Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 06:50:16 -0800 From: jessea@uclink2.berkeley.edu (Jessea Greenman) Subject: CA Education Alert excerpted from M E D I A W A T C H for March 24, 1995 by A L K I E L W A S S E R Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, San Francisco Bay Area Chapter TO YOUR HEALTH In 1994, after intensive advocacy efforts, the California State Board of Education published the "Health Framework for California Public Schools, Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve." This framework is the FIRST in California history to include specific references to sexual orientation. Significantly, the framework calls for health education to include information that applies to ALL students, regardless of sexual orientation (p. 22). In accordance with other Board policies, the framework allows for a "factual, substantiated discussion of homosexuality" in textbooks used for grades six and above (pp. 115, 146). Finally, the framework notes the unique stigma attached to homosexuality, and specifically states: "Name-calling or other hurtful actions must not be tolerated" and "the curriculum in this content area should affirm the dignity of all individuals" (p. 147). Homophobic organizations (such as the "Traditional Values Coalition") vigorously opposed even these marginal references in the "Health Framework." Now, the State Board of Education is beginning the process of adopting health textbooks based on this framework, and the battle over sexual orientation will begin anew. At this point in the process, the Curriculum Commission is training the members of a panel that will offer the first review of the State's new health textbooks (which, once adopted, will be in use for MANY years). The members of this panel must be reminded of the hard-won references to sexual orientation in the "Health Framework." The panel members should be advised that, for the safety and well-being of all students, California's new health textbooks must contain fair and factual information about sexual orientation. They should be encouraged to support textbooks that explicitly affirm the dignity of lesbian, gay and bisexual youth -- many of whom are, quite literally, dying for information about their lives. Contact Nancy Sullivan, Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources Office, California Department of Education, 721 Capitol Mall, 6th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814, tel. 916-654-1123; ask that your opinions be shared with all members of the Instructional Resources Evaluation Panel of the Health Subject Matter Committee of the Curriculum Commission. And remember, even if you don't live in California, let your voice be heard! As a leading textbook purchaser, California helps determine the books that will be used in public schools throughout the nation. As a quick and easy way to promote awareness of this issue, you can also fax or e-mail letters to the editors of these major California newspapers: "San Diego Union-Tribune" (fax 619-293-1440; e-mail computerlink@sduniontrib.com), "San Francisco Examiner" (fax 415-777-2525; e-mail sfexaminer@aol.com), "Sacramento Bee" (fax 916-321-1109; e-mail sacbedit@netcom.com), "San Jose Mercury News" (fax 408-288-8060; e-mail sjmercury@aol.com or letters@aol.com), and the "Los Angeles Times" (fax 213-237-7679). *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+ Jessea Greenman Co-Chair, Project 21, GLAAD/SFBA 1360 Mission #200, San Francisco CA 94103 ph/fax @ home: 510-601-8883; gopher@outright.com "Always be smarter than the people who hire you." Lena Horne