The same-sex marriage debate continues to rage the country. Whether gay and lesbians have the right to marry is a legal issue the states and federal government struggle to resolve. Same-sex marriage swiftly brings another issue to center stage. Same-sex parents. Students with same-sex parents. Elementary students with same-sex parents.
Some say so what. It is not the responsibility of the school. Other say the school must do more.
Take Alameda Unified School District in California. Parents and community members were outraged when the school board approved curriculum introducing homosexuality in elementary schools. Regardless of different positions and beliefs, it is important to always focus on student needs.
Two facts and one question we cannot ignore.
#1. A focus of the elementary curriculum is the family unit.
#2. There are students in elementary classrooms who have gay and lesbian (same-sex) parents.
How do we include the children of gay and lesbian families in the curriculum since they also have educational rights and needs? It’s not about the parents. It’s not about religion. It’s about the students.
Consider the following points. Then ask what should be done.
- All student needs are the #1 priority of the school.
- All elementary students are entitled to a supportive and protective school environment.
- Elementary school is about inclusion. For all students.
- The elementary curriculum centers on family.
- The curriculum includes the family structure of students.
Knowing this information, should elementary schools include the family of students with gay and lesbian parents in the curriculum?
Follow our research.
