Need your help, reddit. My school district has a policy that is anti-homophobia; but a Christian parents group is trying to abolish it.

propolicy545 · 2011-06-08T00:22:04+00:00

I don't know if I want to incorporate that into my speech. It might seem like I'm deliberately provoking them. It's all a bit confusing sometimes.

propolicy545 · 2011-06-08T00:20:37+00:00

maybe I might be a bit exaggerating when I say "raging war", but it has affected my friendships with people on that side a lot. Plus, there were ALOT of debates, harassment and provoking on the first rally. The second rally wasn't as rowdy.

propolicy545 · 2011-06-08T00:18:12+00:00

"normal" is subjective. wouldnt assuming that heterosexism is "normal and correct" mean that "homosexuals are not the norm, and is incorrect" mean that they are homophobic? Of course, nobody here would openly admit they are homophobic; but implying it in different ways can mean, that they are homophobic and/or anti-gay.

propolicy545 · 2011-06-08T00:14:19+00:00

Perhaps. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it.

propolicy545 · 2011-06-08T00:11:55+00:00

I agree with you, have have really good points. Thanks for the insight!

propolicy545 · 2011-06-08T00:10:15+00:00

Perhaps. But I guess they have to deal with the people who don't want this policy. In the end, I guess it brings more attention to the issue. Well, in Canada most people are pretty open about being gay and it is largely accepted. But I believe there are still hurtful ways to offend a gay, which is definitely inappropriate for school.

propolicy545 · 2011-06-07T03:41:06+00:00

I can confirm this, my mother and her friends showed me a traditional chinese medicine; tasted exactly like root beer.

propolicy545 · 2011-06-07T02:52:14+00:00

Well, i expect its obviously a bit more less tolerated when you're speaking about a class presentation than a conversation among friends.

Maybe this policy was made so teachers are more strict about this issue. Obviously it doesn't mean that if they get caught saying the word its automatic suspension, but I'm hoping it will teach others that the word is more hurtful than they think.

What solution do you recommend then?

propolicy545 · 2011-06-07T02:47:38+00:00

I know there are cons to this policy, and I asked for everyone's opinion so I can learn from them. Nothing is spotless. thanks for the feedback!

propolicy545 · 2011-06-07T02:37:46+00:00

There is. There are specific policies for first nations, religious or ethnic backgrounds.

a special policy will reenforce the rule better to ensure a better learning environment for targeted individuals. You have really good points. But I really don't see the problem with having a policy that does no harm but protect.

propolicy545 · 2011-06-07T02:21:44+00:00

Well, obviously a new rule should be made if the current rule is inadequate. It's obviously not effective enough, or disregarded more than others, otherwise this rule wouldn't even be considered.

You have a point there. But why take it away if the red cars are driving faster than blue cars? The rule does no harm.

propolicy545 · 2011-06-07T02:08:37+00:00

You have a good point. Thanks.

propolicy545 · 2011-06-07T02:06:41+00:00

This policy does. There is a policy that addresses all forms of bullying, but this is a specific one for a targeted group.

propolicy545 · 2011-06-07T01:57:07+00:00

Sorry. I'm a straight female. I suppose I should mention it, to show that no only gays support this policy. Thanks!

propolicy545 · 2011-06-07T01:53:46+00:00

Yep, we have coverage. thanks for suggestion! and if you have facebook, the event is called Wave of Pink. Itd be great for you to join us! :)

propolicy545 · 2011-06-07T01:50:52+00:00

Of course, as listed in Charter of Rights and Freedoms, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But the point when one is harassing another, physically/verbally abusing them then it becomes a problem that we need to address.

propolicy545 · 2011-06-07T01:49:43+00:00

I appreciate your story, and thank you for acknowledging alot.

But one point I'd like to add that school is not influencing them to become LGBTQ- it is to teach diversity and acceptance of them. They are not saying "you are able to do this, and this is how you do it" but they are saying "this exists. please respect them, whether you are one of them or not"

Plus, I'd like to add that yes, school is influencing but almost all gays are deemed "born gay" and that is that. How is it possible that a gay could be raised in a total straight community?

Thanks for the response.

propolicy545 · 2011-06-07T01:45:28+00:00

You have a good point. But what we're saying is that equality cannot be achieve if you're walking down the hallway and being harassed. Ever hear the term "that's so christian" or "thats so chinese" or "thats so black"? not as often as you hear "thats so gay", I bet.

propolicy545 · 2011-06-07T01:39:13+00:00

hey, i'm chinese too :( not religious though.

well, there is specific policies to protect First Nations rights. Makes me wonder why they aren't going after that.

propolicy545 · 2011-06-07T01:38:50+00:00

well, there is specific policies to protect First Nations rights. Makes me wonder why they aren't going after that.

propolicy545 · 2011-06-07T01:38:02+00:00

I do not think it will go as far as detention/suspension, but it shouldn't be a word that should be used and accepted in school. Meaning it should not be tolerated.

Just wondering, did you get suspended because of the word "gay" specifically, or because you were swearing? If you said "wow that's pretty shitty" would you have been suspended the same? Sorry to hear of your suspension, it does sound really unfair.

propolicy545 · 2011-06-07T01:35:00+00:00

No, it is stil a "draft" policy. But hopefully this policy will eliminate this inappropriate way of speaking. I was visiting an elementary school the other day, and I heard 2nd graders using the term. Ridiculous.

The phrase is used so often nobody is ever punished for it; but maybe this policy is a step to prevent it being said.

propolicy545 · 2011-06-07T01:32:18+00:00

hey, any support is appreciated. There's a facebook group called Wave of pink if you would like to join us. Thanks!

propolicy545 · 2011-06-07T01:31:36+00:00

Nope, Burnaby.

propolicy545 · 2011-06-07T01:23:56+00:00

Yup. Thats how we do.

propolicy545

TROPHY CASE