As California mandate looms, some LGBT curriculum already in place
By Debra Goldschmidt, CNN In America
(CNN) - In 10th grade English at Los Angeles’ Grover Cleveland High School, Danielle Taklender's students read the book "Luna" by Julie Anne Peters. It's a story about a transgender teen.
Taklender has been teaching the book for seven years without any fanfare or push back. It’s getting noticed now as her school district takes the lead in developing a plan to comply with the first state law mandating lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history and social science curricula. The California law, which takes effect in January, stops short of dictating how schools are to comply and leaves that up to the districts and schools themselves to figure out.
Taklender uses "Luna" to expose students to new vocabulary and different ways of thinking about pronouns. The students discuss gender identity versus sexual orientation, as well as gender roles in literature. Taklender said she teaches this book the same way she teaches every other book.
She says the only negative feedback she has run into was a parent who once requested an alternate assignment after the class finished reading the book.
“No students ever say they changed their sexual orientation because of it,” Taklender said.
The new law, called the California Fair Education Act, also requires schools teach about the contributions of Native Americans, and people with disabilities. It also bans instructional materials that adversely reflect on a person due to their sexual orientation. The requirements are actually an expansion to the education code already in existence, which requires lesson plans to include various ethnic groups.
But it is not without controversy. Some opponents have religious objections, others say it’s part of sex education and belongs at home not in schools. Others simply don’t want this taught to their children.
So far, opposition efforts to repeal the law, which passed last summer, have failed. There are currently at least five initiative measures awaiting review by the attorney general that could make their way on the ballot for next year's election, but it’s too late to stop the law that takes effect next month. If any of the ballot measures pass, they will undo the curriculum that is already in place.
Although individual teachers, like Taklender, have innovated LGBT studies, there aren’t any system-wide models for districts to duplicate, said Jill Marcellus, a spokeswoman for the Gay-Straight Alliance Network.
The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network’s 2009 National School Climate Survey found that about 13% of students were taught in a positive way about lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people in any of their classes.
Scott Hirschfeld, director of curriculum at the Anti-Defamation League, said kids can go from kindergarten through 12th grade without ever learning about an LGBT person.
“They are really getting an incomplete history,” he said. “The reality is that in most schools this is not a standard part of curriculum.”
In California, many schools have taken a wait-and-see approach, but not the Los Angeles Unified School District. In September, they set a 60-day deadline to develop a new curriculum. This was added to a resolution for affirmation of the district's anti-bullying measures to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
The change isn’t much different than in 2004, when the districts had to update health materials to address gender and sexuality, said Judy Chiasson, program coordinator for Los Angeles Unified School District’s Office of Human Relations, Diversity and Equity. At the time, the district had to create its own material, she said, because there wasn't anything similar out there.
The district has reviewed what is already working in some of its classrooms. Educators have also looked at materials by groups including the Anti-Defamation League, the Southern Poverty Law Center, University of California Los Angeles and University of Southern California. Those materials are the basis of a draft implementation plan for Los Angeles schools that is currently under review by the district Superintendent, a spokeswoman said.
In the meantime, at Downtown Magnets High School in Los Angeles, Daniel Jocz's eleventh grade history students continue to discuss lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. The subject has been part of Jocz's lesson plans since he started teaching seven years ago. Some days, that means a discussion about language: the negative use of the word 'gay' or using 'guys' to describe women. His students will often compare and contrast the use of these words with racial slurs.
The students have also looked at case studies that compare the 1955 murder of 14-year-old African-American Emmett Till in Mississippi with the 1998 murder of gay Wyoming college student, Matthew Shepard.
"There are parallels between the gay situation and the civil rights movement,” Jocz said. "If you don't include it as part of the narrative, you are ignoring it. You have to acknowledge it.”
Every generation has altered the way history is taught in schools, New York University history and education Professor Jonathan Zimmerman said. In the 1920s, it was the Irish, in the 1950s and 1960s, it was African-Americans and in the 1970s, it was Latinos.
“There was a time when history books only had white guys,” Zimmerman said. “Over time, successive groups fought to have their story become part of the main story.”
Adding lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender studies is no different, he said. But schools must be careful not to just celebrate the group - they need to address tough questions and do some hard thinking. For example, he said, sending soldiers to fight for freedom for others while denying gay freedom in the military.
“We need to think about why we’re including them and what the purpose of these stories is in the first place,” Zimmerman said.
Which is why schools are looking at Taklender’s English class and Jocz’s history class. They are still trying to learn how this generation’s history will be taught.
Taklender and Jocz say they are just doing their jobs.
"Even though I knew it was revolutionary,” Taklender said, “I didn't think it was a big deal."
About In America
What defines you? Maybe it’s the shade of your skin, the place you grew up, the accent in your words, the make up of your family, the gender you were born with, the intimate relationships you chose to have or your generation? As the American identity changes we will be there to report it. In America is a venue for creative and timely sharing of news that explores who we are. Reach us at inamerica@cnn.com.
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Ignorance is SIN. Your argument is based on nothing with no proof or substance, you dumb American.
Hey St. Jock, yes, by all means let's keep our kids ignorant and blatantly Stupid about gays and their rich heritage in contributions to this nation and the world. Let them keep following your line of thinking and that of other bigots and teach them that gays do not contribute one iota to society nor do they pay their taxes nor vote in elections and see if they believe you. People are not as naive as you and some of your kind, buddy! They're learning fast. But with your limited mentality, we'd still be living way before even the Middle Ages! That's why so many gay kids are committing suicide due to bullying because the truth that they are human and have Human Rights and are worthy of respect and dignity is not being taught in schools so they can have something to identify with instead of just the traditional bigotry that mostly takes place.
