The State of Minnesota
In Minnesota, the State Department of Education has developed a publication titled Alone No More: Developing a School Support System for Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Youth, that addresses the need to create safe and healthy school climates for gay, lesbian and bisexual students. It is a resource for educators, not a curriculum and not a "how to" manual on sexuality. As did the state of Massachusetts, Minnesota recognized the isolation and fear, the harassment and abuse suffered by g/l/b youth, and made a commitment to respond to this need.
Sheldon's comment on the Minnesota publication is that the state has "prepared guidelines to do nearly everything the National Education Association suggests." To the extent that both the NEA and the state of Minnesota have committed to trying to prevent harassment, discrimination and abuse of g/l/b youth, Sheldon is correct. In this case, it is his characterization of this as somehow wrong that is in error.
The programs at issue in these hearings provide the following to students: A discussion of the harm done by prejudice and bigotry, a plea to treat fellow students with respect regardless of sexual orientation (their own or that of family members), a recognition that others -- even a few well-known historical figures, or writers or performers -- were or are gay or lesbian, a "safe space" in which to discuss one's concerns about sexuality issues. The programs do not promote homosexuality, they are not used to recruit students to homosexuality. They may, in fact, prevent a child's death either by his or her own hand or by others viciously acting out their own prejudice. In a society that persecutes, harasses and condemns those who are or who are perceived to be gay and lesbian, or even those who question their sexual orientation, it is inconceivable that responsible educators could be accused of promoting and recruiting. As the mission statements of so many of these programs state, students are suffering, physically
and emotionally, and caring teachers and counselors want to reduce that suffering in whatever responsible way they can. It is unconscionable that a political movement -- particularly one that claims to represent God and family -- is perpetuating prejudice and bigotry by vilifying these educators for their caring and compassion.