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GSA Network News Email Archive - August 2006
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In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
50+ Youth Empowered at GSA Network Activist Camps this Summer
Go directly to GSA Network
highlight
GSA Network Announcements
1. Come to the 2nd Santa Clara County GSA SUMMIT - Unite the South Bay GSAs!!
(San Jose)
2. Key Curriculum Bill (SB 1437) Passes the Assembly!
3. GSA Network is Hiring! - Development Coordinator (San Francisco)
Go directly to GSA Network announcements
Other Announcements
Central Valley
4. Campus Progressives Unite! (Fresno)
5. Join the Central Valley MARCH For Women's Equality (Fresno)
6. The Countdown Has Begun! - Real Pride 2006 (Fresno)
Go directly to Central Valley listings
Northern California
7 . AQU25A's List o' Events for August, 2006 (San Francisco)
8 . Seeking Social Change Facilitators for the Girls For A Change 4th Annual
Girl Summit! (San Francisco)
9. West Coast Youth and Students Conference (San Francisco)
Go directly to Northern California listings
National
10. The Liberty Hill Foundation's Queer Youth Fund is now accepting
Letters of Intent for the 2006-2007 cycle.
11. Generation FIVE is proud to announce… My Body My Limits My Pleasure
My Choice - Youth Zine
Go directly to National listings
Jobs
12. Californians for Justice (CFJ) Now Hiring: Part-Time Community
Organizer
Go directly to Jobs listings
News
13. NEWS: Curriculum Bill (SB 1437) Passes Assembly!
14. NEWS: Gay-bias ban in schools OK'd
15. NEWS: Gay jibes tied to Missouri school shooting
16. NEWS: Ga. school's students face new hurdle for gay-straight club
Go directly to News listings
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++
50+ Youth Empowered at GSA Network Activist Camps this Summer
California – More than fifty youth from across California participated
in this year’s three-day, youth-led activist camps! “Laughter, acceptance,
and friendship were in the air,” says Geraldine, a participant at the
Northern California-Fresno camp. “Some great leaders will come out of
this year’s campers and trainers.”
Indeed, the development of powerful, effective student leaders was the overarching
aim of the activist camps. Youth leaders facilitated workshops on a wide variety
of topics designed to raise awareness about how anti-LGBTQ sentiments are linked
to and intersect with other socio-economic oppressions like racism, classism,
and ageism. Moreover, the participants learned about AB537 (and how to enforce
it on their respective school campuses), and learned about the valuable contributions
of LGBTQ people of color through a fun game of Jeopardy. Most importantly, youth
learned how to address these important topics in their GSAs and how to stand
up for their rights! (Also, not to be forgotten, a fabulous drag show was held
at both camps!)
The friendships, conversations, and connections made at camp were invaluable
for the young activists. In the words of Phil, one of the participants of the
Southern California camp, “It was an opportunity to meet like-minded people
and to also learn a great deal about leadership and activism. The camp exponentially
increased my abilities as an activist and a leader. I would not have traded
the experience for anything." Students left feeling connected, enlightened,
and most of all empowered to make positive changes on their school campuses.
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+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
1. Come to the 2nd Santa Clara County GSA SUMMIT
- Unite the South Bay GSAs!! (San Jose)
Ever feel like you want to be more connected to other LGBTQ youth in Santa Clara
County?
Ever wonder what kids at other GSAs are doing, and how you can work together?
If so, the summit is for you!
Help bring together the Santa Clara County GSAs -- GSA advisors, students, and
allies welcome.
Socialize, network, share ideas, and create a county-wide calendar of year-long
GSA events and activities! Also, brainstorm GSA meeting ideas and topics for
the upcoming school year.
If you can't attend the summit, join the South Bay GSA email list at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/defrank_gsa
Thursday, August 24th, 5:30 - 8:30
The Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center
938 the Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126
For more information, contact Julianne at 408.293.3040 x111, or mailto:youthprog@defrank.org
Or Marco at 415.552.4229, or mailto:marco@gsanetwork.org
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2. Key Curriculum Bill (SB 1437) Passes the Assembly!
GSA Network is pleased to announce that SB 1437 (Bias-Free Curriculum Act) passed
the Assembly yesterday with a 46 to 31 vote. Now, the bill must move back to
the Senate for a vote on concurrence. This means that the Senate (which had
previously approved the legislation in its unamended form) will now vote on
whether it agrees to accept the amendments. A concurrence vote is expected within
the next few days.
SB 1437 was amended at the request of Senator Kuehl to remove the provisions
concerning the affirmative inclusion of the historical achievements of LGBTQ
Americans into the social science curriculum. In its current form, SB 1437 still
seeks to outlaw anti-LGBTQ bias from school textbooks, classroom instruction,
and school-sponsored events.
The next big step for this bill is gaining approval from Governor Schwarzenegger.
If you want to be part of the effort to remove discrimination from what California
students learn, then please participate in the Week of Action--Youth Saving
History!
WEEK OF ACTION-Youth are saving history & creating safer schools!
A youth-led week of action will take place next week (August 21-25) to help
ensure the passage of SB 1437 and AB 606. Please do your part to create safer
schools and protect LGBT students from harassment and discrimination in schools!!!
What's at stake:
SB 1437 (Bias-Free Curriculum Act) would prohibit LGBT people from being discriminated
against in school textbooks, classroom instruction, and school-sponsored activities.
AB 606 (Safe Place to Learn Act) would provide specific guidelines to school
districts on steps they should take to prevent harassment and discrimination
of students.
By the end of the summer, the Governor will make a decision on whether or not
he will sign SB 1437 and AB 606. He needs to hear from youth all over California
that this important legislation must be signed into law. He needs to hear from
you!
What you can do:
From August 21-25 youth will be flooding the Governor's district offices with
letters and phone calls of support for SB 1437 and AB 606.
Participation only takes a few minutes! Follow these simple steps to participate
in our Week of Action!
1. Educate yourself & sign up! More information about these bills can be
found at www.eqca.org or www.gsanetwork.org/qyad.
Youth activists have been organizing via MySpace. To find out how you can be
a leader in the campaign, please join the Youth Saving History MySpace page
at http://www.myspace.com/youthsavinghistory.
Or, email your name, address, and contact information to youth4safeschools@hotmail.com.
2. Identify your district office.
Governor Schwarzenegger has six offices throughout our state. Choose the office
you believe is closest to where you live (this does not have to be precise).