Seriously, your intelligence is a little too low for this country.
Good. i remember i was only taught in Middle school a chapter of GLBT. That was during the Civil Rights Movement in the late 60's that is it. I read about anne frank as im sure you all had to read that book.
whats wrong with learning about another persons life? people have their views on what is right and wrong and your child will discover what is right and wrong no matter what you say as a parent. Where you not a child before? did you not disobey. if i was taught by my father id be a racist. so there, lucky i wasnt i was taught in a liberal washington state education system and my views did not come from my father nor my mother. Parents need to stop and realize their child they created will be an individual and not a reflection of themselves. accept that.
It means gay which means happy.
Be careful what you say about California, which often leads the nation. Your state could be next.
Could someone please explain to me what the big deal is? Even if you hate gay people(which clearly some of you do) If you dont live in Cali. , why do you care? Are you saying you dont believe in state rights? That the people of California dont have the right to vote on what they want their children to learn? They elected their Rep. , they voted, it passed, get over it.
Now ask Santa to get rid of all the people you don't like.
Don't believe in Santa, but my request will stand in the hearing of my LORD Jesus even if my comment get deleted!
As LineOne said, these are 10th graders. If they're open-minded enough to engage in productive discussions on topics you've tried to indoctrinate them against it's a testament to the strength of their characters and hope for the future.
Lovely, what a wonderful human being you are.
Let me guess... Religion of Love?
Yes please, homeschool them. Smaller class sizes!
"Saying" it is not intolerant. Legislating it, banning it, persecuting it, killing them for it, that's intolerant.
All of the above have happened and continue to happen today. You would know that by studying history if history hadn't been "whitewashed". Pun intended.
So what is all the hoopla? We should have always taught history correctly. If a person is black and did something significant in history, we shouldn't hide that. If they are gay, we shouldn't hide that either. If they are Christian we shouldn't hide that either. We made no bones about letting everyone know that Mother Teresa and her good works were those of a Catholic nun. Why should we hid the fact that people like Alexander the Great, Socrates, Fredrick the Great, Lord Byron, Oscar Wilde, Leonard Bernstein, Pope Julius III, Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Edward II, etc. were gay. It is part of our history and heritage.......why pervert history by only telling half the story?
The viewpoint is perfectly "tolerated" and has been for thousands of years.
Cry me a river for your persecuted "minority" that has ruled public education, politics and society based on the writings of a 2000 year old iron age cult.
No one is removing the huge number of hetero, white males from the history books. The world is not ending because kids will find out that g@ys existed before 1980.
the school system and NEA are run by far left wing union members and socialist. Blame your own kind then if you're not happy with what has been taught for "2000 years". May I remind you though our democracy isn't that old. Maybe if you paid attention in History class and knew we were founded in 1776 your argument would hold some weight.
Named for an island in Greece where the poet/philosopher Sappho developed a school of philosophy and wrote poems that were celebrated throughout antiquity. The name comes from the Greek civilization, the foundation of western civilization. You would know this because of studying HISTORY. Your arguments keep proving the need for this mandate.
I'll bet the Easter bunny came to your house when you were young. Which book of the Bible talks about the bunny?
Easter is a pagan holiday for longer than it was a christian one. Even the name Easter is named after a pagan goddess whose celebration occured at the time of spring.
Easter... isn't. Wrong again.
I am no fake Christian. Don't call me fake and ignorant just because I didn't know where parts came from. I'm a real Christian, but I should be worried about the ones who call themselves real, but might not be.
Ha ha ha, the oxy-moronic ways of the big government. (1) We will pursue "Fair Education" that promotes one group of people over another, (2) We'll craft a"Patriot Act" that allows the government to do all the things the original Patriots started a war of independence over (3) We'll raise the "Living Wage" which causes an enormous spike of unemployment in the very socioeconomic group of people it is supposed to help. I could go on and list examples from every act and government agency..
let's go home back to TX.
Don't let the door hit you on the way out!
Yeah, cause your door swings both ways!
its to leave Cali to back TX.
Christmas isn't exclusively a christian holiday. It was originally a pagan one that the christians pre-empted. Pot- meet kettle.
Fine and dandy, but what if your accomplishments are overlooked because you are a discriminated against minorty?
It's my job as a parent to be "Decreasing unawareness and building acceptance", not a school. I understand you are probably a liberal and believe the government should do everything for us. Believe it or not, there are still some of us self-sufficient types who are able to rear intelligent and open minded children.
"I understand you are probably a liberal and believe the government should do everything for us", and you believe that this makes you sound open minded?
dood what book did you read that you're on this "building acceptance is key to society" trip?
Seriously, your name is a tribute to irony.
Christians hardly came up Christmas, in fact just about everything of the religion was borrowed from ancient pagan ways. you are really a pagan and just don't know it. Ever hear of the Winter Solstice? It is on Dec 22nd and it typically took ancient astronomers 3 days to be able to measure that the day was getting longer (due to primitive measurement tools). After those 3 days, they would celebrate their knowledge that spring and daylight would come again. 22+3 = December 25th - Merry Christmas to You!
I'm no pagan, I've just never learned about how it was derived from paganism.
Christ Mass certainly is christian. Maybe celebrating on Dec 25 didn't originate with Christians, but if you celebrate a holiday called Christmas, you are in fact celebrating a Mass for Christ. The name originated from the Catholic Mass celebrated for the birth of Christ.
