BRAINERD — Central Lakes College in Brainerd canceled its annual Rainbow Coalition Club Drag Show set for Friday, April 5, because of a credible threat made toward its LGBTQ+ community.
Local law enforcement is investigating the threat, according to the college.
Cheryl Norman, CLC’s vice president of academic and student affairs, said the safety of students, faculty and staff and the community is the college’s top priority in making this decision.
"Misinformation, bias, hate, and threats of violence toward our students’ event and its performers is deeply disturbing and will not be tolerated on our campus," Norman said in a prepared statement. "Central Lakes College has an unwavering commitment to our values of educational excellence, innovation, inclusion, and community."
In an email Thursday to college staff, Norman said there are misconceptions about the event being sexual or inappropriate. She attached photos of last year's event so staff could see what it looks like.
"That is not the case with CLC's event," Norman wrote. "Instead, you'll find meaningfully dressed students who are trying to express themselves with songs, clothing and makeup."
In addition to performers from CLC, the Drag Troupe of St. Cloud State University was also set to perform in the campus gym on Friday night. This would have been the sixth year of this event, which is a fundraiser organized by students.
The organization Brainerd Lakes Pride shared Central Lakes College's cancellation announcement on social media, saying an event that's happened for years "has come under the eye of some hateful folks."
"The fight continues," the post stated. "They don't get their way on this. Everybody gets to live as their authentic selves."
