Six Walton Arts Center board members resign amid drag controversy

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Six members of the Walton Arts Center board of directors are resigning. This is in response to the center's decision to no longer host drag performances where minors are present.

The six members are Mervin Jebaraj, Secretary/Treasurer and DEIB Committee member Casey Hamaker, former Board Chair, Vice Chair and DEIB Committee Co-Chair Anne O'Leary-Kelly, DEIB Committee member Jody Dilday, DEIB Committee member Cal Rose and DEIB Committee Co-Chair Lia Uribe. The members' resignation was confirmed by Jebraj.

Jebaraj sent his resignation statement to Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan and to KNWA/FOX24 which can be read in full below:

As an appointed representative of the City of Fayetteville and an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, I cannot in good conscience remain affiliated with an institution which refuses to acknowledge the harm it has caused to members of our community.

Without consulting the board, the CEO of the Walton Arts Center made a political decision to no longer permit age-appropriate drag performances. This decision by the CEO was not only misguided and insensitive, but also deep...