And it is because of merit that for millennia history was only about white, hetero, rich Christians?
No, of course not. That's why history needs to teach kids that there is more to history than just one group of people and that difference and diversity have made some of the greatest people in history "great"
Another wasted moment in time in which other countries learn about Computer Science, Economics, and Math while our students are inundated with this crap to perpetuate what has become the "worthless generation" even more apparent after the OWS garbage littering the streets of this once great country.
Computer Science was invented by Alan Turing. He was persecuted for his orientation and committed suicide. He saved Britain from the Nazis by breaking the Enigma code. You would know that if they taught history in your school the way California will teach it. Perhaps if Alan Turing was tolerated and not vilified, Computer Science would have advanced even further. He died at the pinacle of his scientific career because bigots in academia and government thought that his lifestyle was perverted. That's relevant history.
actually it's not relevant. You can't write code by knowing that "fact", but if you take the actual class you'll be much better prepared for a job and income as opposed to holding some sign handcuffed to another spoiled baby failure discussing your humanities class as the police drag you from a public square.
It's relevant if your a gay kid who's been told their entire life that they're worthless. It's extremely relevant to find out that one of the greatest mathematicians in one of the most important modern sciences was also gay and was wrongly persecuted for it.
I wrote better code because I was inspired by Alan Turing.
One of the most significant individuals to ever contribute to computer science was driven out of his field, tortured with chemical castration, and ultimately driven to an early death, simply because he was different.
How in the world is that not significant?
No matter what James and others say, you owned him on that idiotic comment about what could be taught instead. You did it beautifully simply and succinctly. I salute you.
So don't live in California. Don't send your kids to public school. Put them in a bubble where they can learn whatever it is you want them to learn.
I do live in California. I want my kids to learn a balanced view of history. I want my kids to spend time around other kids who also learn a balanced view of history. That's why I voted for the people I voted for, and elected the school boards that make these decisions.
Yes. Facts are a "religion" you cannot opt out of. You can't opt out of living on a round world that circles the sun. You can't opt out of a world where people like Oscar Wilde, Andy Warhol, and Alan Turing EXISTED.
Sorry.
You don't need another "class" for that. They're not ADDING another class. They're saying "you have to mention that people like this existed, and often faced persecution" in existing classes.
If your school taught you about people like this already, then this law makes no real difference to that school. If a school has been carefully avoiding discussions about gay historical figures, they have to start mentioning them. It's as simple as that.
Truly the end times are upon us.
Christians commandeered the holiday season from pagans, do your research. You can claim "Christmas Day" properly as a Christian holiday but Jesus is most certainly NOT the "reason for the season", and the traditions associated with the holiday aren't Christian in nature either.
First of all, Hitler persecuted gays. Bad analogy. And schools have been teaching white European history for centuries. Speaking about the contribution of gays and other minorities is not going to hurt anyone.
WiseOneWithAnEducation: You're such an easy target, I almost feel bad for pointing out how ridiculous you sound. Almost. It's like shooting fish in a barrel.
What exactly is your specific objection to this bill? Seems reasonable to me.
Sodom and Gommorah did nothing that wasn't popular in other cities around the world.
only fools call other people fools
1. You have not been saying that for 100 years here.
2. You're an American too, by your own admission, which makes you part of the same class that you're bashing.
3. If you're really wise and educated, you'll know that most blanket statements (such as the ones you make about Americans) are neither wise nor educated.
@Wise then get the fuk out of the U.S. nobody is holding you here.
Magic Johnson is gay? I didn't know that.
Are telling me the epidemic of HIV and AIDS in Africa is because they are all gay? Wow, someone needs to get out more. I could have sworn more straight people spread HIV than gay people.
And without people like you, bigotry wouldn't exist.
Your comment is purer bigotry than mine. Dumb American. I'm American, too, just saying you're dumb. Missing the point, you're very dumb.
@Jim29!!
You can thank your straight IV drug users for that. Dumb American.
Where did AIDS come from anyways?
Their is Dumb American again I am begging to question you and you ability to argue intellgently
There is no point in begging – he is NOT ABLE to argue intelligently. He brings no facts, he only uses name-calling.
Gay kids in school get ruthlessly bullied everyday. If we can introduce a climate of acceptance and understanding, nothing's wrong with that.
Just Punish the Bullies and leave it at that.
Well, some states are passing laws to stop bullies from being punished (Missouri? or was it Missisipi?). Meanwhile, gay kids are 10 times more at risk of suicide.
So it's not enough. Kids need to know that their orientation was shared by many great people in history. People who were also persecuted for their orientation.
Gay kids in school are DYING because of bullying, because of feeling condemned and ridiculed and ostracized for something that is not their choice. Teaching them that some of history's "great people" were gay may give them the idea that they are worthy humans too. Who knows, one day a gay kid might be president (Buchanan), invent computer science (Alan Turing), conquer the world (Alexander the Great), fight for their rights (Harvey Milk) or run the world's greatest company (Tim Cook/Apple).
black kids are dying from guhshot wounds everyday
I agree, but it should be an elective class.
The bullying may be bad, but it wouldn't happen if they choose to be normal and right than weird and wrong.
Right....because people are definitely choosing to be discriminated against, beaten up, told they're going to hell. That doesn't make any sense. Also, science has proven that gay is normal. You need to educate yourself.
