Reverse homophobic drag ruling at Walton Arts Center!

The Issue

Peter Lane, President and CEO of the Walton Arts Center made an "executive decision" to ban drag performances with minors present at the arts center. 

The board was not notified and was unable to vote. 

Peter cited "safety concerns" for his decision, yet his decision perpetuates the stigma that drag performers are somehow unsafe. 

Peter Lane's decision is homophobic and bigoted, and does not reflect our community's needs.

Here is what we are asking: 

  1. Executive leadership reverse their ban on drag performances with minors present.
  2. Refund ticket holders that request a refund.
  3. Peter Lane and those who made this harmful decision need to step down. 

References: 

https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/05/12/former-walton-arts-center-employee-speaks-out-about-decision-to-ban-drag-performances?fbclid=IwAR0Jd-FyL5FfMpXVuTSch-n64OoDtEDSpD3C4eC-4FvnxqBo4NW8LUC3PK8

https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/may/12/two-members-say-walton-arts-center-board-never/?fbclid=IwAR0HUMzK-ZRm-3iGWtGb8zV4YPcSARLqkXicY2k6fCmYl4lDmVpUmycYm_8

https://www.fayettevilleflyer.com/2023/05/10/nwa-equality-pauses-partnership-with-walton-arts-center-over-drag-performance-decision/?fbclid=IwAR3-UHPrnAV7JJCm5a3LP9USwPYhCsv6HGMMVRqmThsLRoywVvEZXIaNtb8

 https://www.nwahomepage.com/news/nwa-equality-releases-statement-on-youth-zone/#:~:text=NWA%20Equality%20says%20that%20the,includes%20background%20checks%20and%20training

**Photo Credit: Kyle Smith

1,956

The Issue

Peter Lane, President and CEO of the Walton Arts Center made an "executive decision" to ban drag performances with minors present at the arts center. 

The board was not notified and was unable to vote. 

Peter cited "safety concerns" for his decision, yet his decision perpetuates the stigma that drag performers are somehow unsafe. 

Peter Lane's decision is homophobic and bigoted, and does not reflect our community's needs.

Here is what we are asking: 

  1. Executive leadership reverse their ban on drag performances with minors present.
  2. Refund ticket holders that request a refund.
  3. Peter Lane and those who made this harmful decision need to step down. 

References: 

https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/05/12/former-walton-arts-center-employee-speaks-out-about-decision-to-ban-drag-performances?fbclid=IwAR0Jd-FyL5FfMpXVuTSch-n64OoDtEDSpD3C4eC-4FvnxqBo4NW8LUC3PK8

https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/may/12/two-members-say-walton-arts-center-board-never/?fbclid=IwAR0HUMzK-ZRm-3iGWtGb8zV4YPcSARLqkXicY2k6fCmYl4lDmVpUmycYm_8

https://www.fayettevilleflyer.com/2023/05/10/nwa-equality-pauses-partnership-with-walton-arts-center-over-drag-performance-decision/?fbclid=IwAR3-UHPrnAV7JJCm5a3LP9USwPYhCsv6HGMMVRqmThsLRoywVvEZXIaNtb8

 https://www.nwahomepage.com/news/nwa-equality-releases-statement-on-youth-zone/#:~:text=NWA%20Equality%20says%20that%20the,includes%20background%20checks%20and%20training

**Photo Credit: Kyle Smith

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The Decision Makers

Peter Lane
Peter Lane
President and CEO of the Walton Arts Center
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Petition created on May 24, 2023