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Teaching Tolerance
Since I am a lifelong Bay Area resident, I make the mistake of assuming that everyone is just as liberal, tolerant and embracing as I am. Well, today I received another reminder that this is not the case and my heartbreaks just a little bit more.
Over in the East Bay in San Leandro, the school district saw fit to teach tolerance and make their schools - gulp - safe for all students. This was done by passing out the poster that is posted here to all teachers at a yearly seminar on LGBT issues because, sadly, gay students are harassed and worse at schools. The poster was designed by one of the LGBT clubs at one the campuses.
However, about five teachers have refused to hang the posters in their classrooms because of their religious beliefs. None of these teachers were available at the time of the Chronicle's article for comment. Why not be proud of your stance? You lily liver-ed bigots!
My thoughts:
1. Whatever happened to separation of Church and State? Clearly, these peeps are getting paid with government monies.
2. These are not private institutions, so get over it. You are not being asked to discuss it, although, you should.
3. You are perpetuating myths and passing along the bias of those who are not tolerant.
4. GET OVER IT! You should be teaching and embracing ALL STUDENTS. If you are unwilling to do this, then find another job. Every child should feel welcome at their school, no matter what.
Cross-Posted at Daily Pepper and the Refugees
Posted by Catherine on January 25, 2006
in Current Affairs, LGBT | Permalink| Comments (5)
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Comments
I'm totally frightened by the ever growing number of people who think they can press their "morals", and I use the term loosely since their beliefs tend to be along the lines of intolerence and bigotry, on the rest of us. Would people who came into my library and asked for the latest Ann Coulter book stand for it if I said, I'm sorry I refuse to get that book for you since it goes against my beliefs. Hell no they wouldn't. I'm not there to judge anybody or force my beliefs on them, I'm there to do a job. Who made these people judge and jury?
Posted by: Ann | Jan 26, 2006 6:45:55 AM
that is really upsetting.
Posted by: minnie | Jan 26, 2006 8:41:28 AM
What it amounts to is that their "religious belief" compels them to be against protecting students in their care from harm. And that's what they should be called out for, heartless trash that theya are.
Posted by: Diane | Jan 26, 2006 11:53:12 AM
All of you make many great points! Thanks for stopping by and reading this important story.
Posted by: catherine | Jan 26, 2006 12:27:51 PM
As a political activist, gay, democratic, Vietnam War veteran, the issues related to tolerance and diversity have always been close to my heart. No I am not a bleeding heart liberal but simply a crusader against hate. It is my theory that all prejudices are learned. So, with that in mine, I composed a poem about a year ago entitled "The Death Of Innocence". Hope you find it worthwhile.
A babies mind resembles a blank slate.
Newborns aren't predisposed to hate.
The seeds of life are ones of love,
Sowed by God and nurtured from above.
And we, each made in God's image on this earth,
Have a solemn duty to affirm our children's worth.
They need guidance to keep tolerance alive,
For without it, surely hate and bigotry will thrive.
Each child's eyes are truly color blind.
The different hues of human skin they do not mind.
It's only thru an education based on hate,
That their young minds will different skin shades rate.
One's religion does not matter to a child.
To them God's mercy is always tempered mild.
They will play with a Christian, Muslim, or a Jew the same.
It does not matter for partners in a game.
If a playmate has two dads but not a mom,
It makes no difference if they are a friend and not a con.
A word like "fag" they would never dare to speak.
For it's God's plan that human kindness we should seek.
So, as you see, hate is not innate.
It must be taught for it a star to rate.
Intolerance robs our children of their innocence,
And creates in them a world devoid of common sense.
God Bless, Buzz
Posted by: William A. Stoddart (Buzz) | Mar 29, 2007 10:48:26 PM