Kids pick on other kids for many many many reasons JUST BECAUSE THEY CAN! Instead of focusing on causes and forcing things upon our children that we don't want, how about teaching them to be accepting and respectful of everyone reguardless of whom they are and leave it at that. Get back to teaching what our kids are there for, math, english, history, arts, science, etc. Fight your causes but not in my underage childrens classrooms taking away my parental rights to decide.
The schools are teaching historical facts. Simply stating that different people existed, sometimes had significant contributions, and sometimes faced persecution for being different.
Personally, wish there was this education when I was younger.
Please excuse my ignorance but isn't this the same thing as teaching kids that there exists other religions in our society other than the mainstream religion of America so that the kids can tolerate other kids who are different from themselves and this could be one way to prevent bullying in our society?
I ask what will be the outcome if you choose to not let your Son or Daughter go thru this class, will they fail them because of their belief.
It does not promote tolerance, only censorship and government control of the curriculum.
Gays, blacks, Muslims, illegal immigrants.....they are the new Nazis. No criticism will be tolerated.
If your religion comes from the Bible, it supports slavery, the inferiority of women and discrimination against the handicapped. Well done.
WIseOneWIthAnEducation's posts consistently have two attributes: 1) they contribute no facts to the debate and 2) they call the opposition "dumb American". I guess he learned these techniques in the law school of which he seems so proud. Personally, I think maybe he's confused on the definitions of wise and education.
Lol!!
only a fool calls himself wise
haaaaaaahaaaha. no one believes you.
?????? oooooook.....:-\
I see, and yet you make the judgment that homeschoolers couldn't succeed at law school? Well, I guess you're just confirming the arrogance implied by your choice of name.
Hey Derek you're probably just a logger that didn't go to high school. Dumbbb American.
WiseOne, I understand where your coming from, but can you release a comment every hour saying who is a dumb american?
@Wise are you from the middleeast you sound like it you are not a natural born citizen
Hey YapYap I was born in San Diego, wise one 😉
"Slippery slope" much?
Most successful company in the world –
NASDAQ:AAPL – 365 Billion market cap.
Without oil, Texas would be a barren desert. Oh yes, there's also federal welfare for defense companies, which California pays for with the surplus tax balance it sends to the feds.
How many future employers are going to ask graduates to identify the orientation of historical figures? The schools are failing to teach basic math, grammar, and science. The housing bubble was partially caused by people signing mortgage contracts without any understanding of adjustable rates or personal finance. Rather than learning personal finance on their own, the same people are out protesting the banks and occupying foreclosed homes. Schools should focus on teaching the application of knowledge from math and science classes and build the problem solving skills that will help them in life and that most companies are seeking instead of adding a politically motivated fluff. This is nearly as bad as religious conservatives adding intelligent design to the curriculum.
Do you really know about Sodom? What did the Bible say was the "sin of Sodom and her daughters". It wasn't being gay.
NoQuater is a Hitler wanna be, shame.
Were the accomplishments of LGBT folks being ignored for some reason before?
The idea is to teach 10th graders that gay people make great contributions to society, and this builds acceptance. Don't be a dumb American fear-monger. That's what's up.
Right, great, thanks for not answering my question. Were the accomplishments of LGBT folks being ignored in the past?
So you want schools to teach me acceptance? How can I accept something when it's wrong? If everyone accepted that something is wrong, and didn't do anything about it, there would be no America, no Haiti, no Mexico. There would be many things that wouldn't be the same with your stupid level of thinking. You call yourself wise, yet you can't have simple values. You're the exact opposite of wise.
There are schools trying to get out of teaching about evolution. So I'm going to say "yes".
But that's a Red Herring; i.e., some schools trying to get away from teaching evolution has nothing to do with whether or not the accomplishments of LGBT folks have been ignored in the past.
@Fnordz if you want to believe you can from a fish go ahead with your IGNORANT AZZ white people are destroying the world with their perverted ideology called LIBERALISM.
Of course they were. History, for millennia, has been the story of white men, written by white men, starring white men.
Only recently have minorities of any kind been included in any way. Gays didn't appear for the first time in the last 20 years. They have been a part of history, from the beginning of history. The fact that they were invisible is part of the problem and is wat this mandate fixes.
Are you implying that none of the "white men" in previous history that you refer to were gay?
you just made God and Jesus happy, as they rejoice that GLBT history is coming out of the closet. God and Jesus feel sorry for the right wing warmongering christians.
Hey...jesus was a liberal....not a right wing warmongering christian......just sayin
Let me correct: History was about white, hetero, male, christian, rich, land owning men.
Some of them might have been gay, but that was certainly never talked about. All minorities were invisible in history until about 30-40 years ago.
Making them visible irks some, but is necessary to balance out their complete invisibility from history.
So then- and this is a serious question here- is the point to highlight the accomplishments of said gay (or lesbian etc) individuals, or is it to point out that they're LGBT? Why would it matter if they're LGBT (or any other minority)? Is the point to celebrate that they're not the majority or to celebrate what they accomplished?
No they were not ignored, just the fact that they were LGTBs. Not sure what being LGTB has to do with their achievements.
So teaching kids that MLK was black is evil too?
Those you describe as warmongering are not true Christians. If anyone does not walk in God's teachings he is not of God
Welcome to being a dumb and ignorant American that doesn't realize that it's 10th graders that are going to learn how to be accepting! OMG! THE WORLD IS GOING TO END! NEXT YEAR APPARENTLY SO DONT WORRY ABOUT IT. Dumb American.
It would be nice if Christians would stop pushing their witchcraft on others.
I see you are signing yourself off as a "dum american" I agree... that you are dum!
