San Ramon Action Alert (May 2001)

From:MsLes01@aol.com
Date:Thu, 17 May 2001 00:19:44 EDT

GLSEN SF-EB is attempting to get the word out as widely as possible about this very disturbing turn of events in San Ramon Valley Unified School District. If you have read the Contra Costa papers recently, you will be aware that it has been going on for some time. This is the first time that we will be present in force to counter the arguments coming from the far right and would like to make as big a showing as possible.

Thanks so much,
Ann P Acrey, Co-chair
GLSEN SF-EB

GLSEN SF-EB ACTION ALERT

Vitally Important: Please attend the next San Ramon Valley School District Board Meeting!

Put the date on your calendar!

When: Tuesday, May 22
Time: 7:30

Where:: San Ramon Valley Unified School District; Corner of Sycamore Valley Road and Old Orchard; San Ramon

As a result of the passage of AB 537 a member of the far right will speak at the board meeting. This representative of the right plans to make a formal request of the district that the curriculum in San Ramon Valley make absolutely no mention of gay or lesbian issues. This would include all references to LGBT families and their civil rights issues.

What would such a board resolution mean for our schools?

Would a school counselor be forbidden to talk to a student if s/he had questions about sexuality issues?
What would happen to diversity clubs or Gay-Straight Alliances?
What about health education. Biology classes?
Could an English teacher mention that an author was gay or lesbian?
Would the school libraries have to be purged for any book that might mention gays or lesbians?
Would the district be required to waste scarce time and money to review the entire curriculum and library resources to ensure that no mention is made anywhere of gays or lesbians?

People who agree with this radical position are planning to attend the board meeting in force. We need for those members of the community who believe in respect for all families and students to also attend the board meeting. We need as many supporters there as we can mobilize.

There will be three or four people from the community there to speak to the board to represent the position that the curriculum needs to include discussions of LGBT families and students.

Please come to the board meeting to show your support for respect for all within the San Ramon schools. We need for there to be a huge showing of people to offset the messages being given out by those who would silence us.

The board meeting begins at 7:30 PM. Please be there at 7:00 PM as the board room is small and we'd like to get our supporters up front so we can be seen. We will also be distributing buttons for our supporters to wear so the board can recognize the people who are there in support of open, honest education. The buttons will say:

AB 537 - It's the law!

Please resend or distribute this notice to every one on your mailing list who might attend in support.

Ann P. Acrey, Co-chair
GLSEN SF-EB

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Last updated 5/17/2001 by Jean Richter, richter@eecs.Berkeley.EDU