The office closest to you is where you will call and mail/fax letters:
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-445-4633
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger 2550 Mariposa Mall #3013
Fresno, CA 93721
Phone: 559-445-5295
Fax: 559-445-5328
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger 300 South Spring Street, Suite 16701
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone: 213-897-0322
Fax: 213-897-0319
Governor Schwarzenegger
3737 Main Street #201
Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: 951-680-6860
Fax: 951-680-6863
Governor Schwarzenegger
1350 Front Street, Suite 6054
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-525-4641
Fax: 619-525-4640
Governor Schwarzenegger
455 Golden Gate Avenue, Suite 14000
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-703-2218
Fax: 415-703-2803
3. Write a letter to the governor asking him to support LGBT students by signing
both AB 606 and SB 1437. Sample letters can be found at www.gsanetwork.org/qyad
and www.myspace.com/youthsavinghistory.
Add your personal story to the letter to show the real life impact this legislation
could have.
4. Mail/fax your letter to arrive between Monday, August 21 through Friday,
August 25.
5. Pick up the phone & call!
On August 24-25, we need you to call your local district offices and tell the
Governor's staff you want him to sign AB 606 & SB 1437.
If a staff member answers your call, we suggest saying something like:
"Hello, my name is _________ and I am participating in the Youth Saving
History campaign. I'm a student at _____School. I would like to voice my support
for SB 1437, the Bias-Free Curriculum Act, and AB 606, the Safe Place to Learn
Act. I hope the Governor will sign both of these very important bills."
Make sure you speak clearly, be brief, and be polite. Often, a computer tallies
calls of support. Listen to the menu and follow the directions until you hear
an option like, "Press one if you are calling in support of SB 1437."
Even if you do not speak with someone, your call is very important and will
be taken into consideration!
*********************************************
3. GSA Network is Hiring! - Development Coordinator
(San Francisco)
GSA Network seeks a part-time (20 hours per week) Development Coordinator
to coordinate and support all aspects of the organization's growing individual
donor program and development department systems. The Development Coordinator
will be the first development staff member at GSA Network, and will work closely
with the Executive Director, and development and special events consultants,
to implement the annual fundraising plan ($86,250 from individuals in 2006,
which is 9% of GSA Network's total budget). GSA Network now has 600 individual
donors who contribute through personal solicitations from the Board and Executive
Director, direct mail, a monthly pledge program, one annual fundraising event,
and occasional house parties. The Development Coordinator will play an important
role in helping GSA Network expand all of these activities and build stronger
relationships with all individual donors. A demonstrated passion for LGBTQ youth
leadership and empowerment, an understanding of youth culture, and commitment
to social change is required for all positions at GSA Network.
To get more information about the job and how to apply, visit: www.gsanetwork.org/about/index.html#jobs
Equal Opportunity Employer:
GSA Network, a project of the Tides Center, is an equal opportunity employer
and encourages applications from youth, people of color, people of all sexual
orientations and gender identities, and people with disabilities.
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++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events,
resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not
sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views
and opinions of GSA Network.
Central Valley
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4. Campus Progressives Unite! (Fresno)
What: Campus Progressives Unite! is a statewide conference
designed to convene progressive student activists, build coalitions, strengthen
movements, and share effective mobilizing strategies.
When: September 8-10, 2006
Where: California State University, Fresno
DON’T MISS OUT ON THE ACTION! FREE TRANSPORTATION WILL BE PROVIDED. $10
Registration Fee.
Learn more and register online at www.campusorganizing.com.
Workshop Examples:
Get It Together: Building Strategic Coalitions
Spread the Word: Media and Messaging 101
Inspiring Guest Speakers:
Dolores Huerta, President, Dolores Huerta Foundation, Co-founder United FarmWorks
(UFW)
Camilla Chavez, Executive Director of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, Feminist
Activist and daughter of Cesar Chavez, Co-Founder UFW
Shelby Knox, Student Activist, star of critically acclaimed documentary film,
The Education of Shelby Knox
Sponsored by:
Amnesty International
The ACLU of Northern California
NARAL Pro-Choice California
Planned Parenthood
NOW
For more information please contact:
Maya Ingram, Public Affairs Manager, Planned Parenthood Golden Gate
415.202.7225 or mailto:mingram@ppgg.org
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*********************************************
5. Join the Central Valley MARCH For Women's Equality (Fresno)
Celebrating the 19th Amendment, A Woman's Right to Vote!
Date: Saturday, August 19, 2006
Location: Fulton Mall, Downtown Fresno
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Information: The march begins at H & Inyo Streets, with a rally at Mariposa
& Fulton on the Fulton Mall.
Featured Speakers: Feminist Activist - Dolores Huerta, Assembly Member Nicole
Parra
Including: Music, Artists, Entertainers & women leaders from throughout
the Central Valley.
For more information, contact Patsy at (559) 488-4908 x301 or by e-mail at:
mailto:fresnopa@ppmarmonte.org
http://www.ppmarmonte.org/
JUSTICE - EQUALITY - DIGNITY - FREEDOM
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*********************************************
6. The Countdown Has Begun! - Real Pride 2006 (Fresno)
Reel Pride 2006 begins in just 4 short weeks - so now is the time to purchase
or renew your membership.
Join us for the membership kick-off party at the Landmark Restaurant, 644 E.
Olive Avenue on Thursday, August 24th from 6:30 - 9:00pm.
Information on this year's schedule of films will be available along with wine
and hors d'oeuvres.
While there, don't miss your chance to bid on a variety of silent auction items
like a 4-day Baja cruise for two, new granite countertops courtesy of Valley
Stoneworks, a Philip Stein Teslar watch courtesy of Orloff Jewelers-Fig Garden
Village, and much, much more! Proceeds from the silent auction will benefit
Reel Pride outreach, so remember to bid generously and often.
If you've not yet purchased or renewed your membership, you can do it:
Online - http://reelpride.com/2005/membership.php
At the Kick-Off Party August 24th at the Landmark or visit the AA Travel office
at 5040 N. Forkner Avenue in Fresno. AAA will sell 2006 Reel Pride festival
passes (and individual film tickets beginning August 25) from now until the
festival opens on Wednesday, September 13th.
Don't forget to mark your calendars now for Reel Pride 2006 from September 13-17th
at the Tower Theatre and Starline.
http://www.reelpride.com
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Northern California
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7. AQU25A's List o' Events for August, 2006 (San Francisco)
PEER LEADERSHIP TRAINING (Aug 31st thru Oct 6th, Thurs
& Fri evening)
learn about queer A&PI issues and new skills: identity, domestic violence,
HIV, STIs, oppression, homophobia, activism…
Deadline is Friday, August 18th!
this is a paid opportunity $$$
for an application or more info: mailto:aqua@apiwellness.org
415/292-3420 x315.