It's a simple concept.....If the liberal left can teach my kids that being gay is OK, then I can teach my kids that being gay is absolutely wrong and immoral. If you have a problem with that, YOU'RE the intolerant one. Peace...OUT!
But that still makes you a bigot and the libtards full of love and peace....something you proclaim you are....but your not.
Your still a hater!!
You can't teach your kids that when it's something they can't control. Dumb American. May you have a gay child one day.
You must be one of those racist that think it is wrong to teach kids about a black man named Martin Luther King Jr. You probably think they should keep the term "black" out of it. Why does America have so many scared people. Grow a pair, stop being so scared of EVERYTHING.
you should change your name to NoBrains, as that is more like it. You cant catch being gay....children do not get confused, rather they grow up accepting and loving those around them......unlike you who teached bigotry and hate. face it your a hater!! HATER!!
You're jealous that I can call you out for being a dumb middle-American that doesn't know anything. Taking my name, oh you're soo mature. Dumb American.
Or possibly your just a tool
It's 10th graders for goodness sake. Get back into your cave.
Scary, isn't it? Doesn't seem like the more right-wing religious a person is the more obvious it is that they are poorly educated in history, spelling and other subjects? Everything? Fear, ignorance, intolerance, lack of knowing how to turn on the spell-checker...LOL
10th graders are still minors, underage. 18 is the legal age of adulthood. Therefore those 10th graders are still under parental care and its up to the parents to determine these kinds of life lessons not the public school systems. If my underage child hit your car, you'd sue ME holding me responsible and rightly so that is MY child 'I' am responisble for them. With that being said I expect to be able to not have my rights stripped from me concerning what causes are taught to them because a certain group of people are the flav of the moment screaming the most to be heard group.
HAHAHA you are suuch a dumb American that doesn't understand gay people probably because you are not gay or do not have gay children. It is not a choice and you are from the bowels of this country. Dumb American who doesn't understand anything. Very stupid.
Your statement is contary to natural design.
I claim to have an education but the only word I know is "dumb" and anyone who disagrees with me is "dumb."
Hate the sin not the sinner, all Christians are saved by Grace.
Should they also mention if they ate pasta, wore their wives underwear every other Friday, sang christmas songs in July or were avid nose pickers in public. This has NOTHING to do with their accomplishments yet is part of who they are to so why not throw all that out there to learn also? Because it's ABSURD to teach that in the classroom to our children. They are not there to be forced to learn acceptence of every cause or issue of everyone who thinks they are right. If thats the case I think every child should be given a wand, a pet owl, and a broom to take to school... hey who are you to judge that Herbology wont help mold the mind of a future doctor or pot farmer for medical purposes... of course. Bottom line is, its the persons historical impact, achievements, accomplishments that should be taught in grade schools, the more deeper education should be taught at college levels when that child is who they are and wish to learn it.
This kinda ticks me off. God is taboo in school, the countrys flag is frowned upon, but this becomes law? If it is specifically geared at the studies of it, it should be an elective class not forced. Honestly I'm sick of the whole straight, gay, white, black lets shove it down each throats stuff. We're all just people, equals, special in our own ways. You know. But as a parent, I feel history should be taught as just that... HISTORY. Include it all, its a part of us, but don't single things out like this and make it a battle....why focus on the "cause' aspect rather than the historical impact?
I'd like to see many manadory teachings go away. Isnt it time to make it national history month and teach alittle about all ethnic groups so everyone can feel pride in the accomplishments of others and in the historical impact that thier group included in our history? Let all students be included. Were a country now of a beautiful rainbow of many different colors and we are all very different in our believes. Isn't time to stop come together and just be accepting of each other. But in my honest opinion that won't happen if we single out and 'FORCE' causes on others. You are met with resentment and a battle. If we are going teach causes instead of the historical impacts, I'd like holidays, God, the respect for the American flag put back into the public school education system please. =)
ok at least this comment is well thought out.
I think there are plenty of examples of orientation being and important factor in history. Mostly, in the teaching of civil and human rights. Also, in understanding that history was not just made by white, male, hetero, christian rich land owners, as it was taught for millennia. Highlighting the fact that "others" also contributed to science, the arts, literature, politics and history in general helps make their contributions visible. It would not be necessary to highlight their orientation if it was not the case that for millennia these people were invisible. It's a matter of balancing the "rest" of society that would rather have blacks, gays, indians, mexicans, women and others be invisible or play "supporting roles" in a history written by white men for white men and with only white men as stars.
Nice job Peggy! I agree.
Peggy . I am old enough to remember gay and transgender people being beat up by the police just for being who they are. There are a lot of great brave people out there that fought for where we are now and where we will eventually reach one day. I know that we will "reach that mountain top" There is a lot wrong with this country but the fear mongering and nonsense that comes from the far Right and Fox news is not what we should be focusing in on. Gays aren't the enemy...... they are your fellow countrymen, your fellow human that deserves the same rights and respect that every other person receives.
I agree
Peggy,
you should know in the mid-80s I was walking home one night in Baltimroe and was jumped by 3 men just for being gay... they sent me to the ER, with a broken arm & jaw... so tell me if we do not teach children at a younger age how to be respectful of all HUMANS, this may keep happening.
HAHAHAHAHA you are soo dumb!
HAHAHAHAHA look at how immature you are!
Said the person who doesn't have a gay relative...
HAHAHA you are a dumb American! Straight men love doing the same thing to women! Don't forget!
Dumb American! Comparing false ideas and stupid thoughts! Not recognizing acceptance and social awareness that builds society!
