I have been quiet on the whole safe schools curriculum because looking at it, it was such a no brainer that I couldn’t imagine the School Board not passing it. Heck, last November, over 68% of Alameda voters acted in support of marriage equality by voting against Prop. 8. How much more clarity is needed from our community?
No matter how many letters the Board of Ed receives detailing distaste with the safe schools curriculum, they must keep in mind that the letters represent a small minority of community members. Add to that the amount of misinformation/lack of clarity on what is being decided, and it’s clear what our community supports.
- The curriculum is about teaching respect for all families and all kids.
- The curriculum is not sex education.
- The curriculum does not favor one group over another.
- AUSD already has a program addressing discrimination and tolerance (e.g. racial, ethnic, etc.), this simply includes LGBT families
I was not originally planning on attending tonight’s meeting. I mean there are already 90 speakers, do they really need to hear from one more? But at dinner with friends on Saturday, I was convinced that yes, they do.
Supporters of the curriculum will be arriving at Kofman Auditorium at 6:15pm tonight wearing bright colors (think rainbow). Join them. At some point, early on, supporters will stand and be counted, and then many will fade off into the evening activities. You can make a difference without attending for hours.
Support tolerance and equality. Support the safe schools curriculum and ask the school board to do the same.
Write the Members of the Board of Education now!
Mike McMahon, Board President – mmcmahon@alameda.k12.ca.us
Ron Mooney, Board Vice President - rmooney@alameda.k12.ca.us
Tracy Jensen, Trustee - tjensen@alameda.k12.ca.us
Trish Spencer, Trustee – tspencer@alameda.k12.ca.us
Niel Tam, Trustee – ntam@alameda.k12.ca.us