MOVIE NIGHT Monday, 8/21 - in case you don't own the dvd yet...come
see "saving face" with aqua next MONDAY NIGHT at our super comfy aquaspace.
when: mon, aug 21st, 5-8pm (movie at 5:30)
where: 730 polk street, 4th floor (there will be signs)
stay after for a conversation about our own quirky families. snacks, couches
and fabulous conversation promised.
"saving face" flips the notion of traditional chinese family on its
head. for a description of the film, check out http://www.sonyclassics.com/savingface/
AQU25A OUT-N-ABOUT Monday, 8/28 - come check us out at Sweet
Inspirations 6-8pm, we'll be the cuties at the window. sweet treats provided.
When: mon, aug 28th, 6-8pm
Where: sweet inspirations, 2239 Market Street, between Sanchez & Noe
GRAPHIC DESIGN GURUS WANTED!
Are you the shiznit when it comes to graphic design? If so, AQU25A is looking
for you! We want to hire a young person to redesign our program brochure. This
is a paid opportunity (stipend). Come strut your stuff - for more info, contact
us at mailto:aqua@apiwellness.org
or 415/292-3420 x315.
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*********************************************
8. Seeking Social Change Facilitators for the Girls For A Change 4th
Annual Girl Summit! (San Francisco)
On October 12, 2006 more than 1,000 girls and 500 women from the Bay Area will
gather for the 4th annual Girls For A Change Girl Summit at the San Jose Convention
Center. This is the most powerful and respected GIRL conference in Northern
California. This event will honor the wisdom, intellect, energy and power of
girls. During the conference girls will have the opportunity to gain the skills,
resources and inspiration to become change agents within their communities.
The kick off will give the girls an opportunity to discuss their most pressing
issues, choose from over 40 workshops taught by community activists, entrepreneurs,
politicians and leaders. Following the Summit, girls will have the opportunity
to join a Girl Action Team and work on a project in their own community.
Girls For A Change invites your organization to partner with us to empower girls
as agents of social change. To be considered as a facilitator for the event,
please review, complete, and submit a Request for Proposal (RFP).
The RFP includes:
Page 1: Girl Summit Event and Workshop Logistics
Pages 2 & 3: Girl Summit Facilitator Application
If your organization is interested in a FREE exhibitor table, please contcact
us for application. Feel free to contact GFC for guidance around workshop design
or general questions.
Please complete and return the RFP no later than Tuesday September 12th, 2006.
Please contact us if you are interested in organizing a group of girls from
your organization to attend the Summit as workshop participants.
We look forward to partnering with you to empower young women to create social
change!
Patty Torres
Silicon Valley Program Director
Girls For A Change
cell: 408.515.8147
direct: 650.752.7063
395 Page Mill Road MS: A1-08A
Palo Alto, CA 94306
http://www.girlsforachange.org
Visit the Girls For A Change blog -InHer City: http://www.hercity.org
Remember this, another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet
day, I can hear her breathing.
~Arundhati Roy
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9 . West Coast Youth and Students Conference (San Francisco)
WED. AUGUST 23, 2006 ˆ SUN. AUGUST 27, 2006 in SAN FRANCISCO
Register Now!!!
To register or for more information, contact us at wcw_changing_ground@yahoo.com
and indicate the full names of youth/students who wish to register. Call 415-286-3408
for questions about the conference and for housing information.
This October 5th we are calling for nationwide protests where campuses will
be shut down and student walkouts will bring business-as-usual to a halt. To
do this we need a generation of leaders who challenge the stifling politics-as-usual
atmosphere with a "Be Realistic: Demand the Impossible" spirit and
the moral clarity concentrated in the statement of, "I would rather die
than to have than have anyone tortured to save my life" ˆ former U.K.
Ambassador Craig Murray. From the most experienced organizers to youth just
beginning to get involved in political activism, we have a schedule that will
be exciting for all:
-Guest Speakers: including military resister Lt. Watada‚s father, Larry
Everest (author of Oil, Power and Empire) speaking on the current situation
in the Middle East, Sunsara Taylor and a S.F.State professor discussing global
warming.
-Workshops on October 5th, Active Social Investigation, and how to organize
campuses.
-In depth political discussions on current events and strategies for change.
-A film screening of the Vietnam GI resistance documentary „Sir! No Sir!
-Outreach teams to bring the message of Oct. 5 to campuses and in communities.
-A Night of Art and Music: Perform your poetry, spoken word, music, etc∑
-Street Theater in Downtown San Francisco!
Youth should leave this conference with new organizing skills, a vision for
October 5th, and a new sense of possibility for this growing movement to Drive
Out the Bush Regime!SFB WCW Youth coordinator
World Can't Wait! Drive Out the Bush Regime!
2940 16th Street
San Francisco, California 94103
(415) 864 5153
mailto:sf@worldcantwait.org
http://www.worldcantwait.org
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National
*********************************************
10. The Liberty Hill Foundation's Queer Youth Fund is now accepting Letters
of Intent for the 2006-2007 cycle.
The Queer Youth Fund makes multi-year grants to grassroots, local, state and
national nonprofit organizations working to improve the quality of life among
gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (GLBTQQ) youth. The
Queer Youth Fund awards grants to innovative and effective leadership development
programs or organizing projects that empower GLBTQQ youth to improve societal
conditions affecting GLBTQQ youth and which make a long-term difference to their
movement.
Deadline for Letters of Intent: October 2, 2006
Grant Size: Four $100,000 grants will be made to different 510(c)3 organizations
or specific projects payable over three to five years
Contact: mailto:clee@libertyhill.org?subject=Queer%20Youth%20Fund
To download a PDF or MS Word version of the guidelines and application, please
go to: http://www.libertyhill.org/qyf/
Carol Lee
Development Associate, Donor Advised Funds
Liberty Hill Foundation
2121 Cloverfield Boulevard, Suite 113
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone: (310) 453-3611, ext. 130
Fax: (310) 453-7806
mailto:clee@libertyhill.org
http://www.libertyhill.org/
Want to receive Liberty Hill newsletter? go to http://www.libertyhill.org/involve/
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11. Generation FIVE is proud to announce… My Body My Limits My Pleasure
My Choice - Youth Zine
Generation FIVE's Youth Collaborative has just released a new 'zine for young people! It's a great booklet filled with all kinds of information and resources about positive sexuality for youth. See below to find out how you can get some for yourself and your program!
