A Movie That is Causing Outrage Among Parents
By Nathan A. Cherry, 11/30/2010
Parents should have the right to decide when and how their kids learn about sexuality.
Martinsburg, WV – A California family can’t believe that anyone would be upset or outraged over the school district showing elementary children films depicting the homosexual lifestyle without parental consent or knowledge.
Really?!
After a lawsuit forced “sensitivity training” and a new anti-bullying curriculum upon the Vallejo City Unified School District parents are beginning to express their displeasure and anger over some of the content of the new material. The family at the center of the dispute which prompted the new curriculum can’t seem to understand what all the fuss is about.
Cheri Hamilton’s daughter, Rochelle, faced difficult days at school after it was made known she is a lesbian. And now, her mother believes that it is never too early to begin teaching children about gay and lesbian families, saying, “I don’t think there’s an age for it.”
Well, Ms. Hamilton, it’s easy to understand. Even though you may not seem to have a problem teaching highly impressionable children that are unable to process all the emotions and thoughts that come with learning about the gay/lesbian lifestyle, other’s might not share your opinion. I know it’s hard to believe that someone would disagree with you, but, it is possible. And because parents do have concerns about when their children learn of such sensitive matters those should concerns should be considered and respected just as much as yours, Ms. Hamilton.
A recent report by the Mercury News on this situation said:
“Many parents felt the district was removing their parental rights by not allowing them to choose when their children will learn about certain issues — in this case, homosexuality. The state Education Code does not require districts to notify parents when discussing gender or sexual orientation.”
Ms. Hamilton responded by saying, “Why would you have to be notified about the dynamics of families, cultures and life of certain styles? … I don’t agree with that.”
Well, I don’t agree with you, Ms. Hamilton. It is my job as a parent to teach my kids about sexuality, including homosexuality, a time when I believe they are ready. And by not informing me of materials that will depict such things, a school is undermining my parental authority and robbing me of the right and privilege of teaching my kids.
I wonder if Ms. Hamilton would feel the same way should the school decide to begin teaching about Christianity, Islam, Communism, Marxism, Polyamory, Polygamy, or other “cultures and life of certain styles.” Would she say that the school is just teaching the things they should, or would she demand to be informed of these items and have the right to opt her children out of the education? Is Ms. Hamilton okay with another film in the “Respect for All” series that denigrates African-Americans and portrays them in a negative light? Is that anyone’s idea of acceptable material for elementary and kindergarten children?
Considering that she has a lesbian daughter it’s safe to say that her opinion on when and where education of a sensitive nature such as sexuality occurs is blurred. She would do well to remember that just as she has no problem with her children learning of these things and desires that they do so, others do not share her views. Just as she desires for her views to be considered and respected, she should respect the views and concerns of other parents that do not share her viewpoint on homosexuality.
By not respecting the rights and wishes of other parents Ms. Hamilton is becoming the same bully that caused her to fight for her daughter. Just as she wishes that others would not bully homosexual students she should not seek to bully parents that do not agree with her views into exposing their children to questionable and dangerous material.
Ms. Hamilton and the ACLU would do well to acknowledge the fundamental rights of parents to teach and train their children in matters of sexuality as they desire. Parents would do well to fight for these rights and not be intimidated or bullied by Ms. Hamilton or the ACLU.
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