I'm going to homeschool my kids, if I ever have any

When they're in that teachers classroom, that teacher is soley responsible for monitoring such things. Who else would be?

Kid's get removed from discussions all the time because of a parents request, homosexuality should be no different.

Plus, I have to question that classroom if a discussion about homosexuality occurs when the children are at that age, that definately shouldn't be the lesson plan, and I can't see a discussion breaking out about that subject at random.

Also, the article says this -

According to the report, Parker refused to leave a meeting after Lexington Superintendent Bill Hurley rejected his request that he be notified when his son is exposed to any discussion about same-sex households as part of classroom instruction.

He wasn't just denied his request about the sponanious discussions (which would be SOMEWHAT reasonable to deny), but even planned discussions. His request wasn't even to have his child removed, according to the quote above, that he simply be NOTIFIED of a discussion. It's completely reasonable and not unlike requests other parents make that are agreed to by the school faculty.

Originally posted by BackFire
When they're in that teachers classroom, that teacher is soley responsible for monitoring such things. Who else would be?

Kid's get removed from discussions all the time because of a parents request, homosexuality should be no different.

Plus, I have to question that classroom if a discussion about homosexuality occurs when the children are at that age, that definately shouldn't be the lesson plan, and I can't see a discussion breaking out about that subject at random.

Also, the article says this -

He wasn't just denied his request about the sponanious discussions (which would be SOMEWHAT reasonable to deny), but even planned discussions. His request wasn't even to have his child removed, according to the quote above, that he simply be NOTIFIED of a discussion. It's completely reasonable and not unlike requests other parents make that are agreed to by the school faculty.

Yes, children are frequently removed from classroom discussions per the request of a parent... when the discussion is part of a planned lesson.

I suspect the reason the superintendent denied his request to be notified of planned discussions of homosexualy in the classroom is because there are no planned discussions of homosexuality in the classroom to be notified about.

In kindergarten, children begin to question who they are, where they come from, and how they fit into the world around them. As a part of this learning process, children inevitably compare themselves with each other.

Who is to say that one of the children in his classroom does not have gay parents? If such a spontaneous conversation were to arise, how is the teacher supposed to remove one student from the classroom before he hears something? And if he does hear another student speaking about his or her gay parents, is the teacher then obligated to send a note home?

What if it was not homosexuality but something else? Suppose a parent wanted to be notified if holidays were discussed in class. If a student mentions that it is her birthday, is the teacher then obligated to send a note home stating, "Suzy mentioned birthdays in class today,"? Or perhaps Suzy should be told that she is not allowed to talk about birthdays in class at all?

The whole thing is blown out of proportion.

Seriosuly why should the dad not be allowed to pull his kid out of class if he objects to something taught which is rather controversial. Now don't get me wrong I lov e homosexuals and all but at that age its the parents decision I think.

Originally posted by Bardock42
Seriosuly why should the dad not be allowed to pull his kid out of class if he objects to something taught which is rather controversial. Now don't get me wrong I lov e homosexuals and all but at that age its the parents decision I think.

Because it is not being taught in school! The boy in question picked out the book at school and brought it home to read. It was not part of a lesson plan, and it was not being taught.

hmm well then that is a whole different story thanks for clearing that.....then the dad is just a weirdo.

I suspect the reason the superintendent denied his request to be notified of planned discussions of homosexualy in the classroom is because there are no planned discussions of homosexuality in the classroom to be notified about.

Then, the superintendent handled that pretty poorly, he should have made it clear to the man that discussions of this nature don't take place in the classroom in a planned manner, rather then just saying "No". He should have said something along the lines of "Well, discussions like this are not planned as part of the ciriculum of that classroom, but if one DOES get planned somehow, we will notify you". Woulda made things far easier. And both parties would have been happy.

Who is to say that one of the children in his classroom does not have gay parents? If such a spontaneous conversation were to arise, how is the teacher supposed to remove one student from the classroom before he hears something? And if he does hear another student speaking about his or her gay parents, is the teacher then obligated to send a note home?

We don't know the specifics of what he wanted done, merely that he did want to be informed IF their were going to be discussions about homosexuality and such. But, sending a little note home if the topic did come up spontaniously, as per a request from a parent, doesn't seem that unreasonable.

Also, there's a difference between a full blown sponatious discussion about a topic, and a fellow student of the boy's saying a few words about homosexuality. IF this does occur, and the teacher wishes to develop it into a full blown discussion, then the child should be sent outside untill the conversation is finished. Though, I would say an even better idea for the teacher is tell the student who brought up homosexuality that it should be discussed privately, after class, if the student wishes to discuss it with the teacher.

What if it was not homosexuality but something else? Suppose a parent wanted to be notified if holidays were discussed in class. If a student mentions that it is her birthday, is the teacher then obligated to send a note home stating, "Suzy mentioned birthdays in class today,"? Or perhaps Suzy should be told that she is not allowed to talk about birthdays in class?

Well, the difference between the examples you gave, and homosexuality is that the examples you gave are far more common to be talked about in a 1st grade classroom then homosexuality is. It's always someones birthday, and there's always a holiday comming up, it's common place to hear someone talking about such things. However, a more accurate analogy would be if a parent wished that his child be removed if the class is actually going to celebrate a holiday, or birthday, then he should be removed as per the parents request.

If the class is going to celebrate a holiday, i don't see classes celebrating homosexuality

"Okay all boys and girls drop your pants stand by somebody of the same sex and have fun."

Maybe the school should have handled it better, but there is just no way that the school can stop discussions like that, and they probably didn't plan them either. If they did they are starting to early

homeschooled kids become distant and murderous. it is like caging a pit bull and stabbing it in the eye ball with electric prods. well i guess it actually isnt anything like that, but still it sucks. Or well not sucks, but somthing.

Its getting to the point were its telling the children that homosexuality is fine, and thats the point. If the parent would rather install different moral values with his child, or wait at a different time to discuss such topics thats his right.
The birthday example is quite rediculous because, like backfire said, it happens to everyone every year and no one has a problem with the kid not participating when they celebrate. I remember as a kid a fellow classmate wasn't able to participate and they went and did something else. It was no big deal. And we are talking about a birthday celebration, not telling a kid point blank wether someones sexuality is ok or not. WTF are they doing with those kinda discussions anyway?? Why don't they discuss wether alcohol is good or not and jimmy can say "yes my dad and mom drink, drinking is not so bad," These topics are not for young kids, that is rediculous. Or how bout ," Mommy kisses the pool man, whats wrong with being a swinger?" Why should children be encouraged to talk about these things with someone who is not their adult guradian, give me a break. Sounds like the schools want to much power over these young minds if you ask me, quit talking to their kids about sexualy orientated issues and you can start by teaching them how to read and add. Look how crappy this country is in acedemics, maybe there is a reason for this.

His requests are unreasonable because he doesn't only want his son to not be able to read that book, he wants it completely out of the library. And notifying him of discussions that weren't planned and all that shit is just stupid.. you can't control what your kids talk to their friends about in school and that's just the way it is. You can stop them from taking sex ed, but you can't make the PE teacher pull them out of the locker room if people start talking about sex.

When it comes to planned discussions on homosexuality.. they really shouldn't be having any at that age, but if they do he should be able to have his kid removed from the discussion. But overall I agree with the principal for telling him no. If every parent was able to shape their own kid's curriculum around what they believe it would be way too much work for the school.. and they can't be giving this guy any special treatment. If he gets to decide what his kid learns, everyone should be able to.

In the long run.. if you want that much control over what the school teaches your kid.. you should homeschool them. That's really the only reasonable way you can completely customize your kid's lesson plan.

Originally posted by ragesRemorse
homeschooled kids become distant and murderous. it is like caging a pit bull and stabbing it in the eye ball with electric prods. well i guess it actually isnt anything like that, but still it sucks. Or well not sucks, but somthing.

I agree with milla is things like this that make the kids be "scared" of homosexuals as if they were some kind of freaks of nature... i think kids should be taught about homosexualism when they're kids...
and to think that if ure kid sees a drawing of a man married to another man would make him gay, u'd need a doze of reality check 🙄

"In the long run.. if you want that much control over what the school teaches your kid.. you should homeschool them. That's really the only reasonable way you can completely customize your kid's lesson plan."

Coudn't have said it better myself

Originally posted by IceWithin
I agree with milla is things like this that make the kids be "scared" of homosexuals as if they were some kind of freaks of nature... i think kids should be taught about homosexualism when they're kids...
and to think that if ure kid sees a drawing of a man married to another man would make him gay, u'd need a doze of reality check 🙄

You couldn't just tell kids homosexuality is ok without further explaining what homosexuality is. In my opinion you should wait until the kids are old enough to understand what attraction and sexuality are about before you can tell them what homosexuality is about.

oh yes cause homosexuality is SO complex

some men simply feel attrackted to other men instead of women. period.

Originally posted by IceWithin
oh yes cause homosexuality is SO complex

some men simply feel attrackted to other men instead of women. period.

Telling kids at that age about homosexuality is just telling them for the sake of telling them. If they don't have any questions on the subject or are even unaware that it exists, why answer a question they never asked?

Originally posted by Afro Cheese
It wouldn't make him gay. It would make him confused, and say "why are two men getting married?"

You couldn't just tell kids homosexuality is ok without further explaining what homosexuality is. In my opinion you should wait until the kids are old enough to understand what attraction and sexuality are about before you can tell them what homosexuality is about.

If a question such as, "Whay are two men getting married," were to arise, it could be explained very simply:

A family is a group of people who love each other and take care of each other, and families can look very different. Some families have a mom and a dad, some have only a mom or a dad, and some have two moms or two dads. Sometimes moms and dads don't live together. Sometimes kids have parents and step-parents. And sometimes kids live with their grandparents or another person who takes care of them. Other families include grownups who don't have kids. But they are all families, and they all love each other.

That's fine, if the kid asks the question. That doesn't mean you need to make a lesson plan to teach every 1st grader in public schools about homosexuality.

kids ask questions about EVERYTHING u never have the asnwers to them all
why is the sky blue??
cuz it refelcts in the water
and why is the water blue?

why do ppl die?

does god exist?

how are babies made?

etc. the list can go on forever... and most of the answers parents give dont explain shit

I never asked anyone what homosexuality was at 6 years old cause I was unaware that it existed. If a kid has a question, you give them a vague answer that's easy for them to understand. If they don't ask a question, then leave it at that.