School Clams Up on 'Gay' Pledge Cards Given to Kindergartners

[Renae]

Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

A California school system refuses to say what action, if any, it will take after it received complaints about a kindergarten teacher who encouraged her students to sign "pledge cards" in support of gays.

During a celebration of National Ally Week, Tara Miller, a teacher at the Faith Ringgold School of Arts and Science in Hayward, Calif., passed out cards produced by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network to her class of kindergartners.

The cards asked signers to be "an ally" and to pledge to "not use anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) language or slurs; intervene, when I feel I can, in situations where others are using anti-LGBT language or harassing other students and actively support safer schools efforts."

The school has acknowledged that the exercise was not appropriate for kindergartners

FOXNews.com - School Clams Up on 'Gay' Pledge Cards Given to Kindergartners - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News

their being brainwashed with idiotic BS.

 

[StoneCrow]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

Generalization much?

 

[Jerry]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

FOXNews.com - School Clams Up on 'Gay' Pledge Cards Given to Kindergartners - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News

their being brainwashed with idiotic BS.

Tolerance is a virtue every child should learn.

 

[DarkWizard12]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

The problem with this isn't so much about "supporting gays"(I don't like homosexuals myself but, what can I say? This isn't unusual) Its the fact that this school teacher somehow thinks she should control what language or slurs children can use. I'm firm believer in EVERYONE(children and adults) can say or use whatever language they want. As Obama said: "they're just words".

 

[StoneCrow]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

Tolerance is a virtue every child should learn.

These kids are in Kindergarten.

 

[Kayleigh Katz]

During a celebration of National Ally Week, Tara Miller, a teacher at the Faith Ringgold School of Arts and Science in Hayward, Calif., passed out cards produced by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network to her class of kindergartners.

The cards asked signers to be "an ally" and to pledge to "not use anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) language or slurs; intervene, when I feel I can, in situations where others are using anti-LGBT language or harassing other students and actively support safer schools efforts."

more at link...

Wow, anti-gay pledge cards for 5 year olds... :shock:

I don't think I even knew people had sex until I was at least 6. This seems like a very confusing thing to do to a little kid.

 

[Jerry]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

These kids are in Kindergarten.

I'm sorry were you trying to make a point? Perhaps stating more than "the sky is blue" or elaborating on why the sky being blue is particularly important would assist in getting your argument across to others.

Just a suggestion.

 

[Real Korimyr #9]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

The problem with this isn't so much about "supporting gays"(I don't like homosexuals myself but, what can I say? This isn't unusual) Its the fact that this school teacher somehow thinks she should control what language or slurs children can use. I'm firm believer in EVERYONE(children and adults) can say or use whatever language they want. As Obama said: "they're just words".

I agree with you. Students in schools should not be coerced into signing political statements or swearing oaths that they are too young to comprehend. This should even apply to adults-- considering the power that the school system has over a young man's (or young woman's) future, they should be not be allowed to dictate political or religious beliefs.

Of course, if our schools actually allowed students to stand up for themselves, they wouldn't need to be coercing oaths to keep the students from harassing each other.

 

[Orion]

Political indoctrination occurs at all levels in society. Gotta start them young.

 

[Apeman]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

Apparently not.

If it were, the document would not specify that the asignee respect only gender identity or sexual preference issues.

I can see it now. Child A sees an ugly shirt and exclaims. "That's gay!"
Child B retorts. "Watch your language, you redneck cracker religious homophobe!"

 

[Jerry]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

It is very suspicious that the school would single out these minority groups for special consideration, as opposed to simply reviewing the general harassment rule.

However, whenever a known "believer" like myself, who does not support Gay Marriage, comes on and starts speaking against this sort of thing, the knee-jerk reaction from the anti-theist crowd is to accuse me of discrimination, homophobia, etc, and so I have to position my argument against before actually giving it.

Sad but true.

 

[jamesrage]

I find it amusing that the same people who would piss and moan and sue the **** out a school if religious indoctrination was going on would turn around and indoctrinate the kids into this nonsense. Schools should be politically neutral as possible,schools should be about education not indoctrination into accepting some odd sexual activity. What next are they going to have PETA day and some sheep ****ers from PETA to hand out some pigs are friends not food stickers?

 

[Jerry]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

Apparently not.

If it were, the document would not specify that the asignee respect only gender identity or sexual preference issues.

