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October 10, 2008

Chicago Officials Back Opening Gay High School

Chicago public schools officials said Wednesday that they will support opening a high school dedicated to gay students, citing local and nationwide studies that show gay teens are more likely to drop out of school because of fear of violence.

According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, a 2003 district survey shows that gay and lesbian youths are three times more likely to miss school because they feel unsafe. The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network released a national survey of more than 6,000 middle and high school students on Wednesday that found that nearly 90% were harassed at school and about 61% felt unsafe.

Final approval for the Social Justice Pride Campus, which would be the first LGBT school in Chicago, is up to a vote by the board of education on October 22.

"We want to create great new options for communities that have been traditionally underserved," said school chief Arne Duncan. "If you look at national studies, you see gay and lesbian students with high dropout rates. ... I think there is a niche there we need to fill."

Fellow supporters said they anticipate the school will open in 2009 or 2010 and serve 600 students. Students would be admitted on a lottery basis.

Chad Weiden, currently an assistant principal at the Social Justice High School who would be principal at Pride Campus, said lessons about sexual identity would be incorporated in literature and history lessons.

Some gay rights advocates have argued that a gay high school would amount to segregation, and every high school throughout the city should work harder to cultivate acceptance. (The Advocate) 

Reader Comments

These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

  • Name: Monica Leach
    Date posted: 2008-10-22 1:36 PM
    Hometown: Tulsa, Ok

    Comment:

    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.


  • Name: Monica Leach
    Date posted: 2008-10-22 1:35 PM
    Hometown: Tulsa, Ok

    Comment:

    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.


  • Name: Nathan
    Date posted: 2008-10-10 11:23 PM
    Hometown: Doylestown, PA

    Comment:

    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.


  • Name: Jawanza Williams
    Date posted: 2008-10-10 2:32 PM
    Hometown: Beaumont, Texas

    Comment:

    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.


  • Name: Greg
    Date posted: 2008-10-10 12:36 AM
    Hometown: Denver

    Comment:

    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.


  • Name: Joe
    Date posted: 2008-10-09 1:55 PM
    Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

    Comment:

    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.


  • Name: James Canter
    Date posted: 2008-10-09 1:29 PM
    Hometown: Houston, Tx

    Comment:

    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!


  • Name: Kimber
    Date posted: 2008-10-09 12:17 PM
    Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

    Comment:

    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.


  • Name: Chris
    Date posted: 2008-10-09 11:34 AM
    Hometown: Nashville, TN

    Comment:

    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.


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