Starkville sends a message to the world with a single toxic vote
Starkville's public image was defined by one vote on Tuesday night.
That's all it took.
One vote sent a ringing message to the entire LGBTQ community that they are not viewed as having the same constitutional rights as other groups to peacefully assemble in Starkville. In turn, I'm left wondering just how much thought was put into the decision by the four aldermen who voted to block the event permit for a harmless gay pride parade in the city.
I have tried my best to consider what the benefits for the community could be after this decision, but apart from the paltry amount of money saved by the city on in-kind services, I'm truly at a loss.
Without getting into the politics or morality concerning the issue, I think it's important we consider and discuss the repercussions of a solitary vote.
The 4-3 vote was bipartisan and racially split (two white Republicans, two black Democrats) and not a word of feedback was given from a single alderman who voted against the measure. It is also worth acknowledging that this is a group that is normally vocal when they disagree with something, so it was disheartening to not hear a single reason from the four elected officials: Ward 1's Ben Carver, Ward 3's David Little, Vice Mayor and Ward 6 Alderman Roy A'. Perkins and Ward 7's Henry Vaughn.
Saying yes could have meant a complete non-issue for city leaders, but now, Starkville is enduring a deluge of negative nationwide publicity that won't soon go away. I've had friends contact me from outof-state to lament how backward it makes Starkville and Mississippi look. It's just frustrating, especially when you fight tooth and nail to defend Starkville as the progressive gem of the region.
It may still be too early to see any profound effects other than public outcry, but apart from a potential lawsuit facing the city of Starkville for violating the First Amendment rights of its LGBTQ community, this could simply be the beginning of a ripple effect of far-reaching consequences.
Mayor Lynn Spruill said it best when she claimed the decision sent a message. She's right, because it sent a message to the entire LGBTQ community that they are not welcome in the business community, the arts community and above all else, at Mississippi State University, with its 22,000 moneyspending students.
At the most fundamental level, it's just not good business sense. There is no way to tell what the city can now expect at many of its diverse events that bring millions of dollars to this town. The news is still fresh, but it will be a long time before Starkville and its residents live this one down.
Does this mean vendors will have to operate in a free speech zone at the Cotton District Arts Festival if they want to fly a rainbow flag? What about the farmer's market, Bulldog Bash, Sunday Funday or one of the city's many other festivals?
This is hyperbole, of course, but the current perception of Starkville is far from inclusive now that the story has reached the national spotlight. And for what? What was the endgame of the aldermen who voted against this? It doesn't take a First Amendment scholar to tell you that the city's bottom line wasn't considered.
Whether it was religious conviction or simple homophobia, the public has a right to know what factored into the decision to say no to issuing a permit after 16 people spoke out in favor of the parade during the public comment portion of Tuesday's meeting. We have yet to receive that insight from any of the four aldermen opposed.
Looking to the future, there seems to be more questions than answers as we consider what to expect in the aftermath of the decision.
What kind of business climate are we cultivating when we broadcast this message of discrimination? The city of Starkville has more events than I can count geared toward highlighting the diversity of local businesses. But, I guess we can say goodbye to prospective entrepreneurs looking for an inclusive community to start or grow their business.
In a town so dependent on tourism dollars, why do we want to limit Starkville's appeal? This city's bread and butter is tourism and the Board of Aldermen just told the entire LGBTQ community that they don't have the same rights as other people when they come to Starkville. I'm blown away by how counterproductive of a move this could prove for tourism.
But, I don't believe that hope has been lost. I encourage the heavy hitters in the busi-
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