Wise(yeah ok)onewithaneducation...you're a friggin trip. possibly mentally ill too
The idea of Hell is anathema to my beliefs.
This is not progress. This is a problem with Christian societies, they are too accepting of perverted practices, and not concerned with what is natural.
Again, "wiseone"...what superior nationality are you? fuquing idiot...
strawman.
You mean like how people though blacks were property?
I'm sure things would be much better if the people who's life offends you didn't exist or were invisible in the teaching of History. You are correct: 30 years ago this would have been unimaginable. That's progress.
You're such a dumb American that doesn't know anything about social acceptance and awareness. May you and your little dog children never step into society.
Says the sinner.
Heck, even the founding fathers dressed as women.
Your Funny:)
HAHAHAH THATS BC YOU'RE A LITTLE BlTCH AND KEEP HITTING REPORT ABUSE. JUST LIKE A LIBTARD, CRY AND GO TELL ON SOMEONE WHEN YOU DISAGREE. BIG BAD CONSERVATIVES ALWAYS PICK ON YOU LITTLE PIECES OF SHlT
@FlyonteWall I bet anybody some money he want say burn all the Korans because these are the cowards we have raised in the United States scared of Islam. In the middleeast they execute gays.
Isn't Islam so peaceful
they want talk about islam they are scared to death of what the Muslims might do to them and their family. Cowards
I pray my self that in the day of great persecution that I would hold fast to my belief and relationship with Jesus Christ.
Dakota.... not sure what your last comment means.. but remember that Jesus never comdemned anyone for being gay. Remember the 2nd greatest commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself". I am your neighbor.
The Bible said in the last days they will call the bad good and the good bad,also running to shed innocent blood,well I see alot of that these days
I don't believe in witchcraft, sorry.
That's good, but he wasn't talking about witchcraft.
Amen! I agree
The great thing about the truth and the way, is that it will always be truth for God Holds it and will Judge by it to all Men.
Monte,
If you REALLY cared about all the sin going on, you'd be out trashng all your fellow Christians for committing the SIN of adultery by remarrying rather than worry about an abomination like eating shellfish. There are FAR FAR MORE of your fellow adulterous Christians than there are total number of gays.
It's all "pick and choose" hypocrisy. Forget all about the Golden Rule. Pick the sins you like.
Yes the Church is experiencing great corruption Wolfe's in sheeps clothing,but I hold fast to the entire bible and it teachings. Its 100%.
True everyone sins but what is really wrong to God is to go on living and practicing something that is outright defined as an abomination to god weather it be adultry or being gay,Also I don't go along with watch you call main stream christians as alot of them think adultry and abortion and being gay is acceptable to God our Creator when it flat out isn't He hates those things and expects those who love him to do the same.But yet Gods true people treat others with respect even if they are imperfect.
“This is what the Lord Almighty says... ‘Now go and strike Amalek and devote to destruction all that they have. Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’” (1 Samuel 15:3)
“And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord, and said, ‘If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, then whoever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return victorious from the Ammonites, shall be the Lord’s, to be offered up by me as a burnt-offering.’ Then Jephthah came to his home at Mizpah; and there was his daughter coming out to meet him with timbrels and with dancing. She was his only child; he had no son or daughter except her. When he saw her, he tore his clothes, and said, ‘Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low; you have become the cause of great trouble to me. For I have opened my mouth to the Lord, and I cannot take back my vow.’” (Judges 11:30-1, 34-5)
“Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the cruel.” (1 Peter 2:18)
"... in the cities of the nations the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes. 17 Completely destroy them...LORD your God has commanded you. 18 ... "(Deuteronomy 20.16ff)
So yeah, good became bad, and vice versa a long time ago, when the concept of human rights developed.
Dear Gregg, you did not study enough or read deep enough. You quote out of context. God never kills the innocent, but to those who cause the little ones to sin, or kill the innocent, he brings just punishment. In these latter days, his punishment will be swift, his wrath will be great to those who continue to walk in sinfulness and unrighteousness.
its easy to prophecize if you make generic prophecy. I prophecy the sun will rise tomorrow! Yes... And lo.
This is not the end of days.
The bible teaches that the people will go on marrying and drinking, an sudden terror will come upon them. Don't be asleep. Wake up. We are at the end of the age, and it will not be long. God is dividing the wheat from the chaff. The wheat will be gathered to his barn. Chaff is not good for anything. He won't keep it. Do you think you can make the earth continue to exist outside of God's will ?
You wouldn't say that if you sat down and studied with me chefdugan. Are you saying that the one true living God who gives you the ability to breath, and live everyday to be what you describe him to be in your words above. He could take your breath from you at any moment if he chose. But he does not choose to subject you to premature death, but to give you every opportunity to realize your error, turn from your sins and walk in his righteousness. Not to be confused with the self-righteousness of mankind, but to walk in the faith and teachings of his son Jesus Christ who died for you. He took your beating, your stripes across his back so you wouldn't have to suffer. All you have to do is call on him and ask him to come into your heart. For if you decide to turn away from your sins and seek him with all your mind, heart, and soul. then he and the Holy Father will abide with you, and you will abide in their Kingdom which is better than the Satan's Kingdom. Look around you. You live in Satan's Kingdom now. Are you 100 % happy with the earth and every person in it ? If your answer is no, then you need to seek out Christ, as that can be totally changed.
HAHAHAHAHA CNN keeps deleting your comments, babyboyyy
Poor Jimmy can't come to terms that he himself is in fact gay. It is 2011, it is okay to be yourself, no reason to hide that you are gay.
