Kindergarten teacher encouraged her students to sign "pledge cards" in support of gays

[LuvBigRip]

A California school system refuses to say what action, if any, it will take after it received complaints about a kindergarten teacher who encouraged her students to sign "pledge cards" in support of gays.

During a celebration of National Ally Week, Tara Miller, a teacher at the Faith Ringgold School of Arts and Science in Hayward, Calif., passed out cards produced by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network to her class of kindergartners.

The cards asked signers to be "an ally" and to pledge to "not use anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) language or slurs; intervene, when I feel I can, in situations where others are using anti-LGBT language or harassing other students and actively support safer schools efforts."

The school has acknowledged that the exercise was not appropriate for kindergartners.

Parent Adela Voelker, who declined to be interviewed in depth for this report, said she was furious when she found her child's signature on one of the cards. She said she contacted a non-profit legal defense organization specializing in parents' rights.

Meanwhile, a school board member, Jeff Cook, says some type of action should be taken.

"We have a general rule that all instruction should be age appropriate, and this clearly was not," said Cook, who has served on the school board for five years.

Val Joyner, a school district spokeswoman, told FOXNews.com in an e-mail that when deciding what to teach on this subject matter, educators "gather materials from community agencies and other education groups" and that "the materials have grade level indicators which help determine what is age-appropriate."

The district said the pledge cards were intended for middle school and high school students.

Asked last week if the district planned to take action against Miller, Joyner said she would have to look into the incident. On Thursday she told FOXNews.com that she did not have an answer for the question and that she would no longer be doing any media interviews.

Joyner said in an e-mail that Miller, the teacher, "planned to teach students how to become an ally and conflict-mediation through various activities." She added that the district doesn't advocate for a specific cause and/or lifestyle, and it has "no curriculum for gay, lesbian and transgender lifestyles."

The district employs a "Professional Learning Specialist: Equity," who is in charge of gathering material and helping teachers decide what should be taught on the subject matter.

Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute, the group representing Voelker, said parents at the Faith Ringgold School weren't notified of what was going to take place in the classroom.

He said that teaching students as young as pre-school about gay, lesbian and transgender issues is common in California, but that there are "all kinds of material the average parent could find highly objectionable or potentially harmful" to their children.

When asked if the school district did anything wrong, he said, "possibly," but he declined to go into detail or say whether Voelker would sue the district.

Dacus would not comment specifically on whether children who signed the pledge could be held responsible if the school determined that they were not honoring it. He said they are minors and there are certain degrees of limited liability, but from a psychological and emotional perspective, it's a whole different ballgame.

"[There is] tremendous peer pressure put on children to accept a pro-homosexual philosophy and attitude," Dacus said.

Meanwhile, opponents of gay marriage are up in arms over the incident, which occurred as California voters prepare to vote Tuesday on Proposition 8, which would overturn the state Supreme Court's ruling legalizing gay marriage.

"How do you teach a 5-year-old to sign a pledge card for lesbian, gay and transgender issues without explaining what transgender and bisexual is?" asked Sonja Eddings Brown, a spokeswoman for Protect Marriage California.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,445865,00.html


I support the rights of Gay and Lesbians to get married, but this really pisses me off.

[SurferGirl]

One of the main reasons people will fight to get prop 8 through.
It's for the protection of children.

[ahippiechic]

I support the rights of Gay and Lesbians to get married, but this really pisses me off.

Exactly!

[luvcub]

now thats just sick,thats an adult issue,what was this teacher thinking,o thats right,she must not think at all,lots to say on this subject will keep my lip shut,lol.

[atprm]

I can't think of any 5 year old that can digest the magnitude of the issue of Gay, Lesbian rights -- let alone grasp the concept.

5 year olds just aren't built that way -- to them, people are people -- period...they aren't even to the stage of "cooties" yet.

I think that if nothing else, there will be at least one lawsuit out of the actions of the teacher. It's definitely a trip to the school board -- the hired elected officials by the people of the community...perhaps even the dept of Education.

5 year olds can barely PRINT their name, let alone sign any kind of pledge or contract.

This is just insanity.

[gmyers]

No school in my opinion has the right to teach kids about alternate lifestyles thats the parents job. It does seem like they're trying to push their personal views on the kids and thats wrong because it doesn't sound like the kids have a choice in the matter. I believe the kids should have the right to leave the class if they don't want to hear it.

