http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/13/us/13bully.html?hp&gwh=FC660BFCA3C26792B0C9AF48BE9141CB
They really deserve the slow clap- the kind that is so sarcastic and spiteful.
So for those of you not keeping up on your education news, the Anoka-Hennepin school district is the largest in the state. A good part of it is also in Michelle Bachmann land aka her district. They've had this lovely policy of neutrality towards any mention of homosexuality, etc. since 2009. How well has it worked? Hard to say. But they have had 8 student suicides in the last 2 years. And many were well known at having been bullied over sexuality choices or perceived sexuality choices.
In July 6 students brought a lawsuit against the district regarding the policy- that it created a hostile environment where bullying was dismissed or downplayed. Many teachers have come out saying they felt their hands were tied on how to deal with situations regarding this bullying over sexuality. The Department of Justice is also investigating the district regarding civil rights complaints.
I am really disgusted by this. The Minnesota Family Council, a Bachmann favorite, said this- "Saying that you should accept two moms as a normal family- that would be advocacy. There should be no tolerance of bullying, but these groups are using the issue to try to press a social agenda." Because you're not doing so by that statement...ok. I shouldn't get overly angry at work. Not a good idea.
It's only going to get worse in Minnesota with the voting regarding defining marriage in the constitution should happen in 2012. And why is this such a hard decision? It's not all about what parents want their kids to learn. It's about teaching children what should be learned- to be good people, to be accepting of their fellow students, to be upstanding citizens. If these parents have such a problem with this district changing the policy to that bullying can be stopped against LGBT students- then let them leave. Don't let them bully you just because they're the loudest in the room. It doesn't make them right. They can send their kids to other schools or home school them. If they're in the district, their taxes will still go to the district.
I am really disgusted by this right now. Well, ever since I found out about it. Really ever since my best friend was the first person to "come out" in high school and how she was treated.
Ok, the more I write about this, the more upset/frustrated/angry I get. I think I got my point across.
No comments:
Post a Comment