The Zine is free to young people! You can receive your free copy mailed to
you. Organizations can order copies and receive 5 or less for $5 each, 6 or
more for $3 each. Discounts given to those organizations that orders in bulk.
To Order a Zine:
mailto:info@generationFIVE.org
or Call 415.861.6658
www.generationFIVE.org
Mailing Address: 3288 21st Street #171, San Francisco, CA 94110
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Jobs:
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12. Californians for Justice (CFJ) Now Hiring: Part-Time Community Organizer
Start Date: Sept. 5th
20 hours/week
Organizational Background:
Californians for Justice (CFJ) is a statewide, grassroots membership organization
working to advance racial and economic justice in California. CFJ's strategies
include organizing to build power among California's emerging majority
- people of color, women, poor and young people. CFJ works to develop
skills and critical analysis through political education and trainings, to build
strategic alliances, and to reframe the public debate on educational justice.
CFJ has successfully won campaign demands for college eligibility progress notification
for students, the right to due process in student discipline policies and improving
student bathroom facilities (including statewide legislation establishing standards).
We also campaigned for a 2-year delay of the diploma penalty of the high
school exit exam, and fought for legislation to create alternative assessments
to the exit exam and we are presently are working to win improvements in our
schools through the implementation of the Williams settlement, as well as grassroots
organizing to increase our community based powerMain Responsibilities and Duties:
Basebuilding through community outreach, engagement and recruitment
Advancing our education organizing and campaign work
Coordinating leadership development - skills building and political education
Strong commitment to Social Justice a must, experience in the following areas
a plus:
* Outreach/Recruitment *
Leadership Development - skills and analysis
* Presentations/Community Tabling *
Action research/Campaign Planning
* Direct Action/Media Events *
Fundraising
* Fluency in Spanish
Salary: $14.00/hour
CFJ is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. People of color, women,
lesbians/gay/bisexual/transgendered and people with disabilities are encouraged
to apply.
Resumes may be submitted electronically to mailto:janelle@caljustice.org
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13. Curriculum Bill (SB 1437) Passes Assembly!
Assembly OKs ban on negative teaching of sexual orientation
Greg Lucas
San Francisco Chronicle
August 22, 2006
(08-22) 04:00 PDT Sacramento -- The state Assembly approved a measure Monday
to prohibit teaching or using instructional materials in public schools that
negatively portray people based on their sexual orientation.
As it has since it was introduced earlier this year, the measure generated strong
feelings on both sides of the political aisle. Opponents said discussions of
sexual orientation belong at home, not in public schools.
Originally, the bill -- SB1437 by Sen. Sheila Kuehl, D-Santa Monica -- would
also have ordered public school instructional materials to include the contributions
of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
But in May, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said the "Legislature should not
micromanage curriculum" and pledged to veto the bill if it reached his
desk. After the bill passed the Senate, Kuehl removed the requirement that textbooks
mention the contributions of gays and lesbians.
To read the full story, visit:
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/08/22/BAGS2KMQ6E1.DTL
******
Controversial gay-rights bill OK'd
Measure would ban demeaning actions in public schools.
By Jim Sanders
Sacramento Bee
August 22, 2006
California public schools could not demean gay, bisexual or transgender orientation
under fiercely controversial legislation approved Monday by the Assembly.
The measure, Senate Bill 1437, has become a lightning rod in a bitter struggle
between gay-rights advocates and critics who claim their moral values are under
attack.
Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, D-Los Angeles, hailed the bill
as a way to make schools safer.
"We'll send a message here that California is above it, that each and every
person in our schools is going to be treated with the love and respect they
deserve," Núñez said.
But Assemblyman Dennis Mountjoy, R-Monrovia, called the measure a dangerous
form of "social experimentation."
"This is not about discrimination, it's about acceptance," he said.
"You want us in society to accept homosexuality as normality -- and it's
not."
SB 1437 would ban teachers, textbooks, instructional materials or school activities
from reflecting "adversely" upon people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual
or transgender.
To read the full story, visit:
http://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/story/14304301p-15182210c.html
******
LGBT School Bill Passes Calif. Assembly
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
August 22, 2006
(Sacramento, California) Legislation banning materials and activities in
California schools that are discriminatory towards the state's LGBT community
or portray gays in a negative light was passed late Monday afternoon in the
Assembly.
The measure passed 47 - 31 after a lengthy, often heated debate.
The bill was a watered down version of one that would also have mandated the
teaching of LGBT history and current affairs in schools throughout California.
The curriculum provisions were struck out two weeks ago at the request of the
bill's author, Sen. Sheila Kuehl (D-Los Angeles), after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
threatened to veto it.
By that point the original measure had passed the Senate. The new version returns
to the upper house which is expected to approve it. But whether the governor
will sign it is not yet known.
Conservative Christian groups are lobbying Schwarzenegger to veto the bill.
A spokesperson for the governor did not immediately return calls Monday night,
but in the past Schwarzenegger has said he's reluctant to have the state "micro-manage"
local schools.
California already requires that African Americans, native peoples, Mexicans,
Asians and Pacific Islanders be included in textbook descriptions of "the
economic, political and social development of California and the United States
of America, with particular emphasis on portraying the role of these groups
in contemporary society."
To read the full story, visit:
http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/08/082106calschools.htm
******
Controversial Bill Yields Discussion
August 09, 2006
By Danielle Smith
Hollister Free Lance
Hollister Free Lance California legislators recently removed language from a
controversial bill that could require public school social studies texts to
include the contributions of homosexuals to society, but some local educators
are wary of proponents' vows to bring back the proposal in the future, and question
whether such material is appropriate for their students.
"I am absolutely sick and tired of the children of California being used
as pawns for social engineering," San Benito County Superintendent of Schools
Tim Foley said.
The bill, SB 1437, originated as an effort to have the contributions of the
gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community "accurately portray(ed)
in an age-appropriate manner" in all social studies textbooks adopted by
public schools in California. Gay rights organizations across the country have
compiled lists detailing historically significant figures who were either openly
gay or were reported to have homosexual relations - some more than 500 strong.
Alexander the Great, Socrates, Leonardo da Vinci, Gertrude Stein and Walt Whitman
are but a few names that appear time and time again.
The proposal, which was introduced by State Sen. Sheila Kuehl, who is openly
gay, was the subject of considerable controversy. Due to the likelihood of a
veto from the governor, the bill was amended Monday to remove language calling
for textbook changes.