[SurferGirl]

There is so much pressure put on the kids to say that gay marriage is alright.
Just look at the pressure that is put on anyone on this forum that is against gay marriage and you will understand why parents don't want there young children going through the same type of pressure.

In California they have the same rights as married people but that wasn't good enough for them they want to make us accept gay marriage.
Last time I checked this was still a free country and I have the right to feel that gay marriage isn't only wrong but it isn't a marriage at all. If we don't get prop. 8 through they will be able to sue churches that don't want to preform gay marriages.

[Anig2u]

There is so much pressure put on the kids to say that gay marriage is alright.
Just look at the pressure that is put on anyone on this forum that is against gay marriage and you will understand why parents don't want there young children going through the same type of pressure.

In California they have the same rights as married people but that wasn't good enough for them they want to make us accept gay marriage.
Last time I checked this was still a free country and I have the right to feel that gay marriage isn't only wrong but it isn't a marriage at all. If we don't get prop. 8 through they will be able to sue churches that don't want to preform gay marriages.

As far as this posts goes, I think it is wrong to discuss this topic with children in school.

If your feeling pressure about gay marriage on any forum I suggest you probably shouldn't be on one. The forums are to discuss topics not to put pressure on anyone and force their views on people. If anyone should feel pressure it would be the ones that are for gay marriages, because of those people who are trying to push their religious beliefs into the law books. That is of course just my opnion, no pressure here. I really don't see how the gays have the same rights as married people if they are not allowed to get married.

[freeby4me]

Heavens forbid someone should teach young children equality and how to accept people for who they are. I mean really, what are they trying to teach kids now a days!!

[Njean31]

5 year olds do not need to be taught the meaning of the words in that pledge.

lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender

how can they sign a pledge without knowing the meaning of what they are pledging? or were they teaching the meaning of those words too?

[freeby4me]

5 year olds do not need to be taught the meaning of the words in that pledge.

lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender

how can they sign a pledge without knowing the meaning of what they are pledging? or were they teaching the meaning of those words too?

What is so hard about it? People dont complain about the kids signing anti-bullying pledges. Whats the difference between "Its not OK to tease Little Suzie about her pig-tails and glasses" and "Its not OK to tease Little Suzie about her mommy and mommy".
No difference, unless of course your religion is that of "acceptance" so long as its accepting what YOU want.

[LuvBigRip]

I would rather the school teach my child how to read, write, add, subtract. As atrocious as the public schools are it would seem to be a better use of time to teach them what they are supposed to be teaching them. If this same teacher had had them sign a pledge card that said Love thy brother as thyself, people would come unglued. Same basic concept, but one is biblical, one is secular.

[LuvBigRip]

What is so hard about it? People dont complain about the kids signing anti-bullying pledges. Whats the difference between "Its not OK to tease Little Suzie about her pig-tails and glasses" and "Its not OK to tease Little Suzie about her mommy and mommy".
No difference, unless of course your religion is that of "acceptance" so long as its accepting what YOU want.

Anti-bullying pledge should be all that it takes, not a specific one directed towards one group.

[Njean31]

What is so hard about it? People dont complain about the kids signing anti-bullying pledges. Whats the difference between "Its not OK to tease Little Suzie about her pig-tails and glasses" and "Its not OK to tease Little Suzie about her mommy and mommy".
No difference, unless of course your religion is that of "acceptance" so long as its accepting what YOU want.

what's hard about it is the terminology. i don't think children of 5 years old needs to know what those words mean.

[gmyers]

What is so hard about it? People dont complain about the kids signing anti-bullying pledges. Whats the difference between "Its not OK to tease Little Suzie about her pig-tails and glasses" and "Its not OK to tease Little Suzie about her mommy and mommy".
No difference, unless of course your religion is that of "acceptance" so long as its accepting what YOU want.

Why is it the schools place to teach about sexual lifestyles or preferences?They need to do what they did with religions, tell them teaching sexual preferences and lifestyles doesn't belong in the classroom. They ever thought maybe the kids aren't interested. Do they give them a choice if they aren't interested or do they make them stay and listen to what they're teaching? No one should be forced to learn about something they might not be interested in or want to learn about it. And what happens if someone walks out of the class, do they get in trouble or be talked about like they're a bad person for walking out? Thats what it'll lead to people having hard feelings about the ones that aren't interested.

[ahippiechic]

There is so much pressure put on the kids to say that gay marriage is alright.
Just look at the pressure that is put on anyone on this forum that is against gay marriage and you will understand why parents don't want there young children going through the same type of pressure.

