vicinity. I will absolutely run them off. Of course my kids will know better. My kids will have solid christian beliefs.”
A man who on Wednesday answered a phone associated with one of McCance’s businesses would not say who wrote the postings.
“I can’t comment at this time. I’ve got to talk to my attorney,” said the man, who hung up when asked if he was McCance.
Midland Superintendent Dean Stanley issued a statement Wednesday saying the 500-student district and School Board “do not support or condone” McCance’s comments.
“The district is very diligent in pursuing and addressing bullying of any variety on our campuses,” the statement said.
The Arkansas School Boards Association board of directors and staff also issued a statement: “Our organization expects school board members to support the education and promote the welfare of all students in their districts.With 1,500-plus school board members in Arkansas, we are saddened that the comments made by one individual will reflect poorly on other board members who work hard on behalf of the children in their communities.”
The Human Rights Campaign, a homosexual-rights organization, has called for McCance to resign his board seat.
“No students should be subject to the kind of hate that came from Mr. McCance,” Joe Solmonese, the organization’s president wrote Wednesday to Arkansas Education Commissioner Tom Kimbrell and to the Midland School Board president. “All kids deserve better and that’s why it’s imperative for your agencies to act swiftly and with resolve.”
Julie Johnson Thompson, an Arkansas Education Department spokesman, said that because McCance is an elected official, the state agency does not have the authority to deal directly with him.
A Facebook account labeled “Fire Clint McCance” had attracted more than 23,000 “fans” by 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Information for this article was contributed by Gavin Lesnick of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Arkansas, Pages 10 on 10/28/2010