Rather, SB 1437 now reads that "No teacher shall give instruction nor shall
a school district sponsor any activity that reflects adversely upon" the
GLBT community and that "No textbook or other instructional materials shall
be adopted by the state board or by any governing board for use in the public
schools that contains any matter reflecting adversely upon" the GLBT community.
The bill is an addition to existing law that already prohibits adopting textbooks
or behaving in a way that discriminates against any "race or ethnicity,
gender, disability, nationality or religion." The amended SB 1437 simply
adds sexual orientation to the list.
"It seems to me the proposed legislation is self-contradictory, and thus
bad law. It is designed to keep textbooks, activities, and instruction out of
public schools that 'reflect adversely upon persons because of their' - to quote
just a part of the list - 'sexual orientation or religion,'" wrote Jim
Achilles, Senior Pastor of Grace Bible Church, in an e-mail. "Does that
mean a negative truth about homosexuality can never be taught? Or an unpleasant
incident in history that 'reflects adversely' on a major religion?"
Proponents of the bill, however, say legislation to recognize the contributions
of the GLBT community in the history books will reappear sometime in the future.
The senate's final recess commences on Aug. 31.
"We would absolutely welcome that or any textbook reform," Anzar High
School Principal Charlene McKowen said. "And there's a lot of room for
reform, particularly with our history books."
Though not expressly part of the curriculum, McKowen said that both students
and staff were comfortable with discussing the contributions of GLBT individuals
to history or literature in class, as well as modern-day issues.
San Benito High School social sciences teacher Chuck Schallhorn expressed dismay
that the issues addressed in SB 1437 even needed to be legislated.
"It's another move to put into law behavior that's non-discriminatory,"
he said. "And it's sad that we have to make laws in order for it to stop."
He added that he was in favor of lessons that cover a historical figure's sexuality,
provided it had a direct correlation to the individual's contributions to society.
To read the full story, visit:
http://hollisterfreelance.com/news/contentview.asp?c=191905
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News
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14. NEWS: Gay-bias ban in schools OK'd
Textbook Bill Faces Possible Governor's Veto
By Mike Zapler
San Jose Mercury News
August 22, 2006
SACRAMENTO - The state Assembly approved legislation Monday designed to bar
discrimination in public schools against gay, bisexual and transgender people,
retreating from an earlier proposal that would have required schools to teach
students about the contributions of prominent gay people.
Current law prohibits instruction, school activities and textbooks that reflect
poorly on people on the basis of their race, sex, national origin and other
characteristics. The bill, which passed on a partisan 46-31 vote, would add
sexual orientation to that list.
But even the scaled-back bill faces a possible veto by Republican Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger, who is working to appease conservatives as he campaigns for
re-election. The governor's press secretary said he opposes any legislation
that would ``micromanage'' the selection of public school textbooks.
``Our understanding,'' said Margita Thompson, ``is that there are still parts
of the legislation that would impact what goes into textbooks.''
Some Republican lawmakers called the legislation an effort to promote homosexuality
in schools.
Public schools ``are turning into institutions of social experimentation and
it is dangerous for our young people,'' said Dennis Mountjoy, R-Monrovia. ``We'll
no longer have prom kings and queens. Jack and Jill can no longer walk up the
hill.''
``If somebody wants to teach kids in kindergarten that Jack and Jill ran up
a hill, this bill doesn't prohibit that,'' Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez,
D-Los Angeles, responded. But ``if somebody wants to say that if Jill and Jill
ran up the hill and somehow that's wrong, then this bill says that that is not
acceptable.''
To read the full story, visit:
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/states/california/northern_california/15331333.htm
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15. NEWS: Gay jibes tied to Missouri school shooting
August 18, 2006
PinkNews.co.uk writer
The mother of a Missouri teen who pleaded guilty to an October 2005 school shooting
says that her son's violent actions resulted from his being taunted by classmates
for his "unmanly" appearance.
Amanda Minks, who began speaking publicly about the incident late last week
claimed that her 17-year-old son Joshua endured homophobic slurs from classmates
at his Farmington, Missouri high school.
She said that the high school students ridiculed him because he's 6' 5"
tall and weighs 400 lbs.
Joshua Minks pleaded guilty to assault on school property and unlawful use of
a weapon earlier this summer after firing a hole into the school ceiling with
a shotgun when he was confronted by three students. A principal and teacher
subdued him before anyone was hurt.
"Research shows that school violence against boys who are seen as unmanly
- public humiliation, ridicule, beatings and other attacks - is closely linked
to school shootings," said Tyrone Hanley, GenderPAC's Youth Programme Coordinator.
"This incident seems to follow that pattern," he said.
In a 2003 study of school-violence, SUNY Stony Brook Sociology Professor Michael
Kimmel found that nearly all 29 school shootings that occurred between 1992
and 2001 involved shotguns or assault rifles and were carried out by heterosexual
white male teenagers in rural communities who had been mercilessly bullied for
being unmasculine or unathletic.
And gender bullying is apparently widespread: 27% of students reported harassment
for not being masculine or feminine enough and over half said that school was
unsafe for boys who weren't as masculine as other boys in a 2004 study by the
California Safe Schools Coalition.
To read the full article, visit:
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-2269.html
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16. NEWS: GA. school's students face new hurdle for
gay-straight club
Permission slips required under new state law
DYANA BAGBY
Aug 11, 2006
Southern Voice
Despite winning a federal lawsuit mandating a gay-straight alliance be allowed
to meet on the campus of White County High School in north Georgia this year,
students wanting to join the club now face another hurdle: They must first get
their parent's permission, according to the school district's superintendent.
A U.S. District judge ruled July 14 that White County High School administrators
violated the federal Equal Access Act when they banned all non-curricular clubs
in 2005 as a way to keep out the GSA, named Peers Rising in Diverse Education,
or PRIDE.
White County School Superintendent Paul Shaw said that while PRIDE is now able
to meet on campus, it was not part of the school's listing of extracurricular
activities when the 2006-2007 student handbook was created and is considered
a new club. According to a new Georgia law, parents must give express permission
for students to join new clubs.
To read the full story, visit:
http://www.southernvoice.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=8671
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
First-Ever National Gathering for Statewide Networks of GSAs!
