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Fullerton Voter Support

Fullerton Voter Comments

Adam Rooney
October 7th, 2023

I remember when my sister was at Troy HS they didn’t let the theatre program perform Laramie Project which is a play about Matthew Shepard, i’m disappointed that the district continues to ignore this story when it is so important.

by actively ignoring the story of Matthew Shepard, you’re sending a message to all LQBTQ+ students in the district that their stories don’t matter. We need to learn to spread Love and not hate.

Love is Love.

Adena Bentley
October 4th, 2023

As an alumni of FUHS and CSUF Music programs, it was incredibly disheartening to hear about this. In high school, having opportunities to connect with the greater community and local colleges were formative to my education, both musically and interpersonally. It is sad to hear this has been taken from current students.

All 19 Fullerton Voter Signatures

Miles Rojo

October 11th, 2023

Shelby Perlis

October 7th, 2023

Genevieve Clark

October 7th, 2023

Cooper Miller

October 7th, 2023

Adam Rooney

October 7th, 2023

Hannah Black

October 7th, 2023

Kelsey Rhebergen

October 7th, 2023

Adam Rooney

October 7th, 2023

Alexei Rehorn

October 6th, 2023

Logan Mintz-Hernandez

October 6th, 2023

Jenna Hansen

October 4th, 2023

Angelica

October 4th, 2023

Thalia Moore

October 4th, 2023

Evan Banks

October 4th, 2023

Adena Bentley

October 4th, 2023

Anthony Osborn

October 4th, 2023

Enrique Ortega

October 4th, 2023

Andrew Gonzalez

October 3rd, 2023

Joy Dorko

October 2nd, 2023

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Fullerton Community Support

Fullerton Community Comments

Jaden Hom
November 6th, 2023

As a current Cal State Fullerton student and alumnus of the Fullerton Joint Union High School District, I feel strongly disappointed that students were prohibited from participating in an event mourning the loss of an innocent human being that they rehearsed and expected to perform in. The fact that Matthew Shepard identified as gay sends a powerful message to LGBTQ high school students in the district that the local community does not accept them for who they are. Considering that I have many positive memories from high school, I strongly request an apology and explanation for this upsetting incident that tarnishes the reputation and public image of a school district that I hold in high respect.

Karely Pena
October 8th, 2023

Dishearted and disappointed by the actions and contradict the district's mission statement. I am an alumni and frequent the performances at these campus. The biggest disappointment is the opportunities taken from these students and performers, but these actions sent a louder message. These students will not forget and neither will the fullerton community and voters.

Amy Parker
October 7th, 2023

I'm very sad and disappointed in the actions taken by Fullerton Joint Union High School District. As a CSUF student and campus advocate, these activities are critical for community - and I personally get what it's like for schools to cancel these types of things at the last minute. This is horrendous behavior, and shows a lack of care by FJUHSD to its students.

William Robertson
October 7th, 2023

Art is a powerful tool which allows us to share stories, present ideas, and to give voice to those without. This piece is powerful and tells a real story about a young man brutally murdered only because he had the audacity to be born gay. Let students explore art, explore stories, and learn about real people, real history, and have conversations about it. What is harmful about a conversation or sharing of a piece of art?

Paige Rooney
October 7th, 2023

I went to Troy High School from 2011-2015, where the district did not initially let our theatre department do The Laramie Project. It took a letter and a petition to finally, reluctantly, let us do it. However, at Fullerton High School, their theatre department was able to do shows like Cabaret and Sweeney Todd without the district batting an eye. The district is okay with high schoolers doing shows related to sex and violence, but not about showcasing the struggles the LGBTQ+ community deals with? Representation is immensely important to the arts, especially for young people.

Jason Magallanes
October 6th, 2023

Any opportunity to sing, to perform, and to connect with fellow musicians and potential colleagues on a human level is a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity; and that opportunity was yanked like a rug from underneath these young musicians. Considering the hard work all of them have input, transparency is imperative. Most importantly, the fact that many members of our choirs and citizens of our communities indentify with the LGBTQIA+ community makes this missed opportunity incredibly disheartening. As a Troy High Concert Choir alumnus, it is devastatingly heartbreaking to know that this opportunity was stripped away from them; also, as a returning college student, the opportunity to have been able to sing with the new generation of my alma mater would’ve filled my heart. I’m positive this experience would have made them feel the same way.

Jessica Salsgiver
October 6th, 2023

As a queer music educator, it is more than disheartening that these students weren’t able to participate in this collaborative project. For those young musicians, this would have been an opportunity to deepen their already established passion for choral music and find community in their peers. If a flaw in paperwork is the reason for their absence, something that could be corrected so easily, it is inexcusable. If homophobia is the reason for their absence, it is shameful. My heart is with the many LGBTQIA+ students in this program who needed this message of hope and love at such a pivotal moment in their growth as young people.

