From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Lansing Public Schools, Morality, and Orientation Date: Sun, 13 Jun 1999 23:35:28 -0400 (EDT) June 12,1999 Lansing State Journal 120 E. Lenawee St. Lansing, MI 48919 Dear Editors: Jeffrey Helmel raises an interesting question in his June 8 letter. Public schools are not in the business of teaching morality, and teaching that it is "OK" to do something in a moral sense (as opposed to a legal sense), is no better than teaching what things are morally "not OK," whether or not the source is the King James Bible. However, it is perfectly reasonable to teach that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, is entitled by the US Constitution to equal treatment under the law. It is reasonable to demonstrate in political science and history classes how laws, including limitations on marriage, have been applied unevenly to oppress individuals with certain characteristics. It is reasonable to review different religious and cultural attitudes toward many different issues (including sexual orientation and sexual identity) and how they have changed over time, as long as no religious attitude is said to be the “correct” belief. It is reasonable to teach about the current scientific understanding of sexual orientation and sexual identity. It is reasonable to teach English using works that feature gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender characters. It is reasonable to offer older students comprehensive sex education classes that discuss the risks and mechanics of human sexuality, including same-gender sexual behavior, without making moral judgments for or against any sexual activity. And it is imperative that schools enforce policies that require all students, staff, and faculty to treat each other with dignity and respect regardless of sexual orientation, religious belief or any other characteristic. We do need to be extremely careful to leave moral teachings about sexual behavior to parents and religious institutions. But there is nothing that anyone can teach in any class that will change any student's orientation. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 17 congregations and organizations and 65 clergy from 15 religious traditions. 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. -- Interfaith Working Group Religious organizations, congregations http://www.libertynet.org/iwg and clergy supporting gay rights, iwg@libertynet.org reproductive freedom, and the voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 232-0829 separation of church and state.