Superintendent names six schools to introduce sexual orientation to students
Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Jerry Weast has named six middle and high schools that will be the first in the Maryland school district to introduce the topic sexual orientation to students. Current curriculum allows teachers to broach the topic only in response to student inquiries. Citizens for a Responsible Curriculum, Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays, and the Family Leader Network, have petitioned the Maryland Board of Education to reverse the county school board and halt the program. They argue that the new curriculum violates student rights to speech and religious exercise by portraying homosexuality as "natural and morally correct." According to a statement issued by the groups, "The lessons demand universal affirmation by students of the gay lifestyle, even if it is contrary to their religious beliefs." Maryland Department of Education spokesman education spokesman William Reinhard says his department is reviewing whether the state school board has jurisdiction to hear the appeal. Montgomery County school officials insist the new curriculum is age-appropriate and faithful to state regulations.
Washington Post
By Daniel de Vise
[Full story]
[Editor’s Note: The objections to the curriculum are detailed on the website of Citizens for a Responsible Curriculum, below. For background see past Legal Clips summaries starting at the second link.]
[Citizens for a Responsible Curriculum website]
[NSBA School Law pages on Montgomery County dispute]