This unsigned LA Times editorial (in today's paper) makes me think that perhaps the debate can become more rational than it has been. Key paragraphs:
The Times consistently tilts left in its editorials, so this view -- which is eminently sensible and compassionate -- just might get some traction now. I think (hope) that will help foster a more civil discussion. When schoolso do what Alameda is doing here, it scares parents and makes it very hard to trust the motives of those who argue for further recognition of gay rights.
In attempting to discourage taunting of gay students, the Alameda Unified School District turned what should be a basic lesson on treating others kindly into a primer on sexual identity. Its new anti-bullying curriculum for kindergartners through fifth-graders will begin in the fall and focus solely on gay and lesbian issues — as if harassment based on race, religion or failure to wear cool clothes were nonexistent. Parents who might object cannot opt their children out of it. It’s a heavy-handed approach to take with students at a tender age.
. . .
[The district] went too far in adopting a curriculum that introduces topics involving sexuality at an age when most children are ill-equipped to consider them. The new curriculum familiarizes second-graders with the concept of same-sex couples and teaches fourth-graders the words “gay” and “lesbian.” A year later, it calls on the teacher to write the acronym LGBT on the board and ask students the meaning of each letter (it stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, the four main forms of alternative sexual identity).
The district is using a facts-of-life curriculum to impart a Golden Rule lesson: Treat others as you want to be treated. Mean behavior is not OK. This is best taught by creating a school culture that values and rewards kindness and that doesn’t hesitate to discipline bullying.
. . .
[The district] went too far in adopting a curriculum that introduces topics involving sexuality at an age when most children are ill-equipped to consider them. The new curriculum familiarizes second-graders with the concept of same-sex couples and teaches fourth-graders the words “gay” and “lesbian.” A year later, it calls on the teacher to write the acronym LGBT on the board and ask students the meaning of each letter (it stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, the four main forms of alternative sexual identity).
The district is using a facts-of-life curriculum to impart a Golden Rule lesson: Treat others as you want to be treated. Mean behavior is not OK. This is best taught by creating a school culture that values and rewards kindness and that doesn’t hesitate to discipline bullying.
The Times consistently tilts left in its editorials, so this view -- which is eminently sensible and compassionate -- just might get some traction now. I think (hope) that will help foster a more civil discussion. When schoolso do what Alameda is doing here, it scares parents and makes it very hard to trust the motives of those who argue for further recognition of gay rights.
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