I can see it now. Child A sees an ugly shirt and exclaims. "That's gay!"
Child B retorts. "Watch your language, you redneck cracker religious homophobe!"

The fact that the document is non-binding on any level, legal or otherwise, and that the school administrators had to know this, is our first evidence that this is not a genuine attempt to curb discrimination.

 

[Real Korimyr #9]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

However, whenever a known "believer" like myself, who does not support Gay Marriage, comes on and starts speaking against this sort of thing, the knee-jerk reaction from the anti-theist crowd is to accuse me of discrimination...

Well, the position itself is discriminatory. The arguments against boil down to, in order, 1: homosexuals don't deserve to get married (which I know your position is not) and 2: Two men (or two women) are less capable of raising a child properly than a single parent is. Or, of course, that 3: the laws in a nation with no official State religion, by the intent of its founders, should be based on the religious edicts of one specific faith.

Given the number of churches performing non-legally binding wedding ceremonies for homosexual couples, you don't even have to be an anti-theist to argue that.

 

[1069]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

The problem with this isn't so much about "supporting gays"(I don't like homosexuals myself but, what can I say? This isn't unusual) Its the fact that this school teacher somehow thinks she should control what language or slurs children can use. I'm firm believer in EVERYONE(children and adults) can say or use whatever language they want. As Obama said: "they're just words".

Excuse me, this is school?
The last time I checked, teachers and school administrators most certainly do have the right to "control what language or slurs children can use".
At school, adults lay out the behavioral guidelines; children follow them.
I can hardly imagine any other system being viable.

 

[StoneCrow]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

I'm sorry were you trying to make a point? Perhaps stating more than "the sky is blue" or elaborating on why the sky being blue is particularly important would assist in getting your argument across to others.

Just a suggestion.

A thousand men can't undress a naked man.

 

[Real Korimyr #9]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

A thousand men can't undress a naked man.

But if they have paring knives, they can peel him like a grape.


.... What?

 

[Bodi]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

FOXNews.com - School Clams Up on 'Gay' Pledge Cards Given to Kindergartners - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News

their being brainwashed with idiotic BS.

They are not being brainwashed and being nice to others is not idiotic. :roll:

That being said, this teacher is completely out of line and needs to be suspended in addition to having to apologize to all parents as well as having more observations regarding her teaching practice.

 

[Bodi]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

I agree with you. Students in schools should not be coerced into signing political statements or swearing oaths that they are too young to comprehend. This should even apply to adults-- considering the power that the school system has over a young man's (or young woman's) future, they should be not be allowed to dictate political or religious beliefs.

Of course, if our schools actually allowed students to stand up for themselves, they wouldn't need to be coercing oaths to keep the students from harassing each other.

Students aren't allowed to be homosexuals in or at school? How do you figure? :lol:

Also, how is this a case of schools denying rights or coercing kids and not just a teacher? Hmmm.... How?
Yeah, thought so. Nice try. :doh

Originally Posted by StoneCrow
These kids are in Kindergarten.

When do you suggest that kids should learn about tolerance and acceptance of differences then?

Originally Posted by StoneCrow
A thousand men can't undress a naked man.

How long did you let them try?

Originally Posted by 1069
Excuse me, this is school?
The last time I checked, teachers and school administrators most certainly do have the right to "control what language or slurs children can use".
At school, adults lay out the behavioral guidelines; children follow them.
I can hardly imagine any other system being viable.

Exactly. Class Rules. School Rules. District Rules. State Rules.
ALL OF THEM support anti-bullying and respect towards others so that you can have an environment where teachers can teach and students can learn.

All schools support tolerance and all teachers teach tolerance
I used to be part of a committee that headed up anti-bullying at schools.

Sexual Harassment, Racism, sexism, foul language, inappropriate dress, etc are not allowed on campuses or in classes so that people are not intimidated.

No idea why some of these posters can' grab a common sense clue and stop acting foolish...

 

[StoneCrow]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

When do you suggest that kids should learn about tolerance and acceptance of differences then?

When children actually learn about what intolerance is, perchance?

How long did you let them try?

I'm quoting the Greeks here.

 

[Real Korimyr #9]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

Students aren't allowed to be homosexuals in or at school? How do you figure? :lol:

Also, how is this a case of schools denying rights or coercing kids and not just a teacher? Hmmm.... How?
Yeah, thought so. Nice try. :doh

So which is it? Are you arguing that this is okay, or that it's not the whole school's problem?