Ashton Hackwith
October 4th, 2023

Make it right.

Daniel Freeman
October 4th, 2023

As someone who identifies within the community, and moved to CSUF specifically for the in inclusivity and positive environment, it appalls to hear what happened. We need a explanation and an apology immediately and deserve it as well.

Bryce Rivera
October 3rd, 2023

This project would have meant worlds to me if I were back in High School. To have a technicality be a strong factor that took away the work I put into a piece of music, it would have crushed me at their age.

Martina Goldring
October 2nd, 2023

I am extremely disappointed that the high school students were denied the opportunity to share and grow their skills, talent, and personal experiences. This was a wonderful opportunity for a community experience that was taken from the students after weeks of preparation. The school district can and should do better.

All 40 Fullerton Community Signatures

Emily Gjevre

November 6th, 2023

Jaden Hom

November 6th, 2023

Lindsey Lacanilao

October 10th, 2023

Sara Preston

October 10th, 2023

Karely Pena

October 8th, 2023

Nicholas Fiore

October 8th, 2023

Yvonne Huffaker

October 7th, 2023

Mitchell James Sampang

October 7th, 2023

Jasmine Adams

October 7th, 2023

Amy Parker

October 7th, 2023

Caroline Bilger

October 7th, 2023

Breanna Love

October 7th, 2023

William Robertson

October 7th, 2023

Paige Rooney

October 7th, 2023

Sydney Castiglione

October 7th, 2023

David Pulanco

October 7th, 2023

Jason Magallanes

October 6th, 2023

Alejandro Rocha

October 6th, 2023

Emerson Kimble

October 6th, 2023

Korie Smith

October 6th, 2023

Benny Fisher

October 6th, 2023

Jessica Salsgiver

October 6th, 2023

Liz Butler

October 6th, 2023

Anthony Alcain

October 6th, 2023

Israel Acosta

October 6th, 2023

Z Dickerson

October 5th, 2023

Ray Flores

October 5th, 2023

Amber Napoli

October 4th, 2023

Yadira Aguilar

October 4th, 2023

Ashton Hackwith

October 4th, 2023

CJ Koehn

October 4th, 2023

Daniel Freeman

October 4th, 2023

Nya Nulty

October 4th, 2023

Benjamin Reyes

October 3rd, 2023

Sofia Vaides Melia

October 3rd, 2023

Bryce Rivera

October 3rd, 2023

Adam Daruvala

October 3rd, 2023

Marissa Valenzuela

October 3rd, 2023

Sarah Turner

October 2nd, 2023

Martina Goldring

October 2nd, 2023

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Orange County/LA Community Support

Orange County/LA Community Comments

Greer Nicholson
October 20th, 2023

Incredibly disappointing. This is a very close minded hateful choice.

Laura Long
October 20th, 2023

Fullerton has been known for a city with a collaborative, inclusive city. Don’t let this mar that image. Make it right.

Josh Mills
October 19th, 2023

Think of the message you’re sending to all your LGBTQ+ students: that they don’t matter. And the message you’re sending to all your other students: that violence against your LGBTQ+ students is acceptable. Your responsibility is to protect ALL your students, and you are failing.

Joy H
October 13th, 2023

I’m not a student or member of the choirs involved, but a friend of one of them. I’m so disappointed in the actions of the superintendent and the fact that he didn’t stand up for the original decision to sing that song.

How cowardly and weak to be an adult with the kind of power and privilege of that superintendent and yet choosing to cancel something that was so important to so many. With his lack of explanation and silence, it reflects very poorly on him and his team, having him look homophobic and bigoted. I would be very disappointed to know that the person in charge of my choir wasn’t a safe person, and I’m angry and heartbroken for the members knowing this is the kind of person making decisions.

Way to push away and harm an already marginalized group of people, Mr Superintendent. Do better next time.

Minerva Padilla Nguyen
October 8th, 2023

What message do you think this gives to LGBTQ+ students of your school district? It’s heartbreaking to see that almost 25 years later, Matthew Shepard’s legacy is still polarizing.

Earth Williams
October 7th, 2023

Earth Williams 10/07/2023

Tyler Benson
October 7th, 2023

The disappointment and resentment i feel towards this decision cannot adequately be put into words. There was no good reason to call this off and everyone involved in making that decision should assess their personal biases asap. Our LGBTQ+ friends just want representation and to simply be heard, and striking this down doesn't help with that at all. Shame to everyone involved that prevent this from happening.

Jared Whiston
October 7th, 2023

This feels like a step back. As a gay man, this hurts my heart.

