HS Choirs Banned From Singing Because They Are Too White

Of all of the things a chorus could be penalized for, you would never imagine that one could be banned from singing because it is too White.

But, according to WSB-TV, that is exactly the case for Cobb County’s Lassiter And Walton High School choruses.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) told both schools that, because their choruses were not diverse enough, neither could sing at its annual Christmas concert.

“This year, the schools were informed by symphony officials that their choruses are not diverse enough, and that the symphony would be inviting a third, more diverse chorus,” said Cobb County Schools spokesman Jay Dillon.

WSB-TV sat down with the ASO president and CEO to explain the decision and work with those who disagreed with it. Here’s more on this story:

“We want the stages of the Atlanta Symphony, whether here, Verizon (Wireless Amphitheatre), or Chastain Park to reflect the diversity of Atlanta,” said ASO President Stanley Romanstein.

Not everyone agrees.

“It’s not necessarily fair to the students at all,” said Vashon Ramsey, an African-American Cobb County resident. “They should be allowed to perform regardless.”