News-Miner Editorial
Creating worry
Council reaction to Day of Silence goes overboard
Published Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Teenagers are good at rolling their eyes when their parents spout off on something they think is completely embarrassing.
Sometimes it’s warranted.
The Alaska Family Council is doing its best to stir up parents over a minor event — at least where Fairbanks schools are concerned — by spreading some misinformation this month. It concerns the Day of Silence, a nationwide event set for April 25 that is observed in schools mostly by student Gay-Straight Alliance clubs. The aim is to promote tolerance and bring attention to bullying, according to the national Gay, Lesbian Straight Education Network — coordinators of the effort.
School officials tell us local students have observed this day for several years with little if any fanfare. After all, the kids involved are quiet. They inform their teachers ahead of time that they won’t be able to respond in class on this day.
But the council is bristling at the source of the anti-bullying message. It has scheduled an “answer” to this day of silence, called “Day of Truth.” In a mass e-mailed flier it urges parents to take action and states things that are understandably upsetting but not entirely accurate:
• “Day of Silence is a nationwide push to promote the homosexual movement in public schools”
• “Students have school permission to protest and hand out written information”
• “Schools will allow classrooms to be disrupted for political purposes”
• “School-sponsored corruption and manipulation through promotion of homosexuality is unacceptable and there is a price to pay”
An irony is that student Gay-Straight Alliance clubs have to be allowed in schools under the federal Equal Access Act — which arose amid concerns that religious freedoms were being curtailed in public schools.
Groups such as Key Club International, Gay-Straight Alliance Club and Christ Centered Youth Ministry — all present in local schools — are classified as “limited open forum” groups under federal law. The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District has a policy to address the activities of such groups.
The groups have to meet at lunch time or before or after school. A “custodial adult” has to be in attendance — not necessarily to participate but to essentially serve as an (unpaid) adult chaperone. Activities are not allowed to disrupt classrooms, and students are not allowed to distribute handouts or post political messages.
No school sponsorship, no disruptions, no written hand-outs and this “nationwide push” plays out no differently than rules allowing students to have regular prayer group meetings.
Our local schools are following federal freedom of speech laws and the students and teachers have followed district policies with no disruptions in observing this day during the past several years.
Some local parents have been understandably concerned at the statewide council’s warnings, but something tells us most of the kids would be rolling their eyes.
Community Discussion
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Issues such as this are best left at home and not in our government run schools.
Despite policies forbidding bullying in the North Star Borough School District, I can assure you that bullying is a common daily occurence in our school system, at all grade levels, and this issue SHOULD be brought to the forefront by whom ever is willing to carry that message.
The bullying isn't necessarily happening at home; it's happening at school. The message is fine, other than for some persons' objections to the source, or 'the messenger.'
Which, btw, says -far- more about those who are offended, than it does about the 'message.'
(Rolling eyes, right along with my kids....)
well said Dirk.
I was bullied in school. It turned me into neither a cringing victim nor a bully in turn. I think the tools to defeat bullying are best learned where I learned them.
At home.
so if the message is really about stopping bully's, what exactly is the message? To create a group in which you can organize a gang all in the name of free speech? That sounds great! Lets take that same line of thought and apply it to ... pot heads. If you feel that the jocks at your school are picking on you because you have made choices that they dont agree with, go ahead, organize a norml campaign (they are a political activity group, right?)and lets make a smoke it up day. Anyone think that is not protected by my freedom of speech or is it just not inside of what people call a worthwhile cause? Same line of thought, different (all be it outlandish)call to order, does it seem out of line to the schools? Why? because it doesnt fit the PC agenda? But there are still people who believe, so why not give them the same ability to speak there mind? Of course, of course, it will never happen. But thats my point, isnt it?
Its always easier to push the agenda of your group if you can convience other outside your group that you are fighting for thier right aswell. In this case they are using catchy words like, being bullied, promoting tolerance.
Another method in this case is to make the event seem like it is being promoted by the wonderful kids in our community, this couldnt be further from the truth...this is a national campaign overseen by the adult gay organizations which are attempting to force their agenda on a captive group of kids.
This type of activity has been going on in our universities for many years and now is being organized to target the high schools.
