Subject: IWG Mass. Dept. of Ed. Letter Date: Wed, 17 Jul 1996 23:27:50 -0400 (EDT) From: Chris Purdom The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 2 congregations, 5 religious organizations and 32 clergy from 11 faiths and denominations. If you are in the general Philadelphia area and represent a congregation or religious organization or are clergy, let us know if you want to be added - all faiths are welcome. We will also be happy to help start similar organizations in other areas. Visit the web page at http://www.libertynet.org/~iwg/ or http://www.qrd.org/qrd/www/religion/orgs/iwg/ July 16, 1996 Mr. Robert Antonucci Commissioner of Education Massachusetts Department of Education 350 Main Street Malden, MA 02148 Dear Mr. Antonucci: We urge you to reinstate a full-time, on-site, Safe Schools program coordinator for Central and Western Massachusetts. Heterosexism and homophobia are two of the biggest moral problems facing our country. Anti- homophobia work in elementary schools is critical to preventing homophobia before it starts. The commitment Massachusetts has made to making schools safe for gay, lesbian, or bisexual youth and children with lesbian and gay parents through the Safe Schools program is a model for other states in the country. The Governor and Department of Education should move forward with increased support to end heterosexism in elementary and middle schools. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators