Anoka-Hennepin school board unveils newest "neutrality policy" replacement
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| Only Anoka-Hennepin district residents were permitted to speak at the latest reading. |
Conservative Christian parents and LGBT rights advocates gathered once more to hear the language of the new "Respectful Learning Environment Curriculum Policy," which until last night's meeting had been kept secret.
The new policy does not address sexual orientation specifically, but rather lumps classroom discussion of homosexuality in with other "political, religious, social, or economic issues" that "may become contentious in a learning environment":
It is not the District's role to take positions on these issues. Teachers and educational support staff shall not attempt in the course of their professional duties to persuade students to adopt or reject any particular viewpoint with respect to these issues....
In the course of discussions of such issues, district staff shall affirm the dignity and self-worth of all students, regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex/gender, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status or veteran status.
The original Sexual Orientation Curriculum Policy, or "no homo promo," stated that "Anoka-Hennepin staff, in the course of their professional duties, shall remain neutral on matters regarding sexual orientation." That policy is the basis of a federal lawsuit filed by the Southern Poverty Law Center against Anoka-Hennepin, claiming that it creates a discriminatory environment for gay students.
Conservative parents raised the same problems with the "Respectful" policy as they did with the "Controversial" policy -- that it waters down the neutrality policy and will results in "homosexual indoctrination" of students.
LGBT rights advocates had a slightly more charitable view, including a thumbs up from the head of the Anoka-Hennepin Gay Equity Team. Most of the negative comments came in response to the last school board meeting, when members of conservative group Parents Action League demanded that ex-gay therapy resources be provided to district students.
For those losing track of the origins of the policy, a quick refresher:
1995: District curriculum policy: "homosexuality not be taught/addressed as a normal, valid lifestyle."Previous coverage:2009:"Anoka-Hennepin staff, in the course of their professional duties, shall remain neutral on matters regarding sexual orientation."
Dec. 2011: Proposed Controversial Topics Policy: "Teachers and educational support staff shall not advocate personal beliefs or opinions regarding controversial topics in the course of their professional duties."
Jan. 2012: Proposed Respectful Learning Environment Policy: "Teachers and educational support staff shall not attempt in the course of their professional duties to persuade students to adopt or reject any particular viewpoint with respect to these [contentious] issues."
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