What would the school district do to a christian club or organization which decided to have a day of silence and hand out christian literature during the day...
If they want to organize like other groups im all for it, but follow the rules of other non-school activities and meet as they are required.
Wow, News-Miner, I'm actually impressed. Usually I find that your editorials present a basic view of a situation (and I usually don't agree!). This one genuinely surprises me and I think you've hit the nail right on the head. The 'controversy' here is a contrived one, at best.
@bikebuilder: Perhaps you should read the News-Miner's editorial in full. Christian groups CAN organize at schools, just like other groups, but they have to meet during lunch or before/after school with an adult chaperone present. They cannot handout literature (no one can for Day of Silence, either). When I was a high school student, there was a group that met for prayer around the flags every morning. This is not new; Christian groups are not being restricted.
@joesmith44: This has nothing to do with anyone's message. This is fundamentally about the student's right to free speech. The students are the ones who put this on. The school does not organize them or provide them material.
I think that those kids are to be congratulated for creating a friendly, non-violent way to join together as a community (not a gang, JB) to make a better life for all concerned, both bulliers and bullied.
People who are bullied usually do not have the resources to defend themselves, this being why the bullies feel free to harass them. People who need to put others down have often been bullied themselves. Designing a situation where this is unacceptable is a step forward. Thank you to the school district for allowing it.
Good God!!!! Does anyone actually READ these articles before posting????
NO LITERATURE IS BEING PASSED OUT
NO AGENDA IS BEING PUSHED
CHRISTIAN GROUPS CAN DO THE SAME THING IF THEY WANT
Please take the time to actually read the editorial before responding to it blindly.
*rolls eyes*
What's the issue again???? These kids are taking it upon themselves to be SILENT for a whole DAY--and that's a problem why? It's not being forced onto them they are CHOOSING to do this on their own. We should be encouraging this kind of determinism in demonstrating peacefully, and without disruption, what they believe in. The message is good, they're against bullying.
Another point--sure let's focus on the home. Most kids who bully have a bad home environment. I guess if we really wanted to end it we should have social services go over and investigate the families of kids who have had bullying tendencies. If we were to look at where this "bullying" concept comes from, this is where it should start.
guppie9, No, obviously most of the folks DON'T actually read the contents, or understand the limits and parameter.
They instead intellectualize their own agenda into shadow-boxing issues that aren't present, thus making themselves look victorious against the evil Darth Vader.
Except Darth isn't there, and anyone who's ever watched someone shadow boxing for too long, begins to wonder a lot about that person's reality testing and perceptions.
Some folks apparently don't realize that the very law that protects students' holding of prayer meetings between classes, before classes, or after school, also protects these kids in doing what they're doing.
In fact, I'd wager that if a group of students wanted to form a club around the concept of questioning or changing mandatory minimum sentences associated with the war On (Some) Drugs, or cannabis in particular, (as opposed to advocating the use of substances), that this too would be protected within the current law as well. Especially as part of a government, social studies, or civics club.
Hang in there guppie9.
I don't know about anyone else, but seeing all of these objections over the last 3 days, only makes me POSITIVE that this DOS is a necessary thing!
Most common complaints are
"What about the poor Christian kids?", who already get to meet every day,
"Shouldn't be in our schools" which is ridiculous since the bullying is going on in our schools, and
"Remember Sodom & Gomorrah!" which really shows us the true source of both the complaints and the original source that caused the NEED for this DOS!
HAHA! You think you can stop bullying!
Not saying its right, or that it should be acceptable, but come on people. Kids will be kids.
Reader1 --
We may never be able to stop all bullying, just as we may never be able to stop all racism. However, it is a noble cause and ANY reduction of bullying that we can foster makes the world a better place.
Yep, kids will be kid, they'll follow the examples put before them, either by their parents or their peers. The more parents and peers behave, the more the kids will behave.
This DOS is a step in the right direction.
If you had read all privious articules related to this story you would be aware of the real facts related to this story. The students are handing out pamplets.
All im saying is all organized student activities should be conducted under the same guidlines.
Why should gay rights activities be allowed any special treatment over any other student conducted activities?
