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by Lisa Suarez

January 8, 1999 - 6:56 am

DPS Gay Policy

The Denver Public School Board is considering a proposal that would add sexual orientation to its discrimination policy. The proposal would extend to both students and teachers. More than one-hundred people attended last night's public hearing at DPS headquarters. Opponents say the policy goes too far, and singles out people for special protection. But, some gay students and teachers say they feel harassed and threatened at school. The Denver School Board will vote on the proposal in 2-weeks.

Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1999 15:53:39 -0700
From: Jessea NR Greenman jessea@uclink4.berkeley.edu

Denver's Board of Education can be reached at
900 Grant Street, Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 303-764-3211, fax 303-764-3216.

DENVER POST, January 8, 1999
650 15th Street,Denver,CO,80202
(Fax 303-820-1369 ) (E-MAIL: Letters@denverpost.com )
( http://www.denverpost.com )

DPS meeting weighs gay rights

By Carlos Illescas, Denver Post Education Writer

East High School teacher Keith Lucero has heard the slurs aimed at him and others like him in the hallways of Denver schools. Thursday night, he answered back.

"Because we are different, we are made to live in fear,'' Lucero said at a public hearing before the Denver school board. "It is still acceptable to use the words "fag' and "queer' in the workplace. As a teacher in the district, I am concerned about my career and safety.''

In an emotionally charged meeting, Lucero and dozens of other people packed the school board chambers to voice their opinions about a proposal to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the district's hiring and educational practices.

Some, like East High student Hunter Smith, said the proposal amounts to simply doing the right thing, not doing anything special for gays and lesbians.

"For those who think we're asking for special rights, you are wrong,'' said Smith.

Others in the crowd did not side with Smith.

"Homosexual teachers are appreciably more apt to have sexual relations with pupils than nonhomosexuals,'' said Paul Cameron, representing the group called the Family Research Institute.

"If you make this decision, you are doing the wrong thing.''

Board member Elaine Berman was angered by Cameron's comments.

"I find what you said to be totally reprehensible,'' Berman said. In responding to Cameron's claims that the board would be supporting gay rights if it approves the measures, Berman replied: "I have no problem promoting gay rights.''

What sparked the display of emotions is a proposal being considered by Denver Public Schools that would protect gay and lesbian students and teachers from discrimination.

The proposal would also prohibit discrimination in gender identity - for example, when a female student is harassed because she looks homosexual due to her short hair or when a male student dresses and sounds feminine.

Board member Laura Lefkowits formed a task force of students, parents and DPS officials last year to identify areas of school policy that did not offer protection for gays that other groups enjoy. The task force came up with recommendations that called for revisions in the district's hiring and educational policies. The board is to vote on the proposal at its Jan. 21 meeting.

"One of the hardest things to do is to understand discrimination that doesn't affect you personally,'' said Lefkowits. Only two people spoke out against the proposals. Edwin Stuemky, said homosexuality was "abnormal.''

"Have you people lost your senses or are you just trying to irritate a majority of parents,'' Stuemky told the school board.

Superintendent Irv Moskowitz said he was "embarrassed'' to hear of the testimonials of students and teachers who have faced discriminated because of their sexual orientation. He promised to take action against it.

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS, January 8, 1999
400 W. Colfax Avenue,Denver,CO,80204
(Fax 303-892-2568 ) (E-MAIL: talktous@insidedenver.com )
( http://insidedenver.com )

Tales of intolerance surprise board
Promise of protection for gays arises from emotional DPS meeting

By Brian Weber, News Education Writer

The Denver school board Thursday promised to protect gays and lesbians after being surprised by tales of intolerance in schools.

"We all have to be vigilant," said board member Rita Montero -- even in the board meeting room.

While listening to arguments to expand protections for gays, the board was warned by three people that homosexuality is morally wrong and "aberrant behavior."

Paul Cameron of Larkspur threatened a lawsuit, saying: "You are about to further the interests of the gay movement." Cameron added that "scientific literature" proves that gay teachers are more likely to have sexual relations with students.

His attitude and words were not welcome.

"I find what you said totally reprehensible," board member Elaine Berman said. "I have no problem promoting gay rights.

"My heart is racing. My blood is boiling. I'm so disgusted by what you said."

As for scientific evidence, board member Bennie Milliner said:

"You can stick it where the sun doesn't shine."

Emotion drove the discussion.

Members of a district gay and lesbian task force told of slurs, assaults and threats. They testified to the lasting emotional damage those cause.

Teachers, students and parents recounted their experiences to try to persuade the board to expand equal rights protection to sexual orientation and "gender identity" -- when people feel they should have been born as the opposite sex.

The district already prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in most policies and practices. The task force wants those protections as well as gender identity in all student and employee policies.

The board will vote Jan. 21 on the expansion.

Many gays suffer in silence which "perpetuates the prejudice and hatred as in Laramie," East High School teacher Keith Lucero said in reference to the murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay University of Wyoming student.

"All we ask for is the right to be who we are," said a tearful Hunter Smith, a 17-year-old East student.

The board and Superintendent Irv Moskowitz agreed gays need the protection that apparently has been lacking.

"We have to make sure our policies are enforced," Moskowitz said. "I have a sense of embarrassment, indeed, humiliation."

Before Thursday's testimony, Milliner had questioned the need for the change.

"I've been enlightened. We as a community have to deal with it. Change comes from the heart of men," he said.

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