The play’s the thing

When Green Valley High School announced the student production of two controversial plays last year, a number of parents instantly swarmed the decisions. "The Laramie Project" and the musical "Rent" are centered on the issues of HIV, violence, drug abuse and homosexuality. Declaring these topics too mature for high school, the protesters sent the case to court.

But these accusations were little more than knee-jerk reactions from overbearing parents. These issues are part of real life. By attempting to shield their children from these subjects, the protesters threaten to delude the next generation by trying to create a perfect, idealistic world unfounded in reality.

These two plays have been historically controversial and received mixed receptions across America. This last spring in Oklahoma, a teacher was confronted with a number of students who wanted to act out parts from "The Laramie Project" themselves as an in-class project. Securing the principal's permission, she would see production stopped only a couple of weeks later by worried parents. When the students protested at a nearby park, the superintendent canceled her class and recommended her dismissal. She soon resigned.

Albany High School in New York experienced a more positive response to the same play. When the Westboro Baptist Church, an anti-gay hate group featured in the play, protested, hundreds of students and adults staged counter protests.

In the case of Green Valley High School, some critics pointed out that the movie "Rent" was rated PG-13 and that Clark County School District Regulation 6150 decrees, "Any portion of electronic media in any format that is rated 'R' or 'PG-13' shall not be shown to students at any grade level." What these critics do not mention is that plays are, in fact, not electronic movies, and the school edition of the musical itself is unrated.

Furthermore, participation in these plays is strictly voluntary and the school principal reassured parents that no one would be forced to watch them for academic credit.

Thus Clark County District Judge David Wall ruled in favor of the school on Nov. 10, clearing any legal obstacles for the theater department.

Nevertheless, the larger problem here remains that these parents would impose a mind-set of unreasonable naivete on their teenagers. This will not only put these teenagers at higher risk for deception, but it threatens to disconnect them from reality. HIV and drug abuse are not negligible problems. Around the world, more than 30 million people are infected with HIV and more than 25 million have died since 1981. At least half of all HIV infections in 2007 were found in those under 25. Drug abuse is considered to be the root cause of a quarter of the deaths in the United States. Regular illicit drug use (monthly) in the United States averaged 22 percent of all high school seniors, without considering alcohol.

Students have the right to be aware of controversial issues such as drug use and homosexuality, if only to better protect themselves and others around them. Furiously sheltered, they would be left unprepared to face the real world. When they are undoubtedly confronted with drugs or sex, it is in their best interest to be aware of the dangers. Questions of morality when they encounter homosexuality might lead to violence out of fear and lack of knowledge. When it is their turn to vote, they will be in the clutches of ignorance, incapable of realizing the suffering that exists outside their walls.

Controversy should not be feared when it comes to theatrical events. It should be embraced. School plays such as "The Laramie Project" or "Rent" raise awareness about critical problems in society. Ignored, these issues do not magically disappear. They fester and worsen. These parents did not just challenge the legality of these theater productions when they brought them into court. These parents had challenged the rights of an entire generation to witness and educate themselves about the ills that plague the nation. Fortunately, the judge ruled against their claims. The next case should be dismissed out of court for gross stupidity.

Jimmy Yuen is a junior at the Southeast Career & Technical Academy.