Gabriela K. Atkinson
October 6th, 2023

The school saying no at the last minute told not only their students, but us that they still do not want to make a change in this subject. This story needed to be heard, this song needed to be heard, and the choice made stripped kids of an opportunity to let themselves be heard through this project. This is not okay, and it sets many things back in the community.

Rebecca Ojeda
October 5th, 2023

How disappointing. Do more for students. It’s the bare minimum. They deserve so much more than what you’ve done for them.

Marina Harris
October 4th, 2023

This is the type of extremely disappointing behavior that people often expect from Orange County. Having gone to high school in Orange County myself 20 years ago, it is extremely sad to me that this type of discrimination against LGBTQIA people and art is still alive and well. Is there no room for progress?

Connie Jones
October 3rd, 2023

Joy, thanks for being pro active!

Kris Kelley
October 3rd, 2023

Attempting to silence voices only makes them louder. I stand with students.

Eleanor Anne Dote
October 2nd, 2023

We live in a world community that is becoming increasingly interconnected through technology, and at the same time, actions like these work to undermine that global connection by denying the existence of people who are different than us. The performance of this piece not only was an opportunity for the students to participate in an art project that transcended their immediate world in high school, but for them to experience the stories of those who they might either relate to or not know at all.

Denying them the ability to develop critical thinking skills in their own selves is a massive disappointment and disservice to the world at large.

All 69 Orange County/LA Community Signatures

Donald Mineo

October 22nd, 2023

George Arias

October 20th, 2023

Favian Lopez

October 20th, 2023

Greer Nicholson

October 20th, 2023

Laura Long

October 20th, 2023

Josh Mills

October 19th, 2023

Wendy W

October 18th, 2023

Julian Orozco

October 18th, 2023

Sam Orona

October 18th, 2023

Myrna Bohan

October 17th, 2023

Kristen Flynn

October 17th, 2023

Joy H

October 13th, 2023

Ethan Wu

October 13th, 2023

Alejandro Thompson

October 12th, 2023

Wilson Le

October 12th, 2023

Michelle Abeniante

October 12th, 2023

Aron Demarest

October 11th, 2023

Agnes Wang

October 11th, 2023

Frank Watnick

October 11th, 2023

Marilyn Negron

October 10th, 2023

Jessica Torres

October 9th, 2023

Alexis Farah

October 9th, 2023

Minerva Padilla Nguyen

October 8th, 2023

Desiree Nguyen

October 7th, 2023

Jaime Javier Reza

October 7th, 2023

Nat Betancourt Arellano

October 7th, 2023

Earth Williams

October 7th, 2023

Tyler Benson

October 7th, 2023

Jared Whiston

October 7th, 2023

Tricia Tran

October 7th, 2023

Michael Judge Ferrer

October 7th, 2023

Leslye Pena

October 7th, 2023

Sidney Wu

October 7th, 2023

Misa Iokibe

October 7th, 2023

Amber Clark

October 7th, 2023

Alejandra Morales

October 7th, 2023

Brittney Tang

October 7th, 2023

Gavin Huffaker

October 7th, 2023

Sierra Swift

October 7th, 2023

Dan Tran

October 7th, 2023

Dylan Wicks

October 6th, 2023

Emily H.

October 6th, 2023

Sam Porter

October 6th, 2023

Pablo Acosta

October 6th, 2023

Veronica Torres

October 6th, 2023

Gabriela K. Atkinson

October 6th, 2023

Emily Morley

October 6th, 2023

Lucero Tamayo

October 6th, 2023

Katelyn Cruz

October 6th, 2023

Rebecca Ojeda

October 5th, 2023

Kaitlin Chheng

October 5th, 2023

Sarah Cabrera

October 5th, 2023

Stephanie Camacho-Van Dyke

October 4th, 2023

Dylan Leisure

October 4th, 2023

Marina Harris

October 4th, 2023

Kelly Self

October 4th, 2023

Brianna Finnell

October 4th, 2023

Ahlitney Lucas-Krebs

October 4th, 2023

Carly Ransom

October 4th, 2023

Amber Robins

October 4th, 2023

Minji Kim

October 4th, 2023

Ana Paula Farano

October 4th, 2023

Ken Wyant

October 4th, 2023

Jakob Swetland

October 4th, 2023

Savana Thomas

October 4th, 2023

Michael Judge Ferrer

October 4th, 2023

Connie Jones

October 3rd, 2023

Kris Kelley

October 3rd, 2023

Eleanor Anne Dote

October 2nd, 2023

Orange Leaf Divider

General Public Support

General Public Comments

Misty Dupuis
October 17th, 2023

I fail to see what reason could exist outside of homophobia that would cause this situation. I am disappointed and frustrated that in 2023 this attitude can still be happening. Do better.

