I started with the definition and the difference between TOLERANCE and ACCEPTANCE
Then I showed the NEA/TEA Resolutions calling for ACCEPTANCE of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered. I highlighted sec B8, B10, B46
I then provided proof that the State department of education is funding programs for teaching these issues to their teachers by funding the YES-2-KIDS conference
I then showed the agenda of the state funded seminar and highlighted the sessions put on by PFLAG (A gay rights group)(It is in the top right corner)
I then showed a link to the PFLAG webpage talking about presenting at the YES-2-KIDS conference.
I then showed a copy of one of the books given out to teachers at the state funded teachers workshop. I highlighted the the section advocating the teaching of the GLBT lifestyle in grades K-12
I then showed a printout of a Nashville City paper article about a sixth grade teacher who talked about teaching children to be activists for the GLBT lifestyle.
I finally showed a E mail from a K-2 certified teacher who, although against my bill, advocates teaching on the GLBT lifestyle, and admits it is in the state school books and is part of the curriculum.
I printed her name and identifying information in the folder but have edited it out for this blog post. I also did check that she is certified to teach K-2 Below is the E mail.
Mr. Campfield,
I just feel that if a teacher in second grade wants to read a book about a child who has a child who has two moms or two dads that should be alright. That is part of our society today. Those books are on our shelves, we have kids in our public schools in those situations. IF it comes up if should be discussed if the book is brought in or if it is in the school library, believe it or not this is in our state curriculum, in some of the health books.
Name withheld for blog post
> Subject: RE: bill banning discussion of homosexuality
> Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:35:13 -0600
> From: rep.stacey.campfield@legislature.state.tn.us
> To:
>
>
> I take by your K-2 that you are a teacher in grades K-2. Do you think a teacher that tells a student that lifestyle is wrong is OK? My bill would protect student from teachers with an agenda. No matter what way it goes. This should be up to the parents, Not teachers with agendas.
>
> ________________________________
>
> From:
> Sent: Mon 2/18/2008 8:23 PM
> To: Paul Stanley; rep.john.deberry@legisture.state.tn.us; Stacey Campfield; Beverly Marrero; sen.mike.kernell@legislature.state.tn.us; sen.jeane.richardson@legislature.state.tn.us
> Subject: bill banning discussion of homosexuality
>
>
> Senators and Representatives,
> If you pass this bill you are violating a teachers right of free speech in the class room. We have what is called academic freedom in the classroom to teach our subjects at a grade appropriate level. It would be wrong to forbid teachers from discussing other lifestyles in classrooms except heterosexual ones because we have many different life styles all across Tennessee. One can't exclude others in the classroom when it comes up. How do you tell one student that his/her parents are living in a bad relationship and the other one is right based on your judgment. The teacher doesn't have the right to make that call nor do you. If you say we can't discuss this in the classroom you are saying it is wrong.
>
> Name and address withheld for blog post
> K-2
> Cookeville, TN 38506
>
>
> ________________________________
I owe a huge Hat tip to Dave M, my staff and intern, Bobby P and one of my fellow reps for helping me pull this stuff together. I had a lot more info and put more in the folder but I have not downloaded it yet. I had tons more back in my office but I could type only for so long and I knew my presentation time would be limited if any at all. Thanks guys!
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