Lisa McClelland

Lisa McClelland attracted significant world wide media attention after attempting to form a "Caucasian Club" at Freedom High School in September of 2003. Her case caused a media circus, and was significant because it stirred up debate about perceived double standards when it comes to racism.

Caucasian club

McClelland said that the idea of forming a Caucasian club originated on clubs days, when she searched for a club she could fit into, but could not locate one. Her school principal was supportive of the club, as long as it had a proper constitution and function.

After attempting to form the club, she was accused of being racist, though she denies she is racist. She said "I'm trying to break racial barriers...without a Caucasian club things at school are kind of segregated and I think if we have a Caucasian club it will go along with the rest of the race clubs so the school might be a little bit more diverse." At the time, there were several clubs for other races at the school. She said that non-Caucasians were also welcome to join the Caucasian club.

While some students supported the club's formation, others were critical of its effects and questioned McClelland's motivations. Some called criticism of the club "reverse discrimination."

External links

* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/3143760.stm BBC story]