Go directly to GSA Network highlight
GSA Network Announcements
1. GSA Network is Hiring! - Development Coordinator (San Francisco)
Go directly to GSA Network announcements
Northern California
2. Be the change you wish to see in the world! (San Francisco)
3. Join the Leadership Program - The San Francisco Urban Service Project (San
Francisco)
4. SAVE THE DATE! Movement Activist Apprenticeship Program (San Francisco)
5. Hip Hop Camp with Radio Active (San Francisco)
Go directly to Northern California listings
National
6. GSA advisors needed for research on school climate for LGBT
youth
7. "Pride High" independent comic book
8. Teenagers needed for documentary TV series
Go directly to National listings
News
9. NEWS: Suppressing History
10. NEWS: Assembly scales back bill to promote homosexuals in textbooks
11. NEWS: District responds to a complaint of gay discrimination
12. NEWS: Parents divided on Safe Schools initiative
13. NEWS: Federal Court Denies Review of Anti-Gay T-Shirt Ruling
14. NEWS: Clash of convictions
Go directly to News listings
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++
First-Ever National Gathering for Statewide Networks of GSAs!
This past week, GSA Network hosted the first-ever National Gathering
for statewide and regional networks of GSAs from across North America! 65 people
from 19 states and provinces were represented at the historic gathering.
Adult and youth leaders from the statewide and regional networks of GSAs came
together to share ideas and best practices about how to run a network or coalition
of GSAs, how to increase youth leadership in their organizations, and how to
build the National Association of GSA Networks. Folks also learned valuable
skills such as fundraising and how to engage youth in policy advocacy work.
For the groups that attended who haven't yet launched a GSA network in their
state, they left the meeting with lots of motivation and new skills to take
back to their GSA organizing efforts. Other groups who have been running state
and regional networks got re-energized and made connections with colleagues
that will strengthen their work.
GSA Network youth leaders and staff are thrilled to be part of this national
effort! We were particularly inspired by all of the young people who attended
who continue to make their voices central to the work of our safe schools movement.
The states/provinces that were represented were: Arizona, British Columbia,
California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico,
New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington,
DC, Washington State, and Wisconsin.
Some comments from the evaluations are included below:
"The most valuable part was the opportunity to share info and resources
with others who are working with networking GSAs on a state or regional network.
The joy and refueling that came from interacting with people from all over the
continent makes me feel like there is a supportive community to which I have
access whereas before I felt isolated."
"I gained a vision for youth-centered, youth-driven movements across our
state."
"After coming to this gathering, I will help as a youth to be involved
with the network and get things going with my local GSA."
"The National Gathering gave us stronger ideas about how to launch our
new effort and excellent peer resources."
"From this event I feel that our state's GSA network will have better skills
to develop a stronger Youth Council and overall youth programs."
"Meeting people from different parts of the country - whether from ultra-conservative
regions or super-liberal places, everyone was for the same cause and it was
enlightening to see such dedication across the board. I hope it will strengthen
our GSA ties across our region."
"This meeting has inspired me about continuing to keep youth in the forefront
of leadership."
"I really appreciated the opportunity to meet colleagues and feel like
a member of a professional association. The opportunities and space provided
for sharing ideas, philosophies, and best practices were excellent. I honestly
feel, for the first time, that I have a base of support that extends beyond
my state. My safer schools work no longer feels as isolating!"
For more information about the National Association of GSA Networks, email Carolyn
Laub, carolyn@gsanetwork.org
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+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. GSA Network is Hiring! - Development Coordinator (San Francisco)
GSA Network seeks a part-time (20 hours per week) Development Coordinator
to coordinate and support all aspects of the organization's growing individual
donor program and development department systems. The Development Coordinator
will be the first development staff member at GSA Network, and will work closely
with the Executive Director, and development and special events consultants,
to implement the annual fundraising plan ($86,250 from individuals in 2006,
which is 9% of GSA Network's total budget). GSA Network now has 600 individual
donors who contribute through personal solicitations of the Board and Executive
Director, direct mail, a monthly pledge program, one annual fundraising event,
and occasional house parties. The Development Coordinator will play an important
role in helping GSA Network expand all of these activities and build stronger
relationships with all individual donors. A demonstrated passion for LGBTQ youth
leadership and empowerment, an understanding of youth culture, and commitment
to social change is required for all positions at GSA Network.
To get more information about the job and how to apply, visit: www.gsanetwork.org/about/index.html#jobs
Equal Opportunity Employer:
GSA Network, a project of the Tides Center, is an equal opportunity employer
and encourages applications from youth, people of color, people of all sexual
orientations and gender identities, and people with disabilities.
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events,
resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not
sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views
and opinions of GSA Network.
Northern California
*********************************************
2. Be the change you wish to see in the world! (San
Francisco)
Community United Against Violence (CUAV) is seeking volunteers for our LGBTQQ
Speakers Bureau.
Fall 2006 Training Dates will be Saturday & Sunday, September 9th &
10th, 10 am - 6 pm.
CUAV speakers go into schools and community groups to educate folks about queer
issues--you can, too.
This training is fun, informative and free. Lunch and refreshments provided.
Meet cool people, have fun and make a difference!
Community United Against Violence is located at
170 A Capp Street in San Francisco
To register call (415) 777-5500 ext 303
or email connie@cuav.org
Queer youth, folks of color, transgender folks, women, and interns strongly
encouraged to apply. Stipends offered for bilingual speakers.
For more information, please visit our website—www.cuav.org
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*********************************************
3. Join the Leadership Program - The San Francisco Urban Service Project
(San Francisco)
Now seeking highly motivated young adults (aged 20-26) with previous leadership
experience to join its service and leadership program this September. USP Corps
Members complete a challenging 8-month full-time internship, implementing educational
and leadership programs for children and youth in San Francisco.
The program is designed to give Corps Members real-world experience working
in underresourced communities, while providing leadership training and support.
Please see our full Corps Member description at www.sfusp.org/join_corps2.html.
Applications are due SOON and can be found on our website, www.sfusp.org. Please
contact Amy Scott for more information or if you plan to apply: 415-642-3490
or info@sfusp.org
**We strongly encourage applicants who are San Francisco natives invested in
continued work with SF communities**
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4. SAVE THE DATE! Movement Activist Apprenticeship Program (San
Francisco)
Center for Third World Organizing cordially invites you to… Movement Activist
Apprenticeship Program Graduation Dinner and Celebration
Friday, August 11, 2006
7:00 PM
Lake Merritt United Methodist Church
1330 Lakeshore Avenue
Oakland, CA
JOIN THE FESTIVITIES:
FOOD, MUSIC, AWARDS, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, AND MORE! Honoring those who
strengthen the movement for racial and social justice.
