Did the Atlanta Symphony ban two Cobb high school choruses for being too white?

In an official statement, the Cobb County school system says the Lassiter and Walton high school choruses weren't "diverse enough" to perform with the ASO. 

Instead, only small groups of Walton and Lassiter students were to be allowed onstage, while the Atlanta-based Grady High School chorus was also invited to participate. 

Both Walton and Lassiter declined.

Cobb schools spokesman Jay Dillon tells WSB "participation in these programs is determined on the basis of merit alone" and open to all students.

President Stanley Romanstein of the ASO tells Channel 2 Action News, "We want the stages of the Atlanta Symphony, whether here, Verizon, or Chastain, to reflect the diversity of Atlanta."  He says he's surprised at the reaction.

Some parents are claiming reverse discrimination,with one saying "It's not fair to the students at all.  They should be allowed to perform regardless."

The controversy comes at a bad time for the symphony, which is also facing a severe financial crunch which includes a labor-salary dispute with its musicians.