In your experience, are schools hostile environments for LGBTQ students? Can you give examples? Do you think that our textbooks should include the experiences of those who identify as part of the LGBTQ community? Should state departments of education (or in the case of private schools...........regional curriculum committees) forbid schools from creating a curriculum that portrays homosexuality as a “positive alternative lifestyle?’ Should departments of education (or in the case of private schools......boards of trustees............forbid teachers and students from discussing the topic of homosexuality? How is your present curriculum addressing this issue? In your opinion, is more needed?
In my personal experiences, the schools I have been in have never seemed to be hostile environments fo LGBTQ+ students. However, I am speaking as an outsider looking into the community. I think that it is important to discuss the experiences of those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. This helps bring awareness to the community and helps to teach students to be accepting of everyone. Educating students about this topic allows them to understand differences and be more accepting. I do not think that departments of education should forbid teachers and students from discussing the topic of homosexuality. By forbidding discussions, it makes it seem like it is something to be ashamed of and makes students feel afraid to be themselves. As far as creating a curriculum that portrays homosexuality as a “positive alternative lifestyle”, I am not entirely sure how I feel. I think instead, schools should educate students about the LGBTQ+ community and educate students to respect their peers and to respect themselves and their own personal feelings. I think a great way to do so, is to discuss influential figures from the LGBTQ+ community and discuss their accomplishments.
ReplyDeleteIn my personal experiences, I have never witnessed or experienced any hostility towards LGBTQ+ students either. Whether it is students, parents, and/or faculty/staff, what I have witnessed is a welcoming environment to all. I do not think it should be forbidden and at the same time I do not think it should be a separate topic. There are some visible minorities (ethnicity/race) in the world and there are many invisible minorities in the world (socio-economic status, children of divorce, incest, rape, abuse, parents of alcoholics, parents with gambling issues, parents who are in jail, parents who have a drug addiction, parents who are unemployed). I'm not 100% sure what the public-school curriculum focuses on with regard to LGBTQ+ as a form of lifestyle, but there are many different types of lifestyles that may not be covered by public schools. To focus on one and not others seem limiting and may create issues of resentment. I would take a different approach and focus on acceptance, kindness, and respect instead of identifying specific groups, as it could have the opposite effect. I would also focus on teaching children to develop healthy coping skills to deal with whatever life throws their way. Life is challenging, for everyone, and it's important to recognize that all children are going through something. Nobody's "stuff" is more or less important. It's all relative. I also think I would take a different approach with parents/guardians and recognize that all parents/guardians have children that are going through challenging times. In my opinion, we need to focus on respect (which starts in the home) and helping children and families develop healthy coping skills.
ReplyDeleteI think that schools are more accepting of LGBTQ students today more than ever. However, I believe that more needs to be done. LGBTQ students are more likely to face bullying in school and online. This is why schools are now recognizing the implementation of LGBTQ topics into their curricula. This can include a GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) club.
ReplyDeleteStates should include LGBTQ students by implementing awareness to their movement that advocates for equal rights and discusses discrimination issues they face. I believe this will foster more awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for these students. My district’s board meetings include state mandates that address LGBTQ awareness into our Language Arts and History curriculum. One example is where students learn historical timelines that effect the LGBTQ community at the middle and high school levels.