In a San Diego Union Tribune article, "Pickets Protest Board's Editing of Tolerance Film", published

March 14, 2002, I learned of school boards dangerous decision effecting gay and bisexual students.

In these times of increased tormenting, bias, discrimination and violence of gay and bisexual students

in our schools, we have to protect them. Especially, when those charged with protecting them refuse to

do so and by their actions, create the possibility of increased torment and physical violence. This is most

certainly, one of these situations that is unacceptable and must be condemned

Grossmont Union School district decision to edit a film on promoting Tolerance, did more to promote discrimination, bias and intolerance to a segment of the students at Granite Hills High School. To send

the message that a half of a glass of hatred, is better than a full glass, is repugnant. By their removing a segment on discrimination based on sexual orientation, the board is telling gay and bisexual students

they are second class citizens. Not deserving of the same rights to be protected from harassment and

torment in our schools, as non-gay and non-bisexual students have. The Grossmont Union School district board member's attitude that either their personal beliefs be reflected in the program or they would not support the program, is totally irresponsible. Such arrogance and ignorance by those who are charged

with the well-being of our students, has no place in the our school.

Study after study has shown gay, bisexual and those perceived to be gay or bisexual students, are targets

of daily verbal abuse, torment, discrimination and even physical attacks by classmates. Further, in far to

many instances, school staff members participate in the verbal ridicule, remain silent thus condoning the

abuse or do nothing what so ever to stop the torment. Editing out any reference of sexual orientation in our

school programs promoting tolerance or against bias, bigotry and discrimination, defeats the purpose of such programs. Although, I strongly believe these programs are an essential part of the curriculum, if bias

and discrimination are ever to be eliminated in our schools. However, if these programs do not promote inclusion of all students, they should not be apart of the school curriculum. Did the board not consider the consequences their actions will have on the gay and bisexual students, or just didn't care. By not including

the segment on sexual orientation, the board has sent a message that discrimination of gay and bisexual students is acceptable. I fear this will also lead to increased tormenting and even physical violence directed at gay and bisexual students.

I applaud the students, gay community activists, Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network and Lesbian

and Gay Men's Community Center, for speaking out against the boards decision. About 35 or so people gathered outside the district's board meeting in protest of their excluding gay and bisexual students in a

program promoting tolerance. The signs they carried, spoke volumes as to the danger the boards decision will have and our responsibility to respond to such treats to our gay and bisexual students, "Silence Kills"

and "Our Voices Will Not Be Silenced." I thank and support their efforts. We should all add our voices to theirs and send a message that we will not allow our gay and bisexual youth's right to be protected in our schools be denied. And that we no longer go quietly into that good night.

Resource: San Diego Union Tribune: "Pickets Protest Board's Editing of Tolerance Film",