Wednesday, September 20, 2000

Recent reported actions prompt me to write this editorial to all papers in Coweta and Fayette County.

1. A young band member, 18 years old, was beaten brutally by his father. He left Coweta County near Senoia and stayed the night outside the teen center, not having anywhere else to go.

2. A young female member is harassed in the hall of Starr's Mill High School with taunts of lesbian.

3. A young man who attends McIntosh High School is repeatedly called fag and made fun of for being a supporter and member of teen club.

As a small business dedicated to helping provide quality entertainment in our community for our young people, it disturbs me greatly the bigotry that has permeated the Southside since the incidents in Fayetteville at the Market teen club and with the Hooters situation.

Violence also is not tolerated at the teen club. To abuse a young person is the vilest thing I can think of in our society that is preventable.

For all to know my policy now stated is to not tolerate any bigotry and or verbal or physical abuse to the young people who attend Jitterbuggers for friendship, food, dance and music.

We have had almost 12,000 attend since doors opened in June 1999 and over 25 bands have rocked 115 times out expressing their music and dreams and desires.

I challenge the Fayette and Coweta county school systems to look at their policies and see what is being brushed off and how parents treat your young people. Cruel physical acts and derogatory statements can harm young people, and I want every young person who feels threatened to contact me, and I will make sure you have a place to stay if you are in need.

Richard Thompson

President, Jitterbuggers Teen Club

Peachtree City

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