Marcellus Richard Andrews photo via Facebook
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement
August 23, 2011
Contact:
Molly Tafoya
O: 515-288-4019 x 207
C: 808-256-7064
molly@oneiowa.org
EQUALITY LEADERS MOURN TRAGIC DEATH OF APPARENT HATE CRIME VICTIM MARCELLUS ANDREWS
Statement from One Iowa and Iowa Safe Schools
Des Moines, IA—On Sunday at 3:30 pm, 19-year-old Marcellus Richard Andrews died after a brutal and violent death. Friends and family who were involved in the incident confirmed that the attackers were shouting anti-gay slurs as they severely beat Andrews. He died later at an Iowa City hospital from head injuries sustained during the beating. Andrews was enrolled to begin his studies in interior design at Hawkeye Community College in the fall.
“We are deeply saddened by the brutal and tragic death of Marcellus. This is just not something that happens in Iowa and we are appalled at this level of extreme violence and intolerance,” said Troy Price, One Iowa Executive Director. “Tragedies like this underscore the incredible need to talk about issues affecting gay and lesbian Iowans and to fight for equality in our communities. When community, state, and national leaders ridicule and deride gay and lesbians, it creates a hurtful environment and gives license to this sort of attack. Most importantly, it harms lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) young people by sending the message that they are not equal. We can and must do better, because we can never, ever allow an attack like this to take place in Iowa again.”
“Our prayers and thoughts go to Marcellus' family, friends, and the Waterloo community. No one deserves this. Enough youth have hurt each other and themselves over differences, bullying, harassment, and taunting,” said Nate Monson, Iowa Safe Schools Executive Director. “Andrews’ tragic death points the crucial need for us to address anti-LGBT bullying in our schools because, sadly, this is literally a life or death issue. We must ensure that LGBT children feel safe and supported in their school and community. Iowa Safe Schools is committed to creating a more safe and supportive state for all Iowa kids.”
One Iowa and Iowa Safe Schools are committed to working together with allies across the state and nation to make our schools and communities safer for our LGBT children.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement
August 23, 2011
Contact:
Molly Tafoya
O: 515-288-4019 x 207
C: 808-256-7064
molly@oneiowa.org
EQUALITY LEADERS MOURN TRAGIC DEATH OF APPARENT HATE CRIME VICTIM MARCELLUS ANDREWS
Statement from One Iowa and Iowa Safe Schools
Des Moines, IA—On Sunday at 3:30 pm, 19-year-old Marcellus Richard Andrews died after a brutal and violent death. Friends and family who were involved in the incident confirmed that the attackers were shouting anti-gay slurs as they severely beat Andrews. He died later at an Iowa City hospital from head injuries sustained during the beating. Andrews was enrolled to begin his studies in interior design at Hawkeye Community College in the fall.
“We are deeply saddened by the brutal and tragic death of Marcellus. This is just not something that happens in Iowa and we are appalled at this level of extreme violence and intolerance,” said Troy Price, One Iowa Executive Director. “Tragedies like this underscore the incredible need to talk about issues affecting gay and lesbian Iowans and to fight for equality in our communities. When community, state, and national leaders ridicule and deride gay and lesbians, it creates a hurtful environment and gives license to this sort of attack. Most importantly, it harms lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) young people by sending the message that they are not equal. We can and must do better, because we can never, ever allow an attack like this to take place in Iowa again.”
“Our prayers and thoughts go to Marcellus' family, friends, and the Waterloo community. No one deserves this. Enough youth have hurt each other and themselves over differences, bullying, harassment, and taunting,” said Nate Monson, Iowa Safe Schools Executive Director. “Andrews’ tragic death points the crucial need for us to address anti-LGBT bullying in our schools because, sadly, this is literally a life or death issue. We must ensure that LGBT children feel safe and supported in their school and community. Iowa Safe Schools is committed to creating a more safe and supportive state for all Iowa kids.”
One Iowa and Iowa Safe Schools are committed to working together with allies across the state and nation to make our schools and communities safer for our LGBT children.
# # #
