Philadelphia School District removes Gay and Lesbian History Month from calendar
Having been hit with a barrage of complaints, some of which "bordered on terroristic threats," the Philadelphia School District has removed recognition of Gay and Lesbian History Month from its 2007-08 school calendar. In order to maintain the appearance of being even handed, the school district also removed similar months, including African American, Hispanic Heritage, and Asian Pacific American. In addition other calendar designations, such as the International Day of Disabled Persons, also are gone from the calendar. The only days that are recognized now are those that mean a day off from school, according to Cecilia Cummings, the district's senior vice president for communications and community relations. For the first time last school year, the district included the gay and lesbian month designation along with several others in an attempt to follow a long-standing district policy requiring equity for all races and minority groups. "Diversity" was the theme of the calendars. The move brought an immediate backlash, with people berating district officials at public meetings. "We were just not prepared for the controversy," says Ms. Cummings. "We were besieged by calls, threats, letters, and we didn't have the manpower to staff it. Nor did we have the preparation or training to really figure out how to deal with this issue in a way that could keep kids safe. We had meetings where adults were calling kids names." However, she points out that removal from the calendar has no effect on curriculum. Ms. Cummings also notes Black History Month, as well as gay history events, will continue to be held in schools. Nonetheless, the school district’s effort to avoid controversy may backfire. Some groups on opposing sides already have begun rifling off news releases. "It is appalling that a school district would drop months that recognize and educate our schoolchildren about the history and contributions of America's diverse fabric," says Malcolm Lazin of Philadelphia, executive director of Equality Forum, an international gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender civil-rights group. On the other hand, the American Family Association of Pennsylvania, based in Western Pennsylvania, applauds the decision. The group wrote to the district last year opposing the decision to include the month.
Philadelphia Inquirer
By Susan Snyder
[Full story]
[Editor’s Note: For background on Philadelphia School District’s decision to include recognition of Gay and Lesbian History Month on its calendar, see below.]
[NSBA School Law pages on Philadelphia School District’s recognition of Gay and Lesbian History Month]