bodypilot90 0 #1 October 15, 2006 SP's are out of control. Kids are in school to learn to read and do math. They can't seem to do that very well. QuoteGay history month sparks district debateBy Susan Snyder Inquirer Staff Writer The Philadelphia School District has received about 120 complaints - including one from a parent who said she would keep her child out of school for the entire month of October - because the district recognized Gay and Lesbian History Month on its school calendars. Gay and Lesbian History Month was added for the first time this year in an effort to be more inclusive and follow a long-standing district policy requiring equity for all races and minority groups, said Cecilia Cummings, the district's senior vice president for communications and community relations. It is one of four special history months noted, along with Hispanic Heritage in September, African American in February, and Asian Pacific American in May. Cummings said the district was not planning to roll out any districtwide curriculum or hold celebrations to coincide with the month, although individual schools with gay-straight alliances may have observances. The uproar in response to the calendar addition was not unexpected. "We knew that this would be controversial," Cummings said. "When you deal with diversity, there are some hot-button issues that emerge." An irate Senita Watson went to school district headquarters yesterday to find out how she could homeschool her daughter for the month of October. She won't let her 7-year-old second grader attend Emlen School during that period, she said. "How can you celebrate gay and lesbian month? What are you going to teach my daughter?" asked Watson, who said she was calling on other parents to boycott the district in October. "They need to have a nonviolence month, not a gay and lesbian month... . Our children have enough to worry about with drugs." Cummings said that about 200,000 calendars had been sent to parents, agencies affiliated with the district, and other district partners, and that there had been some calls of support for recognizing gay history month. The publication is paid for by the district. The calendar controversy was the talk of the Mary Mason show on WHAT-AM (1340) Tuesday. Greg Wade, president of the district's Home and School Council, the parents group, said he supports the decision to include gay history month. "I understand that there are many people out there who have their problems with the gay community, but they're part of our community, and we, as a council, have to support every parent and every student in our school district," he said. Kevin Jennings, executive director of GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) in New York, said mayors, including Rudy Giuliani, and governors have recognized gay history month. "It's not exactly a fringe concept," said Jennings, a former high school history teacher and one of the founders of gay history month, first recognized in 1995. He praised the district for adding the month to the calendar and said it also should do more to teach the history of gays and lesbians. A study released by the group this week showed that gay and lesbian students continue to be victims of bullying and harassment in Pennsylvania schools. In schools where the history is raised in the curriculum, only 17 percent of gay and lesbian students reported feeling unsafe, as opposed to 32 percent in schools where it is not taught, he said. Cummings said there had been some reports of the district's gay and lesbian students being harassed. The district has received complaints about its calendars in the past, but never as many as the gay history month notation has generated, she said. Some people complain about African American history month each year, she said. " 'Why isn't there a white male history month?' we'll hear," she said. One person this year complained about the Muslim holy month of Ramadan being mentioned, because that person had a relative die in the 9/11 attacks, she said. "They said they couldn't bring the calendar in their home because of Ramadan being noted," Cummings said. The calendar also notes special Jewish holidays, the International Day of Disabled Persons on Dec. 3, and the National Day of Silence Against Anti-Gay Bullying on April 18. "We have our policy that says the district is committed to foster knowledge and respect for all," she said. Cummings said a decision on whether to include gay history month on next year's calendars would be made later. "Our calendar this year is a celebration of diversity. Whether it will continue to be the theme in years to come, we're not sure," she said. http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/living/education/15624842.htm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #2 October 15, 2006 I don't see where they are forcing kids to learn about anything involving gays, they just put it on a calander. People complain about almost every holiday. Columbus Day? Columbus was a murderer and the schoolbook version of his "discovering" of America is pretty far from the truth. People complain about that holiday for some stupid reasons. Just learning reading and math will not take a child very far. They need to learn the other things in the world too like critical thinking and reasoning, history, civics, sciences, etc. If you want to change what is being taught to childern go run for your local school board and then you can help write the policies.