The Keller ISD schoolboard has recently prohibited Timbercreek High School from staging the play "The Laramie Project." The Laramie Project is an American play by Moisés Kaufman about the reaction to the 1998 murder of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming. The murder was denounced as a hate crime and brought attention to the lack of hate crime laws in various states, including Wyoming. This play is a poignant depiction of queer history and highlights the lack of hate crime laws. By banning this play, we are not only suppressing an important piece of history but also denying our students a chance to understand and empathize with the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community. The absence of such narratives can lead to ignorance, prejudice, and discrimination. According to a 2019 report by the FBI, Texas ranks third in the nation for hate crimes (source: FBI Hate Crime Statistics). It's essential that our education system works towards creating awareness about these issues rather than shying away from them. We urge you to reconsider this decision and allow Timbercreek High School to perform "The Laramie Project". Please sign this petition if you believe in promoting understanding, acceptance, and equality through education.