Kansas school district sponsors scholarship fundraiser featuring mock drag show, lap dance

(The Sentinel) – The Lansing, Kansas school district raised eyebrows and money for scholarships at a recent “Lip Sync Battle 2024” fundraiser, which featured a simulated drag show with volunteers as contestants.

The event was sponsored by the Women’s Division of the Leavenworth-Lansing Chamber of Commerce. Click here to watch the video of the mock drag show and lap dance.

Although for a good cause, the fundraiser and Lansing’s contribution raised questions about the propriety of spending taxpayer money for this type of entertainment, albeit done in fun, with children not encouraged to attend. Some recent area events such as a drag brunch for kids and families,  “drag queen story hours” at libraries in Manhattan, Wichita, and Lawrence, also where children were encouraged to come with their parents, and an incident last fall in a Shawnee Middle School raised objections among parents.

Although the “Lip Sync Battle” was held in Leavenworth, USD 453 (Leavenworth) Superintendent Dr. Kellen Adamas confirmed to The Sentinel, after a back-and-forth discussion, his school offered no contribution for scholarship money:

“The Leavenworth Unified School District did not make a payment to the Women’s Division of the Leavenworth County Chamber of Commerce for this year’s Lip Sync Battle.”

USD 453 may not have made a payment, but it may have provided other consideration to be listed as a sponsor. A banner on display clearly lists Leavenworth USD 453 as a sponsor.

Lansing superintendent defends sponsorship of mock drag show

Lansing Superintendent Marty Kobza defended his decision to make the contribution, unilaterally, without a vote of the Lansing school board.

 “The “entertainment” was unpaid community members who volunteered and were raising money for scholarships for students. This district was a table sponsor for an event that supported our students. Proceeds from the event go to scholarships.”

The Lansing school district spending $400 to sponsor a table at the event is an interesting juxtaposition with teachers having to pay for classroom supplies out of pocket.

Superintendent Kobza then directed us to the Chamber of Commerce for further comment. We reached out to the Chamber, specifically to the Women Division’s Program Chair, Staci Vega, for a statement. We received this response from the Chamber CEO and President Jen Anders:

“The Lip Sync Battle is not aimed at funding scholarships at area schools. It was a fundraiser by a private organization for college-bound students in our community.  It was certainly not a drag show, and to say it “featured men dressed as women” is divisive and disappointing.  As a 501(c)(6) organization, the Chamber of Commerce had participants from across the political spectrum involved in this community event. The entertainment was lighthearted and in good fun, with volunteers performing in costume to raise money for a worthy cause. We’re proud of how our community came together to support higher education opportunities for community members. The event was a great success, raising significant funds that will make a real difference for scholarship recipients. I hope this helps clarify the nature and purpose of the event.”

Lansing Board Member Amy Cawvey opposed the donation:

“We would not recommend using school/district/taxpayer funds as prize money, scholarship funds, or to purchase gifts or even gift cards for staff appreciation days. It creates a misuse of public funds and public perception issue.”

Cawvey’s colleague on the board, Kirsten Workman, agreed:

“I know it’s only $400, but I think any tax dollars spent on a lip-syncing contest is egregious.  Lansing can give out our own scholarship, we don’t need to funnel $400 to the local chamber of commerce who will skim goodness only knows how much off of that.”