Monday, June 05, 2006
Silenced
Today the Principal finally met with the officers of the Gay-Straight Alliance to address their concerns about why he brought the hammer down on their participation in the National Day of Silence.
The day before the event, he had sent back to us the handouts the kids had received from GLSEN, with any reference to homosexuality crossed out. The Assistant Principal in charge of Activities brought us the message that the Principal wanted us to expand the focus of the day to include “all bullied groups.” I said, “Does he realize that he is doing exactly what the day is designed to prevent?”
Today I was proud of the kids as they asked pointed questions like, “Are we not allowed to do activities that focus on LGBT issues?” “Why does the school support Black History Month and Women’s History Month and not this?” And got roundabout, evasive and defensive answers that never (as the kids noted later) included the word “gay.”
I commended the officers later and reminded them that they are getting good practice in dealing with politicians and bureaucracy. A club member walked by and asked how the meeting went. The secretary said, “It was…interesting.”
Club member: Like, abstract art interesting?
Secretary: Well, [the Principal’s] answers were like abstract art.
In related news, I think that, given the opportunity, I would actually like to punch this man in the face. ¶ 10:14 PM
Today the Principal finally met with the officers of the Gay-Straight Alliance to address their concerns about why he brought the hammer down on their participation in the National Day of Silence.
The day before the event, he had sent back to us the handouts the kids had received from GLSEN, with any reference to homosexuality crossed out. The Assistant Principal in charge of Activities brought us the message that the Principal wanted us to expand the focus of the day to include “all bullied groups.” I said, “Does he realize that he is doing exactly what the day is designed to prevent?”
Today I was proud of the kids as they asked pointed questions like, “Are we not allowed to do activities that focus on LGBT issues?” “Why does the school support Black History Month and Women’s History Month and not this?” And got roundabout, evasive and defensive answers that never (as the kids noted later) included the word “gay.”
I commended the officers later and reminded them that they are getting good practice in dealing with politicians and bureaucracy. A club member walked by and asked how the meeting went. The secretary said, “It was…interesting.”
Club member: Like, abstract art interesting?
Secretary: Well, [the Principal’s] answers were like abstract art.
In related news, I think that, given the opportunity, I would actually like to punch this man in the face. ¶ 10:14 PM
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Well, you're GSA's doing better than mine. My principal won't allow announcements of the meetings because he doesn't want to attract "the wrong crowd." He does, however, I appreciate my providing a safe haven for "those" kids.
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