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August 29, 2006
Dissent is Futile, You Will Be Assimilated
It's now illegal in California schools to criticize homosexuality.
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has tossed out all sexual moral conduct codes at colleges, private and Christian schools, daycare centers and other facilities throughout his state, if the institutions have any students who get state assistance.The governor yesterday signed a bill that would require all businesses and groups receiving state funding -- even if it's a state grant for a student -- to condone homosexuality, bisexuality and transsexuality.
Note the phrase I bolded. Not only does this affect state-run schools, but it affects any private institution that has students who get state education grant money.
There is no exception for faith-based organizations or business owners with sincerely held religious convictions, critics note.
Gov. Arnold has essentially forced private institutions to either teach what they don't believe, or refuse students who get money from the state and who may not be able to otherwise afford those institutions (and possibly cause those institutions to scale back or go out of business). The state is now forcing a particular social curriculum, to the financial detriment of those who disagree with the state's position.
If this is what a "moderate" Republican looks like, I'll stick with those further to the right, thankyouverymuch. I applauded Schwarzenegger for actually stepping up to the plate and doing something about what he believed--running for office--when other Hollywood types just had photo ops for causes. I still think he's head and shoulders above the rest, but I think he's way out of the mainstream from the public. This is simply a bad law.
If you wonder why more and more folks choose to homeschool, there's you're answer. You're not forced to immerse your kids in an institution that is diametrically opposed to what you believe.
(See also Outlawing Disagreement Regarding Homosexuality.)
Posted by Doug at August 29, 2006 01:44 PM
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Wow. It's rather difficult to locate what the actual words of the law are because of all the "Dobson" side of the blogosphere is trembling in rage.
The law says:
No teacher shall give instruction nor shall a school district sponsor any activity that reflects adversely upon persons because of their race or ethnicity, gender, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, or religion… SB 1437 Section 1
We can't teach stuff that reflects negatively upon people because of their sexual orientation. Even if you disagree with homosexuality, what's the problem here?
We have a horrible history of treating gays and others who are different terribly. This law is saying we can't teach stuff that would contribute to that. Certainly this should be a given in our public schools, wouldn't you think? I don't want my kids' teachers pontificating on moral matters - especially if I disagree with them but even if I agree with them.
In what classroom subject is there room for teachers to have lessons that denounce homosexuals?
Now, I'm not really wanting the state to tell church groups what they can and can't teach, but the church groups are free not to accept state money and teach what they want.
Again, I'm not sure what the beef is here.
Posted by: Dan Trabue at August 29, 2006 04:21 PM
We can't teach stuff that reflects negatively upon people because of their sexual orientation. Even if you disagree with homosexuality, what's the problem here?
Not allowing teachers to say so, even if there are (and there are) some good points to make in that regard. This is not saying you can't disrespect specific people. It's saying that nothing you teach or hint at can suggest that homosexuality may be problematic. I see a very short distance to forbidding teachers from saying anything of this sort to student outside of normal school time. It's a gag rule that prevents any problems associated with homosexuality from being mentioned let alone discussed.
We have a horrible history of treating gays and others who are different terribly.
And now, to make up for that, we should only be allowed to say good things about it and affirm it as a lifestyle, not allowing any dissenting views?
I don't want my kids' teachers pontificating on moral matters - especially if I disagree with them but even if I agree with them.
And yet there are special days (Day of Silence) that schools allow homosexuals to promote their cause.
And yet this law presents the view to the students that there is nothing wrong with homosexuality outside of some silly religious notions.
In what classroom subject is there room for teachers to have lessons that denounce homosexuals?
Sex Ed. Possibly Biology. I imagine that if there was a need for this law, there were classes & events where negative aspects of homosexuality we being brought up.
Now, I'm not really wanting the state to tell church groups what they can and can't teach, but the church groups are free not to accept state money and teach what they want.
Indeed, and as I said it basically penalizes institutions for not towing the government line on a social issue, regardless of the need their otherwise filling. So what say you don't want is actually happening.
Posted by: Doug Payton at August 29, 2006 05:22 PM
Hey! I'm glad there is a law that prevents gay conservative teachers from using the class room to advocate the gay conservative lifestyle and in the process reflecting badly on the lifestyle of my heterosexual oriented kids.
Posted by: Mike at August 31, 2006 03:55 AM