You're whack and you need to be medicated, you dumb American.
You're a dumb American full of trash who doesn't know anything and gives us all a bad name.
This is why we homeschool people.
Actually, homeschooled kids perform far higher on average in college prep than their public school counterparts. Sorry to destroy your emotion-based argument.
I don't care at all about his argument, he's not arguing what you're saying. You are also a dumb American. Nice try. You would fail in law school.
Amen Rick! Look at the test scores for home schooled children WishOneWithAnEducation...they are much higher than public school children.
Truth has no agenda. Ignorance or so called intelligence doesn't change the truth. Hell we got the smartest President in history who has turned out to be the worst President in history. We need to see his grades and test scores or at minimum submit to a drug test.
What superior nationality are you, idiot?
Obama graduated with HONORS from Harvard Law School. It's amazing that there are so many dim bulbs that want to FANTASIZE that Harvard passes out honor degrees without requiring they prove they can do it.
I expect you probably supported all the moron "birthers" and "deathers" too. Their humiliation didn't teach them much.
You are all sooo dumb. Dumb Americans. You think Bush was better?
@observer – Get at me broooooo. Does your bunghole hurt?
The Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) had their annual conference in Atlanta. Their goal: train the principals, bypass the Bible, and control curriculum. According to the Concerned Women for America, G.L.S.E.N. is targeting Southern schools in particular. And this conference will address that with a host of workshops. Some of those offered include: "How To Train Your School Principals," "Deflecting Bible Bullets," and "Integrating Lesbian and Gay Students Into Literature Curriculum." These are their goals, and their target group starts with kindergarten. (Center for Reclaiming America)
This country was founded on Christian princapels
Stop trying to push your "gayness" on our children..........
anyone who puts more stock in the bible then in Dr. Seuse is a f-ing fool. It is the most hate filled, filthy, predguced, poorly writen piece of fiction that has ever been penned. Writen for the sole pourpose of manipulating the masses to do what the leaders say. Bilble facts= ZERO
It is the 100% inspired word of God.
Hey Mickey although I may agree with what you state regarding the bible it is still a book which many people hold to be true, so it's probably better to be somewhat respectful of peoples beliefs by stating your beliefs in a less derisive manner.
I never wrote any of it.
oh you child of the devil, don't you want a better life, a better existence than what is on the earth ? Or do you want to see people go on killing, people suffering, people struggling to survive and to put food on the table ? God provides for all who come to him. You will never again thirst or be hungry in his Kingdom. There will be no tears, no pain, no sickness or diseae, no sorrow, and no more death. Which Kingdom sounds better ? The one you are in now, or the one you could have ?
The real potential for harm here is that this misinformation leaves kids with no way out with the new LGBT law. They need to hear the truth that there is an alternative to this propaganda. If the gay community has nothing to hide and the truth is really on their side, why are they so afraid of other viewpoints and open dialogue? Guard your children from the unhealthy consequences of gays and protect your right of free speech.
Well, Bobby, it is because of ignorant people like you.
Coug9 is just another dumb and ignorant alarmist American..ignore him he's a dumb American.
public schools aren't there to confirm one set of religious viewpoints. Hence it is entirely appropriate not to place the bible in any more pominence than any other religious doctrine.
Name ten and I bet one of them you mention was gay.
Bye, ignorant jerk.
Last week a teacher was teaching a class of second graders how to sing 'Deck the Halls', a Christmas carol that dates back to the sixteenth century. When the words 'Now we don our gay apparel...' came around, the kids snickered. Instead of the teacher manning up and using the moment as a teachable one, she changed 'gay' to 'bright'.
THAT is why we need these laws. The fear and ignorance is surreal and hopelessly out-dated in a supposedly modern society. To those here posting that acceptance of gays and transgender people will eventually lead to acceptance of pedophiles, you also are the reason we need laws like this. I pity you.
God Will put an end to all this corruption in the world soon,So take heart you people who see the truth,Just remember as the word say's return evil for evil to no one,God will fix this terrible mess.
So, if that is truely the case, then why dont all the thiests shut the f up, and let god do his job. Mathew:7 "judge not least ye be judged, and let he who is without sin cast the first stone."
you dont know what that really means do you, you clueless fuk, study that verse
But use good judgement.
Word!
God doesn't have a problem with gays or he wouldn't allow them to be born. Also, his son Jesus was gay, or did I miss the part where he had girlfriends and kids?
He is not Gay and you believe a lie.
Jesus gay? Just because he never married, never dated, never condemned gays, and hung around all the time with 12 guys who were almost all single, does that make him likely to be gay?
So Jesus had a wife and kids? I don't think he even had a girlfriend.
It is recorded no where in scripture that Jesus was married or had kids or was gay. You are wrong.
God does have a problem with gays, but he doesn't make them that way. Satan does, just like he makes you believe that the Bible is wrong.
Oh, so Satan can control the miracle of birth?
AlwaysRight
"God does have a problem with gays, but he doesn't make them that way. Satan does, just like he makes you believe that the Bible is wrong"
Satan must have written a lot of the Bible because it is FULL of errors, contradictions, hypocrisy and nonsense besides the morals.
They've been saying this for 2,000 years. Wrong every time. No reason to believe you'll GUESS right this time.
It will be in his good time, and only God knows the appointed time.
You are a dumb American with nothing else to hope for..
The Bible says claiming to be wise they become foolish
You know what, crazy bigots that use religion as a weapon? Too bad for you, the USA has Separation of Church and State. Don't like it? I hear there's an unclaimed piece of Antarctica you can move to.