I certainly never suggested that students should not "be allowed to be homosexual" anywhere. I believe I said that if maybe we allowed students to stand up for themselves when being harassed or bullied, we wouldn't need such extensive policies against harassment and bullying-- and we wouldn't need to be forcing Kindergartners to sign "pledge cards" using language they're unlikely to understand.

If you'd like to address my actual argument, you're more than welcome to try again.

ALL OF THEM support anti-bullying and respect towards others so that you can have an environment where teachers can teach and students can learn.

You cannot teach respect by making children sign little cards, especially if those little cards directly contradict what they are being taught in the home.

And if the school already has policies on bullying and harassment-- protecting all students-- then the school does not need additional policies concerning the harassment and bullying of a minority group that is not even evident at the age being taught.

Sexual Harassment, Racism, sexism, foul language, inappropriate dress, etc are not allowed on campuses or in classes so that people are not intimidated.

Yes, but we don't force students to sign little cards for every single rule the school happens to have-- nor should we single out specific minority groups and say that the rules apply especially to them.

If objectionable for no other reason, it's a sure way to build resentment and fuel further incidents in the future.

 

[Bodi]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

When children actually learn about what intolerance is, perchance?

When do you think that this is...
By your other comment, it sounds like you think these kids are too young.

I'm quoting the Greeks here.

Check out the big brains on Brad! You one smart mother****er!

So, how hard did you try to tangle with them before you realized that they couldn't undress you?

 

[StoneCrow]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

When do you think that this is...
By your other comment, it sounds like you think these kids are too young.

"Check out the big brains on Brad! You one smart mother****er!"
Would be appropriate.

Check out the big brains on Brad! You one smart mother****er!

So, how hard did you try to tangle with them before you realized that they couldn't undress you?

Did you even try to understand the quote?

 

[Bodi]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

So which is it? Are you arguing that this is okay, or that it's not the whole school's problem?

I certainly never suggested that students should not "be allowed to be homosexual" anywhere. I believe I said that if maybe we allowed students to stand up for themselves when being harassed or bullied, we wouldn't need such extensive policies against harassment and bullying-- and we wouldn't need to be forcing Kindergartners to sign "pledge cards" using language they're unlikely to understand.

If you'd like to address my actual argument, you're more than welcome to try again.

If I misunderstood you, then I apologize. IF you noticed though...
I put that little laughing face thingy on to indicate that I was joking around!

BTW, that is a line that you might want to work on. "If I misunderstood you, then I apologize." Really.

So, how are students NOT allowed to stand up for themselves? I see that kids ARE allowed to stand up for themselves, and schools often support mediation between two parties in conflict... it is known as Restorative Justice.

Restorative Justice and School Violence: Building Theory and Practice

I am arguing that it was not OK for the teacher to do this and that it was not the schools fault if one teacher did this independently.

You cannot teach respect by making children sign little cards, especially if those little cards directly contradict what they are being taught in the home.

I agree that making them sign cards is not teaching... the teaching comes from enforcing respect, and if kids are asked to sign "Rule Cards" then the rules should be applied to all people and situations in addition to being part of more normal rules (no cellphone txting in class, etc).

You teach it by having structure and consequences in place that demand that kids are respectful to each other, and it does work even if kids are learning different lessons at home. I see it happen daily.

And if the school already has policies on bullying and harassment-- protecting all students-- then the school does not need additional policies concerning the harassment and bullying of a minority group that is not even evident at the age being taught.

I agree. Teachers should enforce school rules and protect and represent all peoples.

Yes, but we don't force students to sign little cards for every single rule the school happens to have-- nor should we single out specific minority groups and say that the rules apply especially to them.

I agree. What she did, and any teachers or schools that support her or do what she has done are completely in the wrong. Tolerance and respect should be applied like suntan oil... evenly across all peoples and situations.

If objectionable for no other reason, it's a sure way to build resentment and fuel further incidents in the future.

 

[Bodi]

Re: Kindergartner displays why kids aren't learning in school.

"Check out the big brains on Brad! You one smart mother****er!"
Would be appropriate.



Did you even try to understand the quote?

Oohh... look at the little ego-maniac! :rofl

Try to understand? LOL!
Yeah, understood the quote and decided to mess around with it a bit,
Apparently you are also one humorless individual,
That is, since you so obviously understood that I was making a joke and all, huh?

So, you're not going to explain your answer then?

You're gonna be fun.