After doing a lot of research on Gay Straight Alliance lawsuits in
Texas I feel like I need to slow down and offer the reasons and
arguments for these clubs to exist in our schools. What can I say when I
try to explain to co-workers and administrators that the club won't be
the negative stereotype?
Going over some of the untrue extremes of this negative
stereotype first will prepare you from the shock or anger you would have
felt without reviewing them.
-I've heard from people
that they thought it was a club where kids talk about inappropriate sex
acts non-stop.
-I've heard that it's a political club to
push and manipulate an agenda through children.
-Some
people worry that the existence of the club can turn their kids
homosexual or transgender.
There are many more but these are the ones that affected me the most in the beginning.
In your responses or
initial explanations include different perspectives. Think like the school
counselor and bring up issues of their mental health, self
confidence and suicide prevention. Think like the school nurse
and think of their physical health and well being. Think like the administrator
about the anti-bullying strategies brought on by the club.
Explain
that many of the kids who might join the club do not receive a
lot of positivity at home. By simply offering a plate of cookies and
letting the students watch Modern Family one afternoon a week makes a
club. If you just say that it provides a "Safe Space", it's not enough to
people who are upset by a GSA.
No comments:
Post a Comment