Those sneaky gays and their secret high school organizations…
What is it with high schools and their need to infringe on the free speech of LGBT students?
Josh and I recently read an article about how the ACLU is helping a student sue her school in Florida because the school feels that students who support gay rights are part of an “illegal organization.” Really? No, really?
Schools are supposed to offer students a safe space to grow into mature, responsible individuals, but we all know that isn’t what actually happens. Oftentimes, teachers and administrators will thrust their own opinions on students and stifle their personal expression, and it’s no different with gays and their straight allies.
Apparently, this all started because a student felt threatened by hostile remarks from other students because she is a lesbian. Instead of dealing with the fact that this student felt victimized, the school decided to blame the victim and punish with censorship. What a way to teach acceptance and individuality!
I get that the Florida school system is trying to say that discussing gay rights is a “disruption,” and that opening up the floor to such discourse could be problematic. But in the long run, the more it’s not discussed, the less likely it is that we can move forward and make progress with such issues.
I know…I know…I’m preaching to the choir. Well, choir, get out there and support these students any way you can. You can find out more information on the ACLU’s lawsuit here.
For more information on other work the ACLU is doing for the LGBT community, visit their website.
February 6th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
I think this is just what some people and school boards need to get it through their thick heads that we are people just like everyone else in the world and we have the same rights and values. I’m going to track the story, I’m very curious about what the outcome is.