Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 15:12:57 -0700 From: Jean Richter Subject: 7/21/98 P.E.R.S.O.N. Project news 1. CA: Editorial on Pacifica student harassment case 2. UT: NEA/GLC statement on Salt Lake City GSA controversy ==================================================================== PACIFICA TRIBUNE, July 15, 1998 (Sorry, I don't have address info for this paper) Editorial STICKS AND STONES The Laguna Salada Union School District doesn't need me to tell them how to deal with the complexities of a sexual harassment lawsuit that may well put the local issue into the national news periscope if they're not careful. On July 3, a news story broke about a proposed settlement between the school district and the plaintiff. Most reporters, both print and broadcast, missed the subtlety of the fact that the local board of trustees needed to approve the settlement agreement before it was finalized. The board balked on July 6, after such illustrious papers as the San Mateo County Times and even the San Jose Mercury News headlined their stories about a "settlement" being reached. The Tribune's story last week cautioned that the settlement was "near," and as of this week, it looks like a court trial could be even nearer. Why did things get so out of hand? Well, for one thing, the issue is a volatile one. A young boy was allegedly harassed at a Laguna Salada middle school over perceived sexual orientation. He was harassed by his peers, other students who ridiculed and attacked him, calling him pejorative terms generally used by homophobic morons and bad movie scriptwriters. It doesn't make any difference whether the kid is gay or not; it's the harassment that counts and the family's argument that school officials didn't put an effective stop to it. The financial settlement, which the district's insurance carriers had arrived at, and the board has no control over, was a done deal. What they seemed to have trouble with was the specific non-monetary requirements that would dictate serious "sensitivity training" about the problems of sexual orientation same sex harassment. The board feels a general policy is enough; the plaintiff wants to guarantee that "sexual orientation harassment" doesn't occur again. The argument is over the specifics of language. Uh, oh. It's the very taboo that created the problem in the first place raising its ugly head. When youngsters are treated cruelly by other youngsters, it's viewed as a "rite of passage" in some old-fashioned minds. And when they're attacked simply because they're black, Asian, white, or some other color, it's obviously racism. But when it's a bunch of kids harassing another kid by calling him gay, queer or faggot, it's a can of worms no one wants to open. But it should be opened up and the worms should be burned. Kids don't need the extra hassle of feeling vulnerable to cruel attacks of their classmates. And sure, it's a complicated decision for a school board in a somewhat conservative town, (really, though, didn't just about everybody in Pacifica vote for Rich Gordon?), to come out and say they'll wrestle with "sexual orientation" harassment. Some in the media have been jumping all over Laguna Salada, criticizing the district on the air and in print. I'm not going to do that, although I do believe this case can be settled without a lengthy, bitter trial that will divide the community. Whenever the Tribune runs any type of story involving "sexual orientation" issues, we get calls both pro and con. The most amazing criticism I received personally was from an angry man who criticized a story about two women who happened to be lesbians who had adopted a baby. This guy, who was clearly upset about learning of the situation, slammed the paper and slammed me as the editor. His parting, exasperated shot was, "and you know, you're probably gay yourself!" As a 43-year-old man who has come to terms with his heterosexuality, I took this "attack" with a wry sense of humor. But I think that little kids shouldn't have to suffer from such animosity on the playground. Do the right thing, Laguna Salada. Don't let our community become a battlefield over this issue. - Chris Hunter =============================================================================== From: REVSHA@aol.com Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 15:57:23 EDT Subject: nea/glc statment News from the NEA/GLC National Education Association Gay and Lesbian Caucus For immediate release July 21 ,1998 Contacts: Jim Testerman, Co-Chair (717) 848-3354; e-mail JTesterman@cyberia.com Sharon Miken, Communications Director (609) 786-9311; e- mail RevSha@AOL.com Let students return to "safe" schools, Caucus leader urges (WASHINGTON)--The co-chair of the National Education Association Gay and Lesbian Caucus urged the Salt Lake City School Board to sanction the East High School Gay-Straight Alliance. "Students need organizations such as the GSA to feel secure and nurtured," said NEA/GLC co-chair Jim Testerman. "All students need to feel safe and accepted at their schools. This is especially true for gay and lesbian students. When the doors of East High open this fall, let's hope the doors are opened to all students." Testerman's statement came in response to the mediation effort between the Salt Lake City Board of Education and student and parent plaintiffs who are suing to have the GSA be a school- sanctioned club. "Schools have always provided an open forum for discussion of all kinds of issues and concerns," added Testerman. "Having a place to discuss issues of homosexuality on a personal level, provides for this free and open exchange. By making the alliance a school-sanctioned group, it tells gay and lesbian students that they are a recognized and valid part of the school environment." --more-- NEA /GLC Testerman page 2 Noting that Principal R. Kay Petersen has supported the alliance since its inception in 1995, Testerman said, "Mr. Petersen has proven himself to be a true leader and educator. He understands that students need a sound and secure education no matter what their sexual orientation." *** The National Education Association Gay and Lesbian Caucus was founded 11 years ago. Its mission statement says: "The NEA/GLC, in order to eliminate institutional discrimination and homophobia, monitors and participates in the development of NEA policies and activities, provides resources and fosters better communication among educators, students, and communities." ================================================================================= Jean Richter -- richter@eecs.berkeley.edu The P.E.R.S.O.N. Project (Public Education Regarding Sexual Orientation Nationally) CHECK OUT OUR INFO-LOADED WEB PAGE AT: http://www.youth.org/loco/PERSONProject/