The “Dignity for All Students Act” (DASA) is waiting action by our state Senate. This bill prohibits discrimination and harassment against any student in public schools, based on the person’s actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex. We all agree that we want a school environment free from harassment and bullying, where every child can be safe, comfortable, and concentrate on learning. However, the "dignity" bill has a hidden agenda of homosexual activists. The Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN), a national homosexual advocacy group, has been strongly pushing this bill. Claiming their intent is to end discrimination against students whom they say are being harassed because of alternative lifestyles, they are using the public schools to advance their agenda of normalizing and affirming homosexuality. They have blatantly stated the best place to change society is in our public schools. The present DASA requires "sensitivity" (pro-gay) training for all teachers and school personnel. This includes instructional and counseling methods that ensure that homosexuality (and bisexuality) are presented as normal and an acceptable lifestyle. GLSEN has already provided multiple "trainings and workshops" in some state school districts. Excluded are the health risks and the truth that many homosexuals have changed. In GLSEN’S own words, “Making schools safe ... is strongly tied to ensuring that classrooms are inclusive of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) themes.” GLSEN is behind the formation of (gay clubs) in schools. LGBT issues are being discussed and questioning, impressionable youth are being drawn in. Say no to DASA and get GLSEN’s influence out of the schools. Schools are not meant for social engineering of special-interest groups who are targeting our children.
MADELINE DERWIN Johnstown The writer is a former teacher.
Madeline Derwin, in her warning against the “Dignity for All Students Act,” sees a “hidden agenda” of homosexual activists [May 2 Gazette]. I think the agenda is overt. Read the title of the act. At a time when so many headlines about schools speak about the bullying that goes on inside their doors, wouldn’t it be glorious if every child saw school as a safe place to be? What is “normal” for Ms. Derwin regarding her sexual orientation is “normal” for the person who was born with a different one. Nobody can be “reoriented” by any group — but the way we view each other can be changed. It is imperative that all of our children (who emerge as the adults around us) feel acceptance for who they are rather than persons they feel they have to pretend to be, if they are given no security. I am saddened that Ms. Derwin signed her letter as a “former teacher.” I wonder what lessons she taught about differences and dignity.
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