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skyrad 0 #3 October 15, 2006 They're here, they're queer, what is there to fear? Really non story. I wouldn't say I support it anymore than I would any of the other recognised months but I think its ok. What are people afraid of? Could anyone have turned you Gay by putting Gay month on a calender? Sounds like its just a lot of homophobic people out there blowing off over nothing. After all what is Gay history? Do they mean the history of how homosexual acts were and in some cases still are illegal? If so then thats legal history and I don't see anything wrng wth learning about that. Or will it cover the stonewall riot? In which case thats American history, wheres the problem? Or will it discuss the AIDs epidemic and its early origins in the US in which case there is something to be learnt about STD prevention which surely has to be a good thing. Maybe it will be about famous Gay people in history, well we already learn about them so really what is the big fuss about?When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy. Lucius Annaeus Seneca Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakee 1,558 #4 October 15, 2006 What is a history month and why?Do you want to have an ideagasm? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,063 #5 October 15, 2006 What's the issue? They already have a black history, hispanic history and asian history month. One mother wanted a nonviolence month, and talked about a say-no-to-drugs thing. Next year perhaps they will have a revolutionary war month, or a science month, or a history of women month. They can call months whatever they want. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skyrad 0 #6 October 15, 2006 Really? In that case I'm going to call this month Bob. So toady is the 15th of Bob.When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy. Lucius Annaeus Seneca Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakee 1,558 #7 October 15, 2006 And next month shall be Steve. So the 31st of Bob shall also be the eve of Steve.Do you want to have an ideagasm? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #8 October 15, 2006 <> So, do gays in Philly have to wear wooden sandles all month? (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot90 0 #9 October 15, 2006 QuoteJust learning reading and math will not take a child very far. They have to do reading and math before they can "move on" I am sill meeting "grads" who can't read or fill out a time card. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sundevil777 102 #10 October 15, 2006 QuoteI am sill meeting "grads" who can read or fill out a time card. Didn't you mean "can't"? The word 'still' has a "t" in it. Do you have a problem with t's? I think there are just too many commemoratives. They all cost money for the government to advocate.People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tbrown 26 #11 October 15, 2006 What is a "pulic school" ? Can anyone explain ? Your humble servant.....Professor Gravity ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lucky... 0 #12 October 15, 2006 QuoteReally? In that case I'm going to call this month Bob. So toady is the 15th of Bob. You're 1/2 there for gay month, that would be, "Neil and Bob" month. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot90 0 #13 October 15, 2006 QuoteDidn't you mean "can't"? The word 'still' has a "t" in it. Do you have a problem with t's? I can't type Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sundevil777 102 #14 October 15, 2006 Why is it just Gay and Lesbian History Month? Why not include the bisexual, transvestite, transgender, transexual, etc. history also? Those terms are often combined together by advocates of their cause.People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot90 0 #15 October 15, 2006 QuoteWhy not include the bisexual, transvestite, transgender, transexual, etc. history also? Those terms are often combined together by advocates of their cause. Next year it'll be polygamy history month. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakee 1,558 #16 October 15, 2006 Only in UtahDo you want to have an ideagasm? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skyrad 0 #17 October 15, 2006 Woohoo!When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy. Lucius Annaeus Seneca Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sundevil777 102 #18 October 15, 2006 QuoteQuoteWhy not include the bisexual, transvestite, transgender, transexual, etc. history also? Those terms are often combined together by advocates of their cause. Next year it'll be polygamy history month. Be careful, when you bring up the comparison to polygamy, and why that should not be allowed, many will consider you to be a 'phobe/bigot.People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Richards 0 #19 October 15, 2006 Nothing to fear. Parents pulling thier kids out due to the fact that they disagree with something in the schools is a wee bit ridiculous. I am not a big fan of attributing months/weeks to issues like that. It tends to create a list of groups that want their own recognition month (Gay Muslim Nazi month, Left handed Metrosexual Vegetarian Month, Right Wing Communist month...etc). If the idea is education about the history of distinct groups then allow these to be optional extra-curricular activities otherwise with every group lining up for thier timeshare on a month they will squeeze out those other things taught in school (you know.. like math, reading..etc). If the idea is simply to promote tolerance, I am sure that tolerance in general can be included in the school curriculum without each group having thier own month promoting tolerance of thier group. Either way it is not a huge issue to me one way or the other. Richards My biggest handicap is that sometimes the hole in the front of my head operates a tad bit faster than the grey matter contained within. