LOCAL COMMENT

A mediator is expected to rule this week on a grievance filed by the teacher's union in the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools. The union objects to the district's removal of "gay pride" bulletin board displays put up by teachers at West Middle School and Salem High School. Here are two views of the issue, from the middle school teacher involved and from a parent who objects to the material.

Column: Fight fear, hate with information

BY MIKE CHIUMENTO

Since October, the Plymouth-Canton Community School District and the community have been debating the issue of gays and lesbians in the educational setting.

The discussion has been impassioned, sometimes heated. If anything positive has resulted, it is that such a discussion has gone on at all. A topic that was once taboo even to mention is now talked about openly at school parent meetings, in social studies classes, in the teachers' lounge and, most importantly, at home. With this discussion comes reflection and an opportunity to address our fears, stereotypes and misconceptions.

Conversely, discussion also provides a forum for some people to condemn and vilify a group of people for one reason and one reason only: for being gay.

In reading a Dec. 28 Free Press report on this issue, I was mystified by the comments of a parent, Elaine Jeris of Canton Township, who referred to homosexuality as "all the rage with kids now" and said that being gay was "in vogue."

I wonder if Jeris considers it "in vogue" to have your employment terminated because you are gay? She might be interested to know that it is perfectly legal in Michigan to fire people because of their sexual orientation. Or would she possibly think it "all the rage" to be spit on, beaten or otherwise assaulted?

The sad truth is that acts of violence do happen to people because of their sexual orientation.

Jeris went on to say that she could "tolerate a gay lifestyle but it shouldn't be discussed." Apparently, she has a life and homosexuals get to have only a lifestyle.

Now exactly what does this mean? What is a gay lifestyle? I have asked this question of many who use the phrase and none are able to answer me. My life includes holding down a job, paying bills, grocery shopping, going to the movies, making a home with my partner, etc. But what is my lifestyle?

It is obvious from feelings being voiced that the presentation of accurate information is crucial if we are to begin, through young people, to tear down the walls of fear. The mission statement of West Middle School, where I teach, declares that "each student is unique and will be provided the opportunity to reach his or her education potential in a positive atmosphere."

The display of gay-positive materials on a bulletin board or in a showcase is but one effort to present such information and affirm that we stand by the words of our mission. It is assurance that all the people of our school community are valued and respected and can be productive in a safe environment, free from harassment.

For some of our students, this may be the one positive message they receive on their journey through the Plymouth-Canton schools.

I would politely remind those who object to the display of gay-positive materials that if anything is "in vogue" today, it is the bigotry, intolerance and discrimination that, unfortunately, are practiced by too many people on a daily basis.

Let's hope a day will come, and soon, when all those things will be out of style, for good.

• MIKE CHIUMENTO, 46, is a 23-year veteran band teacher at West Middle School in the Plymouth-Canton school district.

BY ELAINE JERIS

I support the superintendent's decision that the gay-issues displays should be removed. A middle school is not the forum for controversial legal issues to be resolved.

Homosexual activity is illegal under Michigan law. If teachers think this law should be repealed, then get to work in Lansing. The law is the law.

I'd like children to have a sense of order and not be led to believe that if they don't like a rule or a law they don't have to obey it. Why should two teachers use public school bulletin boards as their personal soap boxes? Take it to a coffee shop where your audience is of voting age.

We are all born with emotions and needs: It's how we act on them and how we teach children to act on them that is the issue. Just as I am expected not to act on feelings of anger and cause harm to someone for any reason, just as we expect an alcoholic not to succumb to the desire to drink, why can't we expect a gay person to refrain from acting on all of his or her homosexual feelings?

There is some evidence that drug addicts are "born that way," and they are applauded for not using drugs. And I would hope a bulimic person would learn to stop purging. Why then is it unreasonable to think a person born as a homosexual cannot refrain from homosexual intimacies?

If the issue is not intimacies, then what is it? Athletic women with short hair? Creative men who are pastry chefs?

I don't think so. That's stereotyping.

Homosexuality is, by definition, about sex:

Homosexual: 1. Pertaining to or exhibiting homosexuality 2. A homosexual person.

Homosexuality: 1. Sexual feeling for a person of the same sex, with an impulse toward genital expression.

I have a problem with focusing on the harassment of gay students as part of this issue. I can't believe this is the only group of students being harassed. If you are vicious to someone, does it matter if it's because of sexual orientation? Children have been killed because of their clothes, athletic affiliation and religious beliefs, not just because they're gay.

It is wrong to physically hurt or kill another human being. Is it more wrong if that person is gay? I don't think so.

And here's a little more information to share:

The Plymouth-Canton school board does have in place a policy to protect students from harassment. This policy does, however, exclude protection from harassment for religious belief.

The counseling staff at the middle and high schools include social workers and psychologists. They are prepared to handle concerns about sexual awareness and peer relations. If a student needs the services of an outside agency, the counselors will make recommendations.

A procedure for reporting harassment is in place. There is no secret about where to go to get help. Assistance for struggling students is available at the school in the event that a student is without help at home.

I'd like to share with you two more definitions:

Acceptance: 1. The act of receiving something offered 2. Favorable reception; favor 3. Act of assenting or believing.

Tolerance: 1. The disposition to be patient and fair toward those whose opinions or practices differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.

I will tolerate homosexuals and their views, but I will not accept their beliefs nor teach my children to accept their beliefs.

• ELAINE JERIS is a parent and taxpayer in the Plymouth-Canton school district.