USA, the same country that was founded on christian values, has God in the pledge of allegiance, and has official songs with God on them? This country was originally made great, but people like you, politicians, and people who are getting the wrong idea are changing what it originally was and ruining it.
"This country was originally made great,", then get the f–k out, the Indians were here first.
are you scared to talk about islam coward?
TheTruth is a rod of iron in it's self no need for weapons please
And by the way, you are acting more like Hitler than the school system.
You're a troll. When you have children, you'll understand.
I am no troll, I am proud to be gay and children need to know they aren't alone or freaks of nature.
Hey NoQuarter, you will never teach your kids acceptance and they'll turn out ignorant like you. Dumb American.
They are not freaks just sinners like every one else and in need of a savior.
Yes, Jason, you are an ignorant, intolerant, gay troll. You think that anyone who doesn't agree with you and won't agree that your lifestyle is fine is evil. You think that it's ok to confuse kids at an early age. You think it's alright for the State to dictate to parents what their kids have to believe. You think that those who think differently are intolerant. I have news for you. YOU'RE the one that's intolerant. YOU are intolerant of anyone who won't support your agenda. You are the one who seriously needs a dose of reality when it comes to raising children. And YOU are the one that is acting like Hitler, forcing your view of morality down out throats. Hitler went as far as to mandate that schools teach "German Math," "German Science," and "German Physics." TELL ME...HOW IS THAT DIFFERENT THAN WHAT CALIFORNIA IS ABOUT TO DO?!
no body knows this, I think Obama is gay.
Over 50% of the students in California are Latinos or illegals, take your favorite PC word. Is this new crap taught in Spanish too? What about the other 50 languages that Californians speak? Austrian too?
This country was founded by illegals.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem as "illegals" against the rules of the Roman empire. Jesus was an anchor baby in Judea.
We aren't at all surprised that you'd think that. Personally I wouldn't be surprised if you supported the moron "birthers".
I suppose you think the USA shouldn't have ever taught black history either?
Why can't it just be taught as part of our Nations History.......Blacks included.....why does it have to be separate..?? Isn't the goal that we don't single out. But I see Black Miss America, NCPA, NCWA, NCLU, affermative action, all things to place one race over "whites" which is not a race. Why be separate, why not be part of American History, isn't it about time?
losers, california's wack.
You're whack. You dumb and ignorant American.
yep stay in C
Right, don't come here. You are far too undereducated.
You know I'm right and my feelings aren't hurt. Look at how you're acting, you little ignorant child.
I'm glad my kids do not go through California school system. I agree that many of these men and women accomplishments changed history but it should not be highlighted whether they were straight or gay. What should be highlighted is that they studied and worked hard for their accomplishments.
If electricity comes from Electrons, does Morality come from Morons?
Absolutely agree!
It also lets gay children know they aren't freaks of nature as society has made people think. It is good, just as teaching kids about black history or Hispanic history. They aren't going to go into detail about their lives in bed for goodness sakes. Your kids won't turn gay either, get a grip.
That our jobs as parents to take care of that, I don't need the school system to teach them that
Is it wrong that we teach our kids that MLK was black?
gays are a descriminated against minority whose contributions have been minimized and villainized, though. In an ideal reality this wouldn't have happened- but sadly this isn't an ideal relality so communicating their contributions to me seems a valid way to bring these issues to light.
The State of CA one day, its going to fall in to ocean, for passing nonesence law like this.
It probably won't fall into the ocean because of the "plates" that exist there, but it is slowly pulling itself apart. I was born in California, and I wouldn't go back and raise my kids there for any amount of money. It used to be a wonderful place, but I don't even recognize it any more. What a sad state of affairs.
One day, people will think of this as they do black history. It amazes me how many hateful people there are.
Eddie, the very fact that you spelled 'nonsense' that way sums up exactly why the government has to step in and try to improve things.
NOT a typo, sad to say.
http://davereed.tumblr.com/post/571391973/8th-grade-final-exam-circa-1900
we have Calfornians here in Texas most came because they say California is a failed state nobody is moving out there
And will they be specifically noting the contributions of persons who thought that LGBT activity was morally wrong? That would be...oh, about 95% of everyone who every did anything that mattered for all of human history. Obviously if they are fair minded they will want to note that category, too. Don't you think?
Make it elective. Let the students decide what they'd like to learn about.
You mean like algebra, grammar, science, etc? Since when would we ever let the students pick what they want to learn about? Most students would opt out of all the basic subjects, which this is now.
And another million refugees from the failed social experiment that is California will be on their way to the growing, prosperous, just experiment that is Texas.
And then they'll want to mess up Texas.
Where they can get a minimum wage job and celebrate ignorance. Ill stay in CA thanks
@andy what fukking jobs are in California where ignorance and low IQs are bliss
HAHA. "What jobs are in California?"
Worlds largest corporation: Apple
World's third largest corporation: Google
I could keep going. California is the 8th largest economy in the world and that's comparing it with countries. The vast majority of the Internet and the PC were invented here.
James Byrd Jr didn't think it was a "just experiment"
Texas put his killers to death...in California they would have gotten a pottery-therapy class and been released after a year or two. And that makes California more just exactly how?
Texas has had such smart governors...LOL!!!!
Well certainly he's no steroid popping action figure...um, I think I forgot your point! 🙂
keep your ideolgy in california, we dont want you here in Texas prople like the talking miscarriage named Jason
THAT'S GOOD THING.