In honor of our MAAP graduates, CTWO cordially invites you to a special
night of tribute to people, organizations, and campaigns that demonstrate
dedication, perseverance and success in organizing. CTWO is proud to highlight
this year's MAAP graduates, who have worked this summer to help strengthen
communities of color and empower people to command their own destinies.
Join us as we bring the community together to celebrate the accomplishments
of these dynamic organizers of color and of organizations dedicated to
empowering our communities through grassroots organizing.
Tickets are $10-$25 sliding scale. To RSVP or get more information, please
contact Reem Assil at (510) 533-7583 x21 or rassil@ctwo.org.
Featured Organizations for MAAP 2006:
South of the Market Community Action Network (SOMCAN), San Francisco,
CA - Low-income Families' Empowerment Through Education (LIFETIME),
Oakland, CA- SEIU Local 715, San Jose, CA- Families United for Racial
and Economic Equity (FUREE), Brooklyn, NY- Miami Workers Center (MWC), Miami,
Fl- Safe Streets/Strong Communities, New Orleans, LA- Saving OurSelves
(S.O.S.), Atlanta, GA and Gulfport, MS-Sabathani Community Center, Minneapolis,
MN- West Side Citizens Organization, St. Paul, MN
For more info on MAAP 2006 interns and organizations, please visit our
website, www.ctwo.org.
The Center for Third World Organizing is a racial-justice organization
led for and by people of color, whose mission is to achieve racial and
social justice. Through its innovative work in advancing a racial-justice
frame in organizing campaigns, CTWO has spearheaded a number of change
efforts in communities of color. Over the years, CTWO has supported the
creation and advancement of multi-racial, multi-ethnic organizations and
campaigns; fearlessly challenged racist policies and practices of the state
and other significant institutions; and continuously sought opportunities
to build bridges among a wide range of communities and activists of color.
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5. Hip Hop Camp with Radio Active (San Francisco)
August 7 - 11, 2006
Open to Ages 10 - 17 with all levels of experience
20 Scholarships now available. Camp normally costs $450.
If any of your students are interested in this music camp (more info attached
below) feel free to contact:
Please forward to anyone you may know that may be interested.
Blue Bear School of Music
Fort Mason Center, Building D
San Francisco, CA 94123
Blue Bear Office: 415-673-3600
www.bluebearmusic.org or
Gina Gallo
Inhouse Talent
1693 Polk Street suite 204
San Francisco, Ca 94109
415.839.0098; 415.839.1042fx
gina@inhousetalent.com
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National
*********************************************
6. GSA Advisors needed for research on school climate for LGBT youth
A doctoral student from Georgia State University in Atlanta is studying the impact that GSAs and GSA advisors have on school climates for LGBT youth. Phone interviews will be conducted lasting approximately one hour with GSA advisors across the country. If you are interested in participating in this research project or would like additional information, please contact Emily Graybill at emily.graybill@gmail.com or 404.493.2989. Your help and expertise is greatly appreciated!
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7. "Pride High" independent comic book
Pride High is an independent comic book to be released September 2006. It follows the adventures of a superpowered high school's first Gay-Straight Alliance. And unlike most comic books, the personal creations of readers have a chance to become a part of the storyline. Head on over to www.pridecomics.com and join the fun!
*********************************************
8. Teenagers Needed for Documentary TV Series
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DOCUMENTARY TV SERIES CASTING U.S. TEENS FOR GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXPEDITION
Generation Earth Series Seeks 16- to 18-Year-Olds To Investigate Environmental
Issues
NEW YORK, NY - July 25, 2006 - Show of Force, an Emmy Award-winning production
company, in association with Earthwatch Institute, is looking for three American
high school students for a worldwide ecological expedition that will be documented
online, and in a series for American television.
Students must be between 16-18 years old, have an adventurer's spirit, and be
able to take off a semester from school for the expedition (the second semester
of 2006-2007). The EcoTeam will travel to Australia, Brazil, Thailand, Antarctica,
China, Madagascar, Italy, Inner Mongolia, Kenya, and other amazing locations.
They'll visit rainforests, deserts, glaciers, and coral reefs, investigating
issues such as global warming, deforestation, desertification, and endangered
species. At each site, they'll learn from renowned scientists from the Earthwatch
Institute and Scripps Institution of Oceanography and participate in important
ongoing research projects.
Along the way, the team will use the latest Web technology to share their experiences
and information with kids in schools back in the U.S., helping to form and motivate
Generation Earth, a youth movement dedicated to addressing environmental issues.
Show of Force is accepting applications from interested teens until September
15, 2006. For more information and to fill out the online casting application,
visit www.earthwatch.org/ecoteam
______________________
Contact:
Leigh Iacobucci
SHOW OF FORCE
(212) 213-5423 x107
News
*********************************************
9. NEWS: Suppressing History
by Dave Ellison
The Argus
July 24, 2006
IN his July 15 column, headlined "Gay-rights curriculums bring propaganda
to classrooms," Sacramento pundit Dan Walters critiqued pending California
legislation Senate Bill 1437 and Assembly Bill 606 for mandating "pro-gay
instruction" in California schools.
SB 1437 would add the categories sexual orientation and gender identity to an
existing California law banning discrimination in California curriculum, and
ensure that the historical contributions of at least a few gay, lesbian, bisexual
and transgender citizens be included in classroom discussions.
AB 606, a follow-up to AB 537, which became law in 2000, would establish minimum
steps that school districts must take to ensure the safety of all students,
especially sexual-minority kids.
This time, negligent schools could face sanctions, and Walters bemoaned the
fact that a curriculum continuing the suppression of homosexual history could
be cited as contributing to a hostile school environment.
Walters claimed his ire was aimed, not at finally teaching gay and lesbian history
itself, but at the prohibition of "instruction" that reflects adversely
upon people because of their race or ethnicity.
"California law already mandates such see-no-evil history instruction for
a wide array of ethnic groups," complained Walters, "substituting
feel-good propaganda for what should be scholarly study. Adding more groups
to this exercise in academic affirmative action just makes it that much worse."
Apparently, Walters slept through the recent bitter controversy about sixth-grade
history textbooks and their portrayal of Hinduism. Despite revisionists' best
attempts to remove mention of polytheism, the caste system and oppression of
women, the truth prevailed in all its multifaceted, messy, sometimes ugly glory.
No, California curriculum - painstakingly delineated in state frameworks and
curriculum standards (www.cde.ca.gov/ci/hs/cf/) - remains anything but sugarcoated.
