This is an article that appeared in the current issue of Focus on the Family "Citizen". It is actually written by the Traditional Values Coalition. Their concern is that homosexuals are getting too involved in the process of selecting textbooks for use in California Public Schools. "Frameworks are the blueprints that the state gives to textbook publishers to guide their development of new books." Curriculum Citizens' input needed for new textbooks By Lance Fortin Legislative Advocate, Traditional Values Coalition With all eyes focused on AB 101, the "gay rights" bill, few Californians realized a similar battle was taking place within a State Board of Education sanctioned committee. Since January of last year, the Heath Framework Committee has struggled to create its framework for new health textbooks. Pressured by homosexual activists, and a fellow member, the committee's task has degenerated into a battle over a political agenda. Why should we, as responsible parents and citizens, be concerned A framework is the foundation on which our children's education is based. Frameworks are the blueprints that the state gives to textbook publishers to guide their development of new books. The actual new health textbooks won't be approved for two years. Frameworks also highlight key issues and specific areas of concentration to be addressed in future classes, and it plots the course that education will follow in the ensuing years. Manipulation by liberals working through the system has transformed this document into an Orwellian education tool that attempts to force acceptance of homosexuality as a healthy, viable lifestyle. It has become a tool designed to break down moral, social and political opposition to homosexuality and to render society's cornerstone, the traditional family, obsolete. One way they are attempting to do this is by using the political catch-phrase, "sexual orientation." Committee chairman Justin Cunningham revealed that one committee member "privately stated her intention to insert it (sexual orientation) so frequently that, even after editing, a number of references would remain." In fact, the phrase appears throughout the rough drafts, even compelling teachers to be sensitive when discussing sex education and alternative lifestyles. This same committee member, in order to provide positive role models and self-esteem for teenage homosexuals, wants coursework to include teachings on famous gay men and women. While *all* people deserve dignity and respect as individual creates of God, the homosexual community bases its individuality on their *homosexuality*. Telling kids, many who are wrestling with uncertainty imposed by puberty and today's society, that they can find self-worth in a perverted behavior borders on child abuse. Since 1987, State Board of Education policy, as stated in the "Family Life / Sex Education Guidelines," provides a palatable approach for discussing homosexuality and other related issues. It also requires affirmation of family values and monogamous, heterosexual relationships. But once again, the homosexual activist committee member showed her true agenda by saying she would "oppose *any* attempt to include the [Board's] statement on homosexuality." Incidentally, she helped write the framework's Individual Growth and Development, Family Development and Mental Health program description sections. Though many committee members jumped on the sexual orientation bandwagon, Mr. Cunningham dissented. Because the phrase lacks legal definition, applying equally well to other orientations like pedophilia and bestiality (based on legal counsel) and its obvious political agenda, he felt its "inclusion was inappropriate." More pointedly, he said, "It's becoming increasingly apparent that a particular agenda is being advocated and, if not curtailed, I fear it will jeopardize the validity and usability of the entire framework." WHAT CAN YOU DO? To voice your concern, write Mr. Geno Flores, Chair, Health Subject Committee, Curriculum Commission and Mr. Thomas Bogetich State Board of Education P.O. Box 944272, Sacramento, CA 94244-2720 (916) 657-2451 or call Traditional Values Coalition at (916) 444-5375. ======================================== Bryan J. Blumberg, The MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation 815 Colorado Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90041-1777 (213) 259-4914, B_BLUMBERG@MACSCH.COM