
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, September 28, 1995                   TAG: 9509280014
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: KITTY J. BOITNOTT AND DOROTHY COOPER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

NO GAY CELEBRATION IS PLANNED

FRANCES Spencer (Sept. 24 letter to the editor, ``Keep gay history out of the schools'') and others concerned about rumors that are circulating regarding possible school observance of a gay and lesbian history month can stop worrying. No such activities are being planned in the Roanoke Valley schools. Indeed, as far as we're aware, no activities are being planned anywhere in Virginia.

Regarding the various rumors about this issue, we'd like to clarify what happened to bring up this debate. At the National Education Association Representative Assembly in July, a resolution was adopted, through the usual democratic process, asking for the recognition of the contributions of gays and lesbians throughout history. The resolution doesn't designate any month in particular - including October - and it doesn't, nor was it intended to, encourage a gay or lesbian lifestyle.

Discussion of this resolution revolved around the disrespect, harassment, ridicule and overt violence that often target gay and lesbian students, and the potential for suicide among that segment of our student population. The resolution passed the representative assembly on the merit of the argument that it's part of the charge of teachers to teach respect, tolerance, understanding, compassion and good citizenship.

Robley Jones, president of the Virginia Education Association, was waiting to speak against this resolution at the direction of the Virginia delegation when the question was called. Members of the Virginia delegation, including delegates from Districts 4 and 5 representing teachers in Roanoke, Salem, and Roanoke County, voted against the motion because they believed the resolution wouldn't, in fact, help those targeted students; that it would do nothing to protect those students' rights; and that it could even possibly have a detrimental and damaging effect on those very students who need help most. Virginia delegates also recognized the potential for loss of support for public schools if this resolution was misinterpreted and/or misrepresented. Because of a strong sentiment that this type of resolution will not be helpful, it's Jones' intent to move to rescind it at the next convention.

We certainly hope that parents and citizens in our area will get all the facts before drawing incomplete and inaccurate conclusions about this potentially volatile issue. We'll be happy to talk to anyone about this issue in order to reduce the misinformation and distortion that have been circulated, and to reassure those concerned about rumors that are being passed around by those who don't have all the facts.

Kitty J. Boitnott is president of District 4, and Dorothy Cooper is president of District 5, of the Virginia Education Association.

by CNB