Promote Equality: Stop the Tennessee House from Passing the "Don't Say Gay" Bill
- van: Care2.com
- ontvanger: Tennessee House of Representatives
School is supposed to be a supportive place for children to learn, but the new Tennessee House Bill 229, also known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill, will limit what children in grades kindergarten- eight are allowed to be taught. House Bill 229 proposes that discussion of human sexuality be limited only to heterosexuality.
Though defenders of the bill argue that its purpose is not to discriminate, the ban could lead to some serious problems with young children's self-esteem.
Gay children and children with gay parents already face severe bullying in schools all over. Banning the use of the word "homosexuality" not only teaches children that gay-bashing is justified; it also puts teachers in a position where they cannot address the issue of homosexual-targeted bullying without facing legal charges.
Stop discrimination in schools. Demand that the Tennessee House of Representatives veto Bill 229.
As educators, teachers have an obligation to their students to inform them about the world. Limiting teachers to solely discussing heterosexuality from kindergarten through eighth grade, denies this obligation and promotes ignorance among children.
This ban marginalizes homosexuals and places children who are gay, or have gay parents, in danger of being severely bullied.
The fight against prejudice starts with educating our nation's children. Promote equality and keep children safe from being bullied. Stop Tennessee House Bill 229 from passing.