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skyrad 0 #20 October 15, 2006 A left wing council in London called Lambeth council once gave a grant to the 'Gay eskimo womens kayak and canoe group' I shit you not.When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy. Lucius Annaeus Seneca Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Richards 0 #21 October 15, 2006 QuoteQuoteA left wing council in London called Lambeth council once gave a grant to the 'Gay eskimo womens kayak and canoe group' I shit you not. The really pathetic thing is that what you have just told me does not surprise me. Every group wants a piece of the action. Richards My biggest handicap is that sometimes the hole in the front of my head operates a tad bit faster than the grey matter contained within. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #22 October 15, 2006 QuoteNothing to fear. Parents pulling thier kids out due to the fact that they disagree with something in the schools is a wee bit ridiculous. I have to disagree on this point. Parents have given the education system too much rope and need to reign it in. QuoteI am not a big fan of attributing months/weeks to issues like that. It tends to create a list of groups that want their own recognition month And it satisfies only a small percentage of these groups that are clammering for the attention to begin with. QuoteIf the idea is simply to promote tolerance, I am sure that tolerance in general can be included in the school curriculum without each group having thier own month promoting tolerance of thier group. Schools are drifting way too far from their charters of existence. Math, Science, History, English/Literature, and Phys Ed, should be a absolute foundation. If schools can meet these requirements, then the budget expands to allow sports, the arts, and some AP courses in the core subject matter. If performance remains high, and the budget allows, then expand the social study programs to provide an intro-college-level course in the various social structures. It's beyond tolerance, trying to instill "adult" thinking into a 15 year old doesn't work in a public school environment. It has some benefit for the few kids that get sent to boarding schools, but there are liabilities there too. Both the body and the mind lack the experience to bridge the gap. Only if they manage to get "out" and see the bigger picture in college or another advanced learning environment, can they begin to see the world around them as it really is, not how mom and dad say it is, and without the conflict or agenda a high-school teacher may have in trying to teach it.So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakee 1,558 #23 October 15, 2006 QuoteSchools are drifting way too far from their charters of existence. Math, Science, History, English/Literature, and Phys Ed, should be a absolute foundation. Would it not be good to add geography in there too? Oh wait, you're American - disregard!Do you want to have an ideagasm? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Richards 0 #24 October 15, 2006 QuoteSchools are drifting way too far from their charters of existence. Math, Science, History, English/Literature, and Phys Ed, should be a absolute foundation. If schools can meet these requirements, then the budget expands to allow sports, the arts, and some AP courses in the core subject matter. If performance remains high, and the budget allows, then expand the social study programs to provide an intro-college-level course in the various social structures. I couldn't agree more! I will even apply that to high schools and universities. All to often there is a trade-off between academic needs and the demands of special interest groups. At a time where I was trying to set up a TA centre for academic support I was told there was no space yet every student group had thier own space (which was usually used as a hangout) rather than having to share an office/room between them. Students were failing first year business course in high numbers yet we could neither fund this centre nor could we take space away from people who demanded space to pray, get in touch with thier inner child, explore thier sexuality...etc. It eventually got off the ground but I was alarmed by the lack of priorities. Richards My biggest handicap is that sometimes the hole in the front of my head operates a tad bit faster than the grey matter contained within. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,063 #25 October 15, 2006 > Parents have given the education system too much rope and need to reign it in. I think there's a misunderstanding about what's going on in this case. No one's teaching "gay studies" or "gay history." They're calling a month a name. No funding, or courses, or student time, or mandatory essays. There's nothing to "reign in." >Math, Science, History, English/Literature, and Phys Ed, should be a absolute foundation. Except that if you pushed that, someone would claim "school's for ritin. readin and rithmetic! I can make my kid do pushups myself; why do I have to get taxed to make kids do pushups!" Phys ed is definitely as optional as, say, art, shop or home ec. So you end up with a compromise that is acceptable to everyone but makes no one 100% happy. Which is democracy in action when you think about it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