Tallie
October 9th, 2023

Although I live out of state now, I have always viewed where I grew up as more progressive than where I am now, which is Ohio. It’s sad when it seems that that’s not the truth…

Tammy Aaron RN, BSN
October 9th, 2023

Allow ALL people to be who they ARE and stop adding anguish, suicidal ideation, depression, marginalization, abuse, and sadness to the lives of a certain group of people. It’s just plain unethical and prejudice.

Laura Mueller, School Psychologist, San Diego County
October 6th, 2023

I was disheartened to hear of this lost opportunity for students to participate in such an important musical experience demonstrating community solidarity in supporting love, peace, and kindness to all.

Lyric
October 6th, 2023

Not a student at CSUF but this is highly unacceptable. In all actuality, its just a song and no one is forcing your homophobic ass to sing it, so why do you care? College is about finding and expressing who you are, not shutting down your students because of your beliefs. No one with that much disrespect should have that much power over the free will of the students. Disappointed is an understatement.

Ahlana Cobarrubias
October 6th, 2023

I was among the very few from Fullerton college that attended this recorded performance and was so sad to hear that FUD couldn’t preform :( do better

Melina Jaharis
October 6th, 2023

Homophobia is ramping up as the country turns vitriolic towards trans folks. This decision is deeply harmful to the community and the musicians. We need folks to do better.

Anne Dorko
October 5th, 2023

Especially in today’s political environment it is extremely disappointing to see a culturally relevant event be undermined by the same leadership that should be supporting all opportunities students have to learn and commemorate such important parts of our country’s history of violence towards marginalized people. These biases and slights from leadership, whether intentional or not, minimize the significance of these events and should not be tolerated.

Rita Daruvala
October 5th, 2023

Please do better.

Marcia Lucas
October 4th, 2023

As all humans created of God, our every choice must be motivated by love. When we deny our brother, that boomerangs back upon ourselves

Tatum Tricarico
October 3rd, 2023

I fully agree with this letter and urge those I leadership to consider it carefully and respond with action.

All 60 General Public Signatures

Aaron-Michael Quintero

October 25th, 2023

Miguel Larios

October 21st, 2023

Mark Malebranche

October 20th, 2023

Samantha

October 20th, 2023

Richel Newborg

October 19th, 2023

Kirstin Largent

October 18th, 2023

Tina Klein

October 18th, 2023

Kim Hughes

October 17th, 2023

Angie Holmes

October 17th, 2023

Misty Dupuis

October 17th, 2023

Zachary Martin

October 17th, 2023

Kat Franchino

October 16th, 2023

Em Nguyen

October 14th, 2023

Lilah Hernandez

October 13th, 2023

Itzel Martinez

October 12th, 2023

Anthony C

October 11th, 2023

Victoria Bausch

October 9th, 2023

Tallie

October 9th, 2023

Kristie Moss

October 9th, 2023

Tanya Bouwman-Wozencraft

October 9th, 2023

Tammy Aaron RN, BSN

October 9th, 2023

Lucy Lang

October 8th, 2023

Jose Ramirez

October 7th, 2023

Sheryl Salsgiver

October 7th, 2023

Renata Olivares

October 7th, 2023

Ty R

October 7th, 2023

Ray Badua

October 7th, 2023

Jon Rios Brady

October 7th, 2023

Callie Shehan

October 7th, 2023

Mady San Luis

October 7th, 2023

Kathleen szick

October 7th, 2023

Laura Mueller, School Psychologist, San Diego County

October 6th, 2023

Lyric

October 6th, 2023

Aidan Daley

October 6th, 2023

Ahlana Cobarrubias

October 6th, 2023

Bri Zucker

October 6th, 2023

Brian Rudloff

October 6th, 2023

Melina Jaharis

October 6th, 2023

Kate B.

October 6th, 2023

Kathleen Lewis

October 6th, 2023

Monica Sanchez

October 6th, 2023

Justis Mitchell

October 6th, 2023

Crystal Flores

October 6th, 2023

Hannah Holmberg

October 6th, 2023

Sophia Ohannessian

October 6th, 2023

Bryan Malone

October 6th, 2023

Dylan Chumney

October 6th, 2023

Jordan Birgy-Krasnoff

October 6th, 2023

Danielle Malone

October 6th, 2023

Anne Dorko

October 5th, 2023

Rita Daruvala

October 5th, 2023

Marcia Lucas

October 4th, 2023

Heather Nicole Ferris

October 4th, 2023

Leland

October 4th, 2023

Kevin Barba

October 4th, 2023

Annie Goldring

October 4th, 2023

Elisa Klein

October 4th, 2023

Vanessa Renteria

October 4th, 2023

Jemma Goldring

October 4th, 2023

Tatum Tricarico

October 3rd, 2023

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"Meet Me Here" from Considering Matthew Shepard © Craig Hella Johnson