Alameda Concerned Parents

COMMON GROUND ON HOMOSEXUALITY IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 

We would rather see generic anti-bullying training in public elementary schools, than explicit lessons on legally "protected classes." Explicit lessons on all the protected classes may actually cause bullying, pose a health risk, and deny the basic civil rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Religion, sexual orientation and gender identity are unlike the other protected classes because they represent beliefs and behaviors that are changeable.  

In April 2010, we suggested a compromise of three books for Grade 3 and up because they are more factual (except for the non-biological family bias).    Instead eight books were selected starting in kindergarten. The School Board however, chose to start in Kindergarten with The Family Book by Todd Parr,  All Families Are Special by Norma Simon for First Grade, and Families by Susan Kuklin for Third Grade.

Links to the other five books selected in April are on the right side of this page. All the books conflict with Board Policy 6144 on controversial issues (however the Board thinks it can ignore the view of the majority of parents) and the lesson plans are being secretly worked on during summer vacation.

COMMON GROUND ON GENDER IDENTITY IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

There are many books on the proposed book list about gender, and lots of room for common ground. However, no books promoting Gender Identity Disorder (a condition that is listed in the Diagnostical Statistical Manual) are acceptable. This is a treatable and preventable condition that no child should be encouraged to experiment with. General policies and procedures should be in place and implemented to prevent bullying of children struggling with G.I.D.

Alameda Concerned Parents support generic anti-bullying programs and encourage our children to be kind to all their classmates.

We don't think homosexual and transgender behavior acceptance training is in the best interests of the development of young children.

"The school's resonsibility is to provide a safe environment for respectful self-expression for all students. It is not the school's role to diagnose and attempt to treat any student's medical condition, and certainly not to "affirm" a student's perceived personal sexual orientation." From What You Should Know About Sexual Orienation of Youth.

For the American College of Pediatricians letter to all schools, the fact sheet, and more, see  www.FactsAboutYouth.com