Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Curriculum Talking Points
Why was the curriculum introduced?
Proponents argue the curriculum is designed to prevent bullying and promote tolerance. However, noticeably absent from the curriculum is any references to the primary reasons for most bullying: race and physical appearance. Instead, the curriculum focuses almost solely on homosexuality. In fact, the AUSD web site refers to the curriculum as “LGBT Lesson Plans.”
Why is there opposition to the curriculum?
When Alameda parents realized the proposed curriculum advocates a certain lifestyle as opposed to addressing bullying, they recognized it would undermine their parental rights and authority.
The curriculum is designed for kindergarten through fifth grade. Parents object to controversial sexual matters being introduced at such an early age, when children are not yet capable of grappling with adult issues.
An initial public hearing on the proposed curriculum was attended by so many concerned parents that a subsequent hearing was scheduled to hear from the community. The 5 hour hearing included 100 speakers, 95% of whom opposed the agenda-driven curriculum.
Does the curriculum address bullying?
Although the curriculum is being sold as a bullying-prevention course, there is no mention of bullying. Instead, the course features books such as Who’s in a Family and That’s a Family, which tell students they should agree with the homosexual lifestyle.
Alarmingly, the curriculum focuses on only one subgroup protected under anti-discrimination laws: sexual orientation. Under law, there are five categories of protected classes when it comes to discrimination. The curriculum purposely excludes religion, even though it is one of the protected classes. This indicates an agenda is being pushed, as opposed to an altruistic attempt to teach tolerance.
Doesn’t this undermine parental authority?
Absolutely. Parents alone should determine when and where their children are taught about sexual matters—especially controversial matters such as homosexuality, bisexuality and transgenders. Kindergarten is not the place to learn about matters best left to parents to explain. Five-year-olds will be caught between two authority figures: their parents’ beliefs about other lifestyles and their teacher’s instruction about accepting such lifestyles.
Does the district already have anti-bulling policies?
Yes, AUSD already has policy in place that prohibits bullying and harassment. If the policy isn’t being enforced, the curriculum is useless. The answer to bullying is increased discipline in classrooms and more character-building training. Regardless of one’s opinion on other lifestyles, character development will teach students to respect each other.
Proponents argue the curriculum is designed to prevent bullying and promote tolerance. However, noticeably absent from the curriculum is any references to the primary reasons for most bullying: race and physical appearance. Instead, the curriculum focuses almost solely on homosexuality. In fact, the AUSD web site refers to the curriculum as “LGBT Lesson Plans.”
Why is there opposition to the curriculum?
When Alameda parents realized the proposed curriculum advocates a certain lifestyle as opposed to addressing bullying, they recognized it would undermine their parental rights and authority.
The curriculum is designed for kindergarten through fifth grade. Parents object to controversial sexual matters being introduced at such an early age, when children are not yet capable of grappling with adult issues.
An initial public hearing on the proposed curriculum was attended by so many concerned parents that a subsequent hearing was scheduled to hear from the community. The 5 hour hearing included 100 speakers, 95% of whom opposed the agenda-driven curriculum.
Does the curriculum address bullying?
Although the curriculum is being sold as a bullying-prevention course, there is no mention of bullying. Instead, the course features books such as Who’s in a Family and That’s a Family, which tell students they should agree with the homosexual lifestyle.
Alarmingly, the curriculum focuses on only one subgroup protected under anti-discrimination laws: sexual orientation. Under law, there are five categories of protected classes when it comes to discrimination. The curriculum purposely excludes religion, even though it is one of the protected classes. This indicates an agenda is being pushed, as opposed to an altruistic attempt to teach tolerance.
Doesn’t this undermine parental authority?
Absolutely. Parents alone should determine when and where their children are taught about sexual matters—especially controversial matters such as homosexuality, bisexuality and transgenders. Kindergarten is not the place to learn about matters best left to parents to explain. Five-year-olds will be caught between two authority figures: their parents’ beliefs about other lifestyles and their teacher’s instruction about accepting such lifestyles.
Does the district already have anti-bulling policies?
Yes, AUSD already has policy in place that prohibits bullying and harassment. If the policy isn’t being enforced, the curriculum is useless. The answer to bullying is increased discipline in classrooms and more character-building training. Regardless of one’s opinion on other lifestyles, character development will teach students to respect each other.