In California they have the same rights as married people but that wasn't good enough for them they want to make us accept gay marriage.
Last time I checked this was still a free country and I have the right to feel that gay marriage isn't only wrong but it isn't a marriage at all. If we don't get prop. 8 through they will be able to sue churches that don't want to preform gay marriages.

We also have a right to not have YOUR beliefs pushed on us, on this forum and elsewhere.

[Shann]

I don't know how I feel on this issue. If I have kids I hope that they would be accepting of another person regardless of their orientation. It's prob no surprise that I could care less if two ppl of the same sex get married and have the same rights married couples have, seriously how is that hurting ME? It's not, simple as that, it's NOT hurting me one bit, and I'll be teaching my children this. However I don't know that I'd be OK w/ a teacher having my child sign a pledge card. As we've seen some people get all bent out of shape over the thought of two ppl of the same sex even looking at each other. I think that the teacher overstepped her boundaries. With that being said I would have no problem signing a pledge card myself in support of gays :)

on another note I'm disgusted to hear ppl say how it effects the kids whose parents are in a same sex relationship. Or how gays shouldn't adopt... it's sad b/c those gay couples who want to adopt truly want to love and care for a child. How many people have seen their ghetto neighbors mistreating their children? It's sad that those ppl can go on to have tons of kids and gays are frowned upon. If it was up to me and I had to grow up w/ a gay couple or abusive opp sex parents, I'm picking the gay couple.

[Anig2u]

I don't know how I feel on this issue. If I have kids I hope that they would be accepting of another person regardless of their orientation.

The funny thing about children is that they are accepting of everyone, until they are taught different.

[IthinkNOT!]

The funny thing about children is that they are accepting of everyone, until they are taught different.
Thanks for saying that!

I was just coming to say that it was a shame that some parents are passing on their views against other lifestyles at such an early age that school teachers feel that they have to do this. I don't agree with the terminology of this, as far as pointing out one specific group, but I agree with the idea of the pledge card and teaching kids not bully each other, no matter who they are.

[gmyers]

Thanks for saying that!

I was just coming to say that it was a shame that some parents are passing on their views against other lifestyles at such an early age that school teachers feel that they have to do this. I don't agree with the terminology of this, as far as pointing out one specific group, but I agree with the idea of the pledge card and teaching kids not bully each other, no matter who they are.

How do you know that the kids parents had passed their views on these kids? The teacher may just be gay and want to teach the kids while they're really young to be accepting of it. It does seem like they're doing that in California. I think its more about that than anything else. I doubt parents discuss gay lifestyles and such with kids that young.

[IthinkNOT!]

How do you know that the kids parents had passed their views on these kids? The teacher may just be gay and want to teach the kids while they're really young to be accepting of it. It does seem like they're doing that in California. I think its more about that than anything else. I doubt parents discuss gay lifestyles and such with kids that young.
Most kids don't know to dislike something or make fun of it until they are taught. And it doesn't necessarily mean that parents have talked to their kids about that, remember kids learn from imitation too. All it would take is seeing someone close to them saying something or making fun of someone, or even just avoiding someone.

[Anig2u]

How do you know that the kids parents had passed their views on these kids? The teacher may just be gay and want to teach the kids while they're really young to be accepting of it. It does seem like they're doing that in California. I think its more about that than anything else. I doubt parents discuss gay lifestyles and such with kids that young.

Kids are not stupid. When an adult expresses their veiws and how they feel about other people, whether it be the disabled, race, or orientation and they make derrogatory remarks kids pick up on those things.

[SurferGirl]

There have been at least 2 times things have hit the news lately about the schools pushing the gay marriage agenda.

I do feel children should learn tolerance towards others for various reasons but in California things have gotten really extreme. There are many things that haven't hit the news lately because in California it seems that some of the things they have been doing have gone on for a very long time.

If they want to teach acceptance why don't they make acceptance about all groups. Why aren't they teaching more tolerance towards people with disabilities or others that are different.

[Anig2u]

Most kids don't know to dislike something or make fun of it until they are taught. And it doesn't necessarily mean that parents have talked to their kids about that, remember kids learn from imitation too. All it would take is seeing someone close to them saying something or making fun of someone, or even just avoiding someone.

Great minds think alike ...hahahahahaha

[Anig2u]

There have been at least 2 times things have hit the news lately about the schools pushing the gay marriage agenda.

I do feel children should learn tolerance towards others for various reasons but in California things have gotten really extreme. There are many things that haven't hit the news lately because in California it seems that some of the things they have been doing have gone on for a very long time.

