Lower Merion to vote on trans student policy
After introducing a policy last month for transgender and “gender-expansive” students, the Lower Merion School Board is set to vote May 16 on whether to adopt the policy.
The meeting takes place at 8 p.m. in the administration building, 301 E. Montgomery Ave., Lower Merion Township.
The policy would address privacy rights for trans students, the handling of academic records, proper incorporation into sex-segregated programs like athletics, restroom and locker-room access and general harassment and discrimination protections.
Lower Merion would be the third district in the state to adopt a policy for addressing the needs of their transgender students, behind Great Valley School District in Chester County and Springfield Township School District in Montgomery County.
The Pittsburgh Public School Board this month introduced a policy for transgender students. The next step is to vote on its adoption at a second reading. The School District of Philadelphia has a policy working its way through administration that’s expected to hit the School Reform Commission over the summer.
Artists, writers sought for Philly Dyke March fundraiser
An art event to benefit the Philadelphia Dyke March is seeking artists to donate their work for auction, as well as writers to share their work. The Starter Kit, a Philadelphia-area collective, is hosting the event from 6-10 p.m. May 19 at Repair the World, 4029 Market St.
Artists and writers who would like to participate should email [email protected]. From artists, organizers are asking for the title, dimensions and price of the work they would like to donate, as well as a link to the artist’s website.
Craft vendors are also invited to have a table at the event.
All participants are asked to be members of the LGBT community or create work that deals with those themes. It costs $50 for vendors to rent space for a table. That money goes to the Dyke March, but any proceeds from selling crafts go to the vendors.
For more information or to make a donation, visit www.thestarterkit.tumblr.com.
IBA launches new biz award
The Independence Business Alliance will give out a new award next month to honor a business with inclusive employment policies and active appeal to LGBT customers.
The honorary Business Integrity Award comes with two complimentary registrations to the 2016 National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s International Business and Leadership Conference. This year, the event is in Palm Springs from Aug. 23-26.
The IBA, the Philadelphia region’s LGBT chamber of commerce, is now accepting applications for the award. The deadline is June 10. Business owners can apply or nominate a peer by visiting www.thinkiba.com/business-integrity-award.
The winner will be an IBA member business selected by representatives from Integrity Staffing Solutions, the company partnering with the IBA to present the Business Integrity Award. The award will be presented at the IBA Annual Meeting in June.
— Paige Cooperstein
Injured gay inmate pursues damages
Kenneth J. Houck Jr., an openly gay federal inmate who was assaulted five years ago, continues to seek financial remuneration for his injuries.
In 2011, Houck was assaulted by two other inmates while detained at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia. Houck’s leg was broken in multiple places, and he continues to walk with a limp.
Last year, Houck filed suit against the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, seeking $1.8 million in damages.
The U.S. Department of Justice requested the dismissal of Houck’s suit on the basis that it lacks merit. But in a 15-page brief filed April 19, Houck urged U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen M. Tafoya to allow the case to proceed to a trial.
In his brief, Houck states that he suffers from major neuropathy, muscular-skeletal problems and hammer-toe syndrome. He claims prison authorities refuse to provide him with adequate medical care, resulting in “cruel and unusual punishment.”
Houck also noted he’s doing his best to document his medical issues, but he has limited resources to do so. Additionally, he reiterated his request for court-appointed counsel.
Houck is imprisoned for transporting child pornography. His scheduled release date is June 11, 2018.
As of presstime, the DOJ’s request for dismissal of the case remained pending.
Gay man’s claims held in abeyance
Thomas Vandergrift’s claims against the Pennsauken School District have been separated from a federal complaint filed on behalf of his nephew, who alleges antigay bullying.
Vandergrift, who is openly gay, claims that district officials wrongfully accused him of inappropriately touching a child after he advocated for a proper education for his nephew, “D.V.”
“D.V.” allegedly suffered pervasive antigay bullying while he was a student at the Pennsauken School District. He’s currently enrolled in a private school where he’s doing better.
Vandergrift contends the false accusations damaged his reputation and minimized future work opportunities in his chosen profession of teaching.
On May 6, U.S. Magistrate Judge Joel Schneider said Vandergrift’s claims will be held in abeyance indefinitely, but D.V.’s claims will move forward. Schneider also said Vandergrift will serve as his own attorney.
Neither side had a comment for this story.
Defendant in Woody’s case gets attorney
Jamar D. Palmer, who allegedly drank alcohol at Woody’s prior to contributing to a traffic accident, has obtained the services of an attorney. As a result, the alleged victim, Daniel A. Callaway, has withdrawn a request that judgment be entered against Palmer at this stage of the litigation.
On Dec. 7, 2014, Callaway, a certified EMT and firefighter, suffered extensive injuries while tending to Palmer’s disabled vehicle on I-95 in Tinicum Township, Delaware County.
A vehicle driven by Corrin R. Collier sideswiped Palmer’s vehicle, pushing it into Callaway.
Palmer allegedly drank an excessive amount of alcohol at Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St., prior to the accident, according to a lawsuit filed in March by Callaway.
Collier wasn’t charged with any criminal wrongdoing.
Callaway alleges that Woody’s staff served Palmer when he was visibly intoxicated and failed to take reasonable measures to ensure that he departed the premises in a safe manner.
Last month, Callaway asked that a “default judgment” be entered against Palmer, because he hadn’t responded to the complaint. But on April 21, the request was withdrawn after Palmer obtained the services of an attorney.
— Timothy Cwiek