Anoka-Hennepin School Board votes to replace neutrality policy

[The Philosopher]

from the Star Tribune

Even as the Anoka-Hennepin school board voted Monday night to replace the controversial policy that required teachers to remain neutral on the topic of sexual orientation in the classroom, it was clear that divisions in the state's largest school district still run deep.

The board voted 5-1 to replace the Sexual Orientation Curriculum Policy with one that emphasizes "respectful exchanges of views" during classroom discussions of sexual orientation and other contentious issues.

Ninety minutes of comments by 25 speakers before the vote reflected arguments made during months of discord about the district's handling of the issue, as well as deep differences over how homosexuality is perceived and discussed.

The situation has drawn widespread attention as part of an emotional nationwide discussion of how gay teens are treated. Some blamed the so-called neutrality policy for creating an atmosphere that tolerated persistent bullying of students who are gay or perceived as gay.

Several school board members were visibly relieved upon adoption of the new policy, formally called the Respectful Learning Environment Curriculum Policy. "I'm glad we're done with it for now," said Chairman Tom Heidemann.

...

Those who favored the neutrality policy objected to opponents' characterization of their views. They said they worry that children who hold conservative Christian or moral beliefs will feel censored and shamed if they voice critical opinions.

"How is a conservative student going to feel?" asked Tiffany Strabala, of Andover. "You saw what happened when we came out and voiced our concerns. We were considered closed-minded, bigoted, judgmental and hateful."

Others who opposed changing the policy reiterated their beliefs that homosexuality is a dangerous "lifestyle choice" and that sexuality education belongs in the home. They said scrapping the old policy would create an opening for "homosexual activists" to push an agenda in the classroom.

"Even the [former policy] didn't stop self-righteous, progressive teachers from bringing homosexual propaganda into the classrooms," said Laurie Thompson, president of the Parents Action League, drawing gasps from some in the room.

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[joeybee12]

1. Well, if you don't want to be CONSIDERED "closed-minded, bigoted, judgmental and hateful"...

Then don't BE closed-minded, bigoted, judgmental and hateful.