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The Homecoming Committee reversed its initial decision to deny a transgender student’s participation in the Homecoming court after being accused of discrimination.According to a committee member, Andrew Gomez, 23, who applied and interviewed for homecoming king was refused the privilege to join the court last week because he had piercings.

“The committee stated it was because he had piercings,” said Yasmin Biggs, a student involved in the United Rainbow Alliance club, “but the person he was running against had similar piercings. I think it was discriminatory.”
Josh Acevedo, the other contestant, also had piercings and was not disqualified.

However, the committee did have other reasons behind not wanting to allow Gomez to run for a spot on the court.
“They claimed it was also because he had a personal agenda,” said Adam Kratt, ASPCC Vice President for Public Relations.

“In his personal statement, he stated that he wanted to show, by his example, that other LGBT youth could participate in campus activities. The committee saw it as an ulterior motive.”

The issue of discrimination was brought to the A.S. Its participation and funding in homecoming activities were placed on the agenda for review in the meeting last Friday due to the accusations.

“All I could say is that the board reconsidered and took Andrew back, as well as the other applicants who were previously denied,” said Karina Roman, ASPCC vice president for campus activities.

“It was not discrimination. It was a whole committee decision.”

Many outraged organizations were scheduled to attend the A.S. meeting including PFLAG, GALSO, and the campus-based club URA.

The homecoming committee reconsidered its decision and the issue was dropped from the agenda.

“It was on the agenda for the meeting last Friday,” said Kratt.

“The committee reconsidered their decision to benefit all parties. The A.S. felt there was no need for further review.”

Gomez made the list of candidates and is participating in the homecoming court activities this week.

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