[OnyxCougar]

Let's get back to the issue.

Several parents are upset because the school curriculum apparently includes books (plural, this isn't the first time this happened) regarding homosexuality. These books are written for an elementary school grade level.

These parents are upset, regardless of YOUR PERSONAL OPINION on the issue, because THEIR children were exposed to material that THEY AS PARENTS OF THEIR CHILDREN consider inappropriate.

The parents want to be informed when the teacher is going to read inappropriate (to them) material, so they can remove their child from class.

I don't feel that ANY sexuality needs to be taught in elementary school. I have not read the book, so I don't know what it says. But if my 9 year old came home and told me that they read a book about two daddies, or two mommies, I'd be justifiably concerned about the curriculum. I don't mind, as a parent, if a book like that is available in the library, and my child checks that book out on her own, but I DO have a problem with my child effectively being forced to listen to what I consider inappropriate material.

(rhetorical question)
Why is it ok to read a book about homosexuality to 7 year olds in school, but read a book to the same kids in the same school about Jesus and that's an OUTRAGE!!!
(/rhetorical question)

For those who say "If you don't like it, put your child into private school", have you looked at the prices of private school? The CHEAPEST private school here (which is founded from a local Christian Church) is $300 per month, YEAR ROUND. Now, not only do I have to pay that, but I STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL INSTRUCTION, because I don't have an option to not pay taxes.

So since I'm paying for it either way, my public schools should reflect the values of my community, which should be enforced by the elected Board of Education.

(By the way..there is a lawsuit against my local Board of Education pending, and if you think any of them are getting relected this year, think again, because the parents are PISSED.)

If Susie lives with two daddies and Todd lives with two mommies and Jamal lives with a traditional set of parents, that knowledge and discussion is perfectly acceptable at their ages, in the course of normal social interaction.

Homosexualiy DOES exist, it IS part of the world. But does NOT make that subject matter appropriate for a CAPTIVE audience of 7 year olds, any more than terrorist activities or discussion of the Holocaust is appropriate for that age group.

(BTW, It is Holocaust Remembrance Day today. Go hug a Jew.)