BonoVoxSupastar said:
Maybe it's partially the public school's fault for not doing their job to promote equality.
First of all, I totally disagree that the schools are not doing enough to promote equality. 1/2 my Master's Degree classes dealt with different learning styles based on gender and race. An entire course was spent learning about diversity in reference to gender, sexual orientation, and race and how to adapt your teaching styles to improve learning. Most education programs towards certification deal with these topics.
I cannot say that every public school is not doing this but I can say that in my school we are dealing with this early on. I can say that we do 1 Hour a week in my elementary school on tolorence towards others and violence prevention. It does not get deep into sexual orientation, however, if the topic comes up it is addressed. As I said I can only speak to my experience as a teacher. At the high school there are organized groups and clubs that are specifically for gay and lesbian students. I teach in the lower grades so I am not part of this.
I can say that there are lessons in which parents have requested that their child not be allowed to attend. I firmly believe that we as teachers can teach until we are blue in the face about equality and tolorence, but IF the parents at home are racist biggots, you are not going to make a difference.
BonoVoxSupastar said:
I agree separation doesn't change a damn thing as far as people's views, but it may bring short safe haven for those who didn't feel safe in "coming out" in a straight environment. Segregation was wrong, but do you think FORCED integration is better? It's obvious that homosexual adolescents are having problems in an environment that isn't exactly condusive to them learning.
Isn't FORCED integration what happened in the US about 50 years or so ago?
If you agree this will not change the views of people, how do you propose it will help change views? Will they be going onto Gay Colleges and into Gay jobs so that they can be shielded further? Aren't we reinforcing the perception that they are somehow unable to cope with their peers?
What about black students? In the other thread we have people protesting that white teachers cannot teach Black History to black students. Could it therefore be argued that straight teachers cannot teach to gay students?
What the hell happened to equality for all? I am going to have a hard time teaching that segregation is wrong this year.
BonoVoxSupastar said:
Maybe a program within the schools is a better solution one where gay and lesbians feel comfortable coming out and straight kids learn understanding and tolerance.
There are programs. I am curious though, how much more time need be spent on these things in the classroom. It begins at HOME. What subjects should be cut short in order to fit this in?