Chicago Officials Back Opening Gay High School

I think that the idea of an all gay school is great, in a fantasy world. However, this is the real world, and this is only causing the Gay community to take a huge step. We need to teach children tolerance and understanding not to avoid the issue. These kids are aggressive and act angry towards their gay peers because they are afraid. This fear stems from these children’s lack of knowledge of GLBTQ people. It is going to take time to break down these misconceptions, but eventually it will happen. Segregating GLBTQ youths will only slow the process.

I agree with the others before me, although a good idea... In reality it'd just be a form of segregation and wouldn't solve anything for the tollerance of others.

The Idea of an ultimately safe environment for LGBTQ students is good, however, as a previous commenter listed, it calls to mind the "seperate but equal" clause. The Gay advancement organizations should focus on reform the schools that already exist. Because until theres an all LGBTQ Utopia, the students will still have to function in a straight dominated society. So having these schools will solve one problem and amplify a multitude of others.

In an ideal world it would be nice if the schools would change, but in the mean while real kids are being hurt, taunted, and made to feel uncomfortable in their own schools. Giving them a safe space to learn. Is a good thing. It's much easier to stand up for yourself if you feel like you are worthy of respect. Giving these kids a place they can come to expect being respected, will do more for them in being able to stand up to their peers than leaving them to suffer in silence.

While I think the hearts of the people who want to open this school are in the right place, I do not think this is the right answer. Getting gay students a safe learning environment is absolutely important, but to take them out of regular schools counteracts several issues. What about when they graduate and are forced to go into the regular world where there is no separation? What about those who are homophobic who aren't going to have the opportunity to change if they are not confronted with the realities of gay people? This school does a disservice to both sides in my opinion. Every school should work to promote tolerance and a safe-learning environment and I think greater efforts should be put there as opposed to opening a segregated gay school.

Segregating lesbian and gay students serves no one. It's a step back to the illusion of "equal but separate" education touted by the bigots of the 20th century. Racial harmony was achieved in the Military through education and enforcement of EEO related UCMJ laws. Racial slurs were taken seriously and prosecuted with vigor, whether by courts martial or non-judicial punishment. Race sensitivity classes were mandated for those showing a tendancy toward bigotry. THIS is where Chigaco's investment needs to be directed. Opening a gay/lesbian only school is sweeping the problem under the carpet!

How about we improve the schools that already exist? I think by segreting students we are actually doing a disservice to both parties. The new school would lack some diversity and the homophobes at the other school will never be exposed to homosexuals. I think exposure is key in helping homophobes realize there is nothing wrong with gay people, they are just people.

Like the Harvey Milk school in New York, I think the mission is a sound one. However, alluding directly to gay motifs such as Pride in the school's name would definitely be a step towards segregating the straight students from the school system. Not to insinuate that pride is exclusive to gays, or that any of these kids shouldn't be proud of who they are, but I think steps could be taken to give it a more "universal-sounding" name.