The Philadelphia
School District stood by its decision to note Gay and
Lesbian History Month on its official calendars, despite
vocal opposition at a board meeting on Wednesday, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. The controversial
subject at the school reform commission meeting led a
17-year-old female student to leave the room in tears
as she exchanged words with one of the critics who
opposed the history month. "Why does she have to be so
cruel?" cried the Simon Gratz High junior, who asked that
her name not be used. "I'm proud to be who I am."
According to the
Inquirer, this is the first time that Gay and
Lesbian History Month--recognized in
October--was included in the calendar, which is
mailed to parents. Officials said it was an effort to
be more inclusive and follow a long-standing district
policy requiring equity for all races and minority groups.
Cecilia Cummings,
senior vice president for communications and community
relations, said the district was not rolling out curriculum
or holding celebrations this month, although
individual schools with gay-straight alliances may
have observances.
Critics panned
the move as political, "confusing" for children, and
one that has no place in the schools. "What were you
thinking? What were you thinking?" Ann Martin, the
grandmother of three students, said, admonishing the
commission with her hand and calling for new calendars
to be issued, according to the Inquirer.
Supporters of the
history month--including speakers from the
Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, the Attic
Youth Center for city LGBT teens, and students and
teachers from several high schools who belong to
gay-straight alliance clubs--sat quietly as critics
spoke. But the critics heckled them when their turn
came to speak. "We would like to thank the district
for having the courage and compassion to include it,"
said Carrie Jacobs, executive director of the Attic, as
students and others waved rainbow signs and cloths.
(The Advocate)