From: GLSTNJohn@aol.com Date: Mon, 12 Aug 1996 18:54:00 -0400 Subject: GAY TEACHERS OFFER JACK KEMP SOME EDUCATION FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 12, 1996 CONTACT: Kevin Jennings, Executive Director GLSTN 122 West 26th St., Suite 1100 New Yorkl, NY 10001 (212) 727-0135 glstn@glstn.org http://www.glstn.org/respect/ GAY TEACHERS OFFER JACK KEMP SOME EDUCATION Free Admission Offer Extended To Vice-Presidential Nominee Following Statement In New York Times Against Gay Teachers NEW YORK - The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Teachers Network (GLSTN) today extended an offer of free admission to any of its 1996-97 conferences to the apparent Republican Vice-Presidential nominee, former Congressman Jack Kemp. The offer was prompted when GLSTN staff read remarks by Mr. Kemp in the August 11 New York Times wherein he stated "I believe in civil liberties for homosexuals. I guess I'd have to say I'd draw the line at letting them teach in the schools." "It's clear that Jack Kemp just doesn't 'get it'," said Kevin Jennings, GLSTN's Executive Director. "You can't say you're for civil liberties but also for discrimination at the same time." Jennings added, "It seems the former Congressman has a basic problem with logic here when he advocates civil liberties and discrimination simultaneously. That's as contradictory as saying 'I endorsed your opponent, but, sure, I'll be your Vice-President,' or "Let's cut taxes and say we can balance the budget at the same time without naming any spending cuts'." Jennings concluded, "But, then again, I guess some people will say anything to be a heartbeat away from the Oval Office." GLSTN regularly sponsors educational programs around the country for parents, teachers, and students on gay and lesbian issues. Jennings extended an offer of free admission to any of these conferences to Mr. Kemp. "It's obvious that this man needs some education," Jennings said, "and that he needs to quit playing on people's fears of gay teachers being 'after your kids.' Maybe coming and learning something about the issue would help him out." With over forty chapters, and a membership of over three thousand teachers, parents, and concerned citizens, The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Teachers Network (GLSTN) is the largest national organization working to insure that schools are places where all people are respected and valued, regardless of sexual orientation. ## ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ John Spear Director of Field Services GLSTN Teaching Respect For All Email: GLSTNJohn@aol.com Web: http://www.glstn.org/freedom/ Phone: 212.727.0135 Fax: 212.727.0254 US Mail: 122 West 26th Street, Suite 1100 New York, NY 10001 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~