Should schools address homosexuality?
Both sides have strong arguments for this issue. Those who believe that schools should teach children acceptance an tolerance of homosexuality argue that homophobia (the fear of homosexuality) is wrong, and that we much teach children to value all members of society. That argue that promoting the belief that homosexuality is wrong will lead into hate crimes, intolerance, and will make schools a hurtful and threatening environment for young gay and lesbian students.
Opponents say that the public schools have no business promoting values that may go against the belief of parents. They feel that if society hasn't agreed that the lifestyle is acceptable, then schools shouldn't be telling their students that they are. They say that the question should be left to parents to teach their children what they believe.
There is a resource called P.E.R.S.O.N. Project Organizing Handbook that is a directory of information for organizing educational equity via reformation of curricular and textbook policies. It includes extensive amounts of information on the process of textbook adoption in most states, suggested strategies, and absolutely massive amounts of resource and networking information for ever state nation wide. The link to this site is the first one listed below.
Some sources for further information are listed below:
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Video Resource--Offers sources and packets for teaching
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Human Rights Education--This site has lessons on Equal Worth and Dignity, the United Nations, and Human Rights
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The AIDS Handbook--written for Middle School Kids, by Middle School Kids
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Homosexuality--Teaching about Homosexuality in Public Schools
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Resource for Teachers--inclusive curriculum ideas, responding to students