Will Phillips
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Will Phillips is an American student from West Fork, Arkansas. At the age of ten, while a fifth grader at at West Fork Elementary School in 2009, Phillips gained international attention for his refusal to say the Pledge of Allegiance because of social-political reasons.
Phillips objected to reciting the Pledge because he felt that, when LGBT persons cannot marry or adopt children, "there (is not) currently liberty and justice for all."[1] Phillips' protest was at first limited to a confrontation with a substitute teacher at his small Arkansas classroom on October 5, 2009. Since that time, he has garnered international attention, including featured pieces at CNN, [2] HuffingtonPost.com,[3] Newsvine,[4] and the European Pink News.[5]
His story was also covered on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart where professional wrestler Mick Foley vows to "bring a world of pain" to anyone who teases or harasses Will.[6]
In March of 2010, Will was awarded the prestigious GLAAD Media Award for "Outstanding TV Segment" for his appearance on CNN. In his acceptance speech he encouraged President Obama to "use the bully pulpit of the Presidency" to promote equality for all Americans. He finished his speech by wishing the crowd to "Live Long and Prosper" and giving the "Vulcan Salute" made popular by the character Spock on the classic Sci-Fi TV series, Star Trek
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Edline.net, West Fork, AR School System
GLAAD Media Awards acceptance speech- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTer4bBVeOI
- GetEqual.org video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iho2Q5eWQyQ&feature=related
- Will's 1st speech for NWAequality.org http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgC9HsuAwaw
- Will's Tribute to Rifftrax.com & Leonard Nimoy
- Will's Drama Club Debut- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waV6TDX70n8
- Will on the Red Carpet answering questions- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea4-DINTe0s