For the past five years, for example, I've taught seventh-grade world history,
including the study of African empires. Yes, my students and I learned of Mali's
greatest emperor, Mansa Musa, who, by means of an outlandish gold-laden pilgrimage
to Mecca, revealed the fabulous wealth of Timbuktu. However, we also studied
Affonso, Kongo's hapless emperor. After initially struggling to end the Portuguese
slave trade, Affonso despaired and then grew rich selling his brethren.
is the feel-good propaganda? Walters provided not a single example. By making
his specious accusation, though, he did deftly divert attention from the real
issue: Some history never gets told. We teach African and African-American history
today only because of courageous, tenacious efforts by many activists against
hundreds of years of suppression. African history challenged the racist status
quo. Its telling benefited everyone, not just African Americans.
Today, Assembly members Sheila Kuehl (AB 537 and AB 1437) and Lloyd Levine (AB
606) continue that struggle. They hope, not that only positive images of our
nation's sexual minorities make it into textbooks, but that, finally, a few
will make it at all.
To read the full column, visit:
http://www.insidebayarea.com/argus/daveellison/ci_4087782
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10. NEWS: Assembly scales back bill to promote homosexuals
in textbooks
by Samantha Young
Associated Press
SACRAMENTO - The state Assembly on Monday gutted a bill that would have required
California textbooks to include the historical contributions of homosexuals,
amending it to say only that school material should not be discriminatory toward
gays.
Lawmakers voted 56-2 to delete the provision at the request of the bill's author,
Sen. Sheila Kuehl, who had feared a gubernatorial veto.
Her bill instead would prohibit any negative portrayal of homosexuals in textbooks
and other instructional material, expanding current anti-discrimination laws
that apply to minorities.
"I'm not really someone who wants to plop something down on his desk for
him to veto," said Kuehl, D-Santa Monica. "I want a signature."
She said she was upset that Schwarzenegger had taken the unusual step of issuing
an opinion about a bill before it reached his desk.
Kuehl said Schwarzenegger chief of staff Susan Kennedy told her privately that
the governor "has been getting a lot of heat about your bill when he goes
to speak to conservatives. He just doesn't want to sign it."
To read the full story, visit:
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/states/california/northern_california/15220290.htm
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11. NEWS: District responds to a complaint of gay discrimination
by William Ferchland
Tahoe Daily Tribune
July 31, 2006
A response to a complaint alleging a discriminatory firing of a homosexual middle
school math teacher refuted the claims and asked the suit be tossed.
Filed last week, the six-page response by Truckee attorney Gayle Tonon on behalf
of Lake Tahoe Unified School District stated teacher Torril Purvis failed to
"state facts sufficient" for an employment discrimination and harassment
lawsuit.
Purvis - a tenured teacher with nine-years experience at other school districts,
but placed on probationary status since she was in her first year at South Tahoe
Middle School during the 2004-'05 school year - was given a notice of non-reelection
in February 2005.
Purvis, through attorney Beth Ann Curtis, believed she was fired because school
administrators discovered she was gay during a January 2005 after-school birthday
party where she brought her partner.
To read the full article, visit:
http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/article/20060731/NEWS/107310015
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12. NEWS: Parents divided on Safe Schools
initiative
by Wes Bowers
Fremont Bulletin
August 4, 2006An initiative to protect students from harassment and promote
gender diversity has divided parents within Fremont Unified School District.
The district's Board of Education prioritized its goals for the 2006-2007 academic
year at its July 19 meeting. One of the goals presented was implementation of
the California Student Safety and Violence Prevention Act of 2000.
The measure prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of sexual orientation
or gender identity in California public schools.
The law, authored as Assembly Bill 537 by then-Assemblymember Sheila Kuehl,
D-Los Angeles, and signed into law by former governor Gray Davis, amended the
California Education Code by adding actual or perceived sexual orientation and
gender identity to existing sections on discrimination.
Board members last week considered implementing gender diversity training for
students and staff that would teach them about the lifestyles of gay, lesbian,
bi-sexual and transgender students.
However, the initiative had come under fire in the last few weeks from Fremont
parents who thought it promoted homosexuality, not an anti-bullying policy.
To read the full article, visit:
http://www.fremontbulletin.com/schools/ci_4103813
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13. NEWS: Federal Court Denies Review Of Anti-Gay T-Shirt
Ruling
by 365Gay.com
August 1, 2006
(San Francisco, California) The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has refused
a full court review of a ruling that said a suburban San Diego school district
could bar a student from wearing to class a T-shirt condemning gays.
In April a divided panel of the Ninth Circuit found that Poway Unified School
District had not violated the First Amendment rights of student Tyler Chase
Harper when it kicked him out of class for not removing the homemade T-shirt
that said on the front "Be ashamed, our school embraced what God has condemned,"
and on the back "Homosexuality is shameful". The teen wore the shirt
on the National Day of Silence in 2004.
Harper, with the help of a conservative Christian group, sued the school and
sought an injunction barring Poway from refusing to allow students to wear clothing
with a political or social message.
The panel addressed only the narrow issue of whether the dress code should be
unenforced pending the outcome of the student's First Amendment suit.
A majority of judges said, however, that Tyler Chase Harper was unlikely to
prevail on claims that the Poway Unified School District violated his First
Amendment rights to freedom of speech and religion
To read the full article, visit:
http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/08/080106tshirt.htm
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14. NEWS: Clash of convictions
Slavic immigrants' crusade against homosexuality collides with gays'
battle for acceptance, equal rights
By Dorothy Korber and Deepa Ranganathan
Sacramento Bee
August 6, 2006
Thousands of religious refugees mass in the streets of Sacramento to shout "Shame!"
Their targets, with their own history of persecution still fresh and raw, retort:
"Go back to Russia!"
How did it come to this?
In the last few months, the growing conflict between Sacramento's Slavic Christians
and its politically savvy gay community has erupted on campuses, at school board
hearings, and on the grounds of the Capitol.
Russian-speaking hecklers lined the march of this year's gay pride parade downtown.
At least 15 Slavic students were suspended in April for wearing shirts proclaiming,
"Homosexuality is sin." This spring, Slavic Christians packed board
meetings in three local school districts to make their position clear: Being
gay is not OK.
Gays are starting to respond in kind. A dozen staged a counterprotest in July,
demonstrating outside the region's largest evangelical Slavic church during
Sunday morning services.
Gays say the Slavic protesters have hit them with signs, spit on them and displayed
a menacing lack of civility. Gay leaders have met with local police and press
to say they're worried about violence, and now they're forming a "Q Crew"
-- a new political activism group -- to tell the public their fears.
To read the full story, visit:
http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/story/14289410p-15116920c.html