A Keller ISD high school has reversed its decision and will allow students to perform the play “The Laramie Project.”
The play recounts the 1998 murder of a gay student at the University of Wyoming, and the initial cancellation of the production sparked criticism from beyond North Texas.
In an email to the Timber Creek High School community on Wednesday night, the Keller ISD superintendent announced that the production would proceed as originally planned.
“There was a lot of excitement,” said Mary Anne Weatherred. “My son said, ‘We won!’”
“The Laramie Project” delves into the aftermath of the murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay student at the University of Wyoming who was fatally beaten in 1998.
The incident spurred federal legislation against hate crimes.
In January, the high school cast roles for the show, intending to stage the production in May.
However, weeks later, district leadership announced that Timber Creek would perform a different play instead.
“It was distressing and upsetting,” Weatherred said. “The lack of an explanation was the biggest concern among parents and students. We wanted to know why.”
When Keller ISD was questioned in February about the decision to shelve the production, they stated, “The decision to move forward with another production at Timber Creek High School was based on the desire to provide a performance similar to the ones that have created much excitement from the community. And students will still be studying, discussing, and analyzing The Laramie Project script at school.”
The decision received criticism nationwide, with the playwright Moises Kaufman labeling the school’s decision homophobic.
During a Feb. 29 school board meeting, some students and parents urged Keller ISD to reinstate “The Laramie Project.”
“There are countless reasons for why the show should go on,” one theater student told the board of trustees. “The show offers a voice for queer youth, one that many shows cannot give.”
Others supported the decision to cancel the show, citing religious values.
“Radical agendas will be exposed by the light and cannot hide,” a speaker said at the podium. “What is hate? Hate is encouraging and promoting behavior that will separate anyone from forever love.”
On March 6, the Keller ISD superintendent informed the Timber Creek community that their decision had been reversed.
“Keller ISD’s administration recognizes the time and effort that has been put into the adapted version of The Laramie Project by students and staff members,” Dr. Tracy Johnson said. “Upon further consideration of this, the administration has decided to proceed as previously planned with the May performance of The Laramie Project.”
Supporters hailed the reversal as a victory for representation, bringing back a show they believed must be staged.
“It teaches them about understanding and learning from difficult circumstances and things that happen,” Weatherred said. “And it’s about bringing the community together, and I think this has really brought the community together in a positive way.”