The only thngs that've been handed out in the past were cards explaining why persons couldn't/wouldn't respond. No 'homosexual recruitment packages' or 'gay stock options.'
What special rights are being afforded here? The same laws that protect this activity, also protect prayer groups, bible clubs, and other focus groups/clubs. The standards for conduct are exactly the same.
Again, what special treatment??
Thank you News Miner for standing up to the American Council of Family's Witch Hunt. I seldom agree with your editorials but in this case you're spot on.
My hat is also off to Fairbanks Public schools for acknowledging student rights and their efforts to curb bullying and intolerance.
Also a special thanks goes out to members of the Gay-Straight Alliance clubs for having the courage to stand up for their convictions.
Tolerance, non-violence, equality, and the willingness to work together, are all virtues that allow democracy to function. Obviously, as these forums prove, we need those qualities more than ever.
Certainly, the bullying has been an issue for a long time. The way high school students amplify their internal rumor mill, a person doesn't even have to be gay to be *labeled* as such. A mere perception can lead to bullying, intimidation, and ostrication which can kill the self-esteem of even the brightest and most promising teen. Couple that with the kinds of downright horrific actions that have been taken by teens against teens (and just the ones we actually hear about in the media), and clearly some sort of awareness is needed to protect our sons and daughters - straight, gay, or celibate.
Whatever the cause of the bullying, I'm glad to see the bullying being addressed by somebody. The more groups that come out and say, "We're not going to put up with this any more," the more aware people will be that idiotic, unwarranted violence against "people who ain't like us" is simply unacceptable.
Bikebuilder...I have read all the previous articles and have commented on them, as well. Perhaps you should go back and read them. No pamphlets will be handed out to anyone. The kids will have a card that they can show to teachers that explains they won't be speaking to protest bullying against homosexuals. No literature/pamphlets/etc. will be handed out to students. That is school district policy and will not be excepted in this or any other case. You may be getting misguided by someone's statements on these boards, but you will not find any press release/article that states otherwise. If you can an article in the newsminer that states differently, please post a link.
Again, people, please read before posting.
High School (and even middle school) can be a harrowing experience for young people carrying uncertain (or certain) thoughts concerning their gender identity and sexual orientation.
Taunting, teasing, social ostracization and no place to turn are the ongoing issues young people face in the social world of middle and high school, and it is elevated even further for youth faced with questions about sexual orientation and gender identity - that very few want to talk about.
Gay straight associations and its members, clergy, counselors and even understanding mentors can help and are often identified during the Day of Silence. Students face harassment and bullying every day the full school year. Having one day where a young person can feel somewhat safe and possibly find a supportive friend, ally or even a glimmer of hope isn't too much to ask. People should support the Day of Silence, April 25.
Dear Friends and Supporters of Alaska Family Council
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from folk like you all, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind him that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.
I do need some advice from you and your supporters, however, regarding some of the specific laws in the bible and how to best follow them.
When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odour for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odour is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.19:27. How should they die?
I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev.24:10-16) Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev.20:14)
I know these laws have been studied extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
a devoted disciple and adoring fan,
ciao
Why doesn't the Alaska Family Council change its name to Hate In the Name of Christ (Hate INC)? It would be the first honest thing that outfit did.
I have a family, and I know plenty of other families. Not a one of them is represented by those busybody numskulls.
I agree with the Curmudgeon and others. The Alaska "Family" Council is the bully here. Shame on them for picking on high school students (in the name of Jesus no less).
Who would Jesus bully?
"Who would Jesus bully?"
Money changers?
"Who would Jesus bully?"
Not just money changers, but also self-righteous religious nuts who make a public show of how much more moral they are than anyone else (at least, until they get caught with their pants down, as has even happened here in Fairbanks).
take a moment to view: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWBEQfBTI...
I think the DOS worked quite well at Lathrop High School. kids would come into class with a bunch of orange flyers explaining why they wernt talking, then in all of my classes, some kids would take some slips to hand out, and become silent. I hardly saw anyone rolling their eyes at it. now it was pretty hard to stay silent all day for some, but there arnt rules. Also i think it would have worked better if it was a Day Of Explanation - of GLBT-
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