Gov. Deal refuses to support integrated prom in Wilcox County



Begin forwarded message:

From: "Bryan Long, Better Georgia" <bryan@bettergeorgia.com>
Date: April 12, 2013 11:22:57 AM EDT
Subject: Gov. Deal refuses to support integrated prom in Wilcox County 
Reply-To: "Bryan Long, Better Georgia" <bryan@bettergeorgia.com>


Better Georgia
It should be easy for Georgia's governor to stand behind students who are fighting to end an unacceptable tradition of "separate-but-equal" proms.
We found out last night that it's not.
Gov. Nathan Deal refused to support the students of Wilcox County who are breaking with tradition to host the school's first integrated prom.
Speaking to Macon's largest news station, 13WMAZ, a spokesperson said Gov. Deal won't take sides in the controversy. (Read the news story: Gov. Deal Won't Comment on Wilcox Prom)
His reason? Because Better Georgia suggested it.
Instead of offering kind words of support for the students, the governor's spokesperson said, "This is a leftist front group for the state Democratic party and we're not going to lend a hand to their silly publicity stunt."
The "silly publicity stunt" is our simple idea that maybe, just maybe, Georgia's governor should say that our future depends on bright, forward-thinking students like these.
Why can't Gov. Deal say that?
Why won't Gov. Deal support these young leaders?
Gov. Deal may want to call State Rep. Edward Lindsey, a Republican now running for Congress, for some advice.
"If there is one thing I have learned in politics it is that you get a whole lot more done if you do not care who gets the credit," Rep. Lindsey wrote this week on the conservative blog Peach Pundit. "Wilcox County is where my mother is from and where I spent every summer on my grandfather's farm. I am proud of these students. Elizabeth and I have contributed to their cause. I ask everyone else on Peach Pundit do the same."
Other elected officials have also offered public statements of support for the students who are fighting for an integrated prom:
  • State Sen. Steve Henson, Senate Minority Leader (D - Tucker)
  • State Sen. Vincent Fort (D - Atlanta)
  • Rep. Ed Lindsey, House Majority Whip (R - Atlanta)
  • Rep. Stacey Abrams, House Minority Leader (D - Atlanta)
  • Rep. Buzz Brockway (R - Lawrenceville)
  • Rep. Stacey Evans (D - Smyrna)
  • Rep. Virgil Fludd (D - Tyrone)
  • Rep. Brett Harrell (R - Snellville)
  • Rep. Scott Holcomb (D - Atlanta)
Gov. Deal has once again proven that he would rather call us names than do the right thing.
Better Georgia has called on ALL elected officials to support these students who are leaders in their community. We are calling on Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians and Independents.
This is not a partisan issue.
If you agree, please call Gov. Deal today and ask him to publicly support these students.
CALL GOV. DEAL: 404-656-1776
Tell him to put civil rights before political name-calling.
This is an important moment to stand up and tell the nation that Georgia doesn't stand for "separate-but-equal" proms, that we've moved beyond the 50s, 60s and 70s.
Sincerely,
Bryan Long
Executive Director
Better Georgia

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