The following message was sent to the Lycoming College campus community on Friday, April 14. The Drag Show was subsequently postponed and will be rescheduled for another time prior to the end of the semester.
To the Campus Community:
We write with a message expressing our outrage over an incident that took place on campus last week and was directed at our LGBTQ+ community and allies. We ask that all community members join us in solidarity and make clear that Lycoming College does not tolerate hatred and discriminatory words and behaviors.
As has been advertised on campus, the Gender & Sexuality Alliance is sponsoring a Drag Show on Saturday, April 15. At the end of last week, the administration received a report that a group of students had been overheard in the dining hall talking about “shooting up” the drag show and anyone attending and then laughing. For the past several days, the College and the Williamsport Police have been investigating this report, which is an expression of hatred that has no place in our community and could be considered a terroristic threat. That investigation will continue. We also want to remind everyone that Counseling Services is available to anyone needing immediate support prompted by this very disturbing incident.
The Williamsport Police have advised the administration that they support proceeding with the event and will provide a police presence. We have also met with members of GSA, and they have affirmed their plans to hold the Drag Show, an event that is a statement about freedom of expression and embracing diverse identities.
Freedom of expression and building a culture that embraces diverse identities are values that are foundational to Lycoming College. To uphold those values, it is essential that we collectively take a stand against all words of hatred directed at our LGBTQ+ community, especially those that seek to intimidate by invoking violence. The administration is prepared to work with all students, faculty and staff to identity and enact additional steps that move us toward being a place where LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff are safe from harassment, discriminatory words, and expressions of hatred.
To express our personal support of our LBGTQ+ community and our belief in the fundamental values of our College, we plan to attend on Saturday, and we invite others to join us. We are also working with GSA to develop additional ways for community members to express their support of the LGBTQ+ community.
President Trachte
Dean Miller