If they want to teach acceptance why don't they make acceptance about all groups. Why aren't they teaching more tolerance towards people with disabilities or others that are different.

If all adults would teach their children right from wrong this wouldn't even be an issue!! This goes back to the kids and no tolerance at school. If parents were not against certain people and orientations this wouldn't be a problem.

[gmyers]

Most kids don't know to dislike something or make fun of it until they are taught. And it doesn't necessarily mean that parents have talked to their kids about that, remember kids learn from imitation too. All it would take is seeing someone close to them saying something or making fun of someone, or even just avoiding someone.

But were the kids even doing that, they don't mention that as the reason the teacher did what she did. She may have taken it on herself to just teach them what she did. They might not have had any negative feelings or said anything to get her to do what she did. It seems more and more that teachers are teaching their beliefs in schools today. Some good and some bad. I don't think the schools should let them do that. It opens a door for teachers to abuse it.

[IthinkNOT!]

But were the kids even doing that, they don't mention that as the reason the teacher did what she did. She may have taken it on herself to just teach them what she did. They might not have had any negative feelings or said anything to get her to do what she did. It seems more and more that teachers are teaching their beliefs in schools today. Some good and some bad. I don't think the schools should let them do that. It opens a door for teachers to abuse it.
And it could have been the man in the moon telling her to do it..... None of us know. As I have said before, I can agree with the sentiment, if not the way it was done.

[Anig2u]

But were the kids even doing that, they don't mention that as the reason the teacher did what she did. She may have taken it on herself to just teach them what she did. They might not have had any negative feelings or said anything to get her to do what she did. It seems more and more that teachers are teaching their beliefs in schools today. Some good and some bad. I don't think the schools should let them do that. It opens a door for teachers to abuse it.

I don't think they should be teaching about gay marriage and all that..but just to accept people of all types. I know what your all saying..the teachers step out of bounds. Teachers have been doing that for a long long time nothing new there. They take it to extemes sometimes and that is when parents and school officials step in and say back it up..LOL. But children do learn from what they hear and see, and if they are taught to not be accepting of all people at home well then the school has to watch out for the other kids and teach them that they need to be accepting of each other.

[galeane29]

I've taught my children tolerance, for everyone.

Why would a teacher bring it on herself to talk to these little children about such a thing?

Does anyone else but me think that this should be a decision to be made by the parents, to be done at HOME?

Why is it all of a sudden is homosexuality part of the school curriculum?

[Anig2u]

I've taught my children tolerance, for everyone.

Why would a teacher bring it on herself to talk to these little children about such a thing?

Does anyone else but me think that this should be a decision to be made by the parents, to be done at HOME?

Why is it all of a sudden is homosexuality part of the school curriculum?

I think pretty much everyone here agrees that that teacher should not have done what she did. All I was saying is that there is nothing wrong with teaching tolerance in schools. I don't think the teacher needs to be discussing gay marriage though. Children can be cruel. I am wondering what would happen when a child gets bullied at school because they have two mommys or two daddys. School isn't just about abc's & 123's. There are things they need to learn about society. Just at age appropriate levels..like anything else.

[speedygirl]

Gay marriage has been legal in Massachusetts for a few years now and the climate of the state hasn't changed other then we now have gay divorce. It just isn't something discussed in schools and people are not obsessed with it. The newness wore off several years ago.
Any type of discussion with small children on these types of topics should be initiated by the parents..not in a school.

[freeby4me]

There have been at least 2 times things have hit the news lately about the schools pushing the gay marriage agenda.

I do feel children should learn tolerance towards others for various reasons but in California things have gotten really extreme. There are many things that haven't hit the news lately because in California it seems that some of the things they have been doing have gone on for a very long time.

If they want to teach acceptance why don't they make acceptance about all groups. Why aren't they teaching more tolerance towards people with disabilities or others that are different.

They've been doing that for at least 20+ years. Its only recently that people who are Gay are feeling the RIGHT to stand up and say "We're mad as hell and we're not gonna take it anymore" as well they should.

[freeby4me]

I've taught my children tolerance, for everyone.

Why would a teacher bring it on herself to talk to these little children about such a thing?

Does anyone else but me think that this should be a decision to be made by the parents, to be done at HOME?

Why is it all of a sudden is homosexuality part of the school curriculum?

It should be taught at home. The problem is too many people spew their hatred of "the gays" and thats all the children hear. This bull crap has got to stop.
It all starts somewