Something Random

gaywrites:

Two teachers in Canada have stirred controversy among parents for displaying cards stating that they are allies for LGBTQ students. 

Stephanie Fortier and Peter Wohlgemut are fifth-grade teachers who have received special training on sexual orientation and gender identity. As a result they are encouraged to display “ally” cards in their classrooms. The cards read: “As an Ally, I support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Two-Spirit, intersex, queer, and questioning individuals, families and communities. As an Ally, I will work towards a more aware, affirming, safe and open work environment in both policy and practice.”

But for whatever reason, parents have complained about the cards. School officials have decided to cover up everything on the cards except the word “ally,” but some parents are still demanding the cards be removed from the classroom. 

“I would like to have the choice of how I choose to teach my children about these words and what they mean,” Peters Sawatzky said.

This is absurd. It’s an ally card. It’s the equivalent of putting up a “Safe Space” sign. Come on. 

This is something that I wonder if I could do, in my future classroom. I care, and I don’t want to see my students get bullied, or injured by someone else, or even worse- themselves. I feel like today, if you can’t show it in your classroom, then the guidance counselors (who in my past, didn’t do anything) should have a list of teachers that students could talk to, if they want to talk to someone about it. 

Why does there have to be the controversy between being told not to display/talk about this, and protecting/helping the students? This is why politics today really suck, and that it shouldn’t be about showing your opinion on such a “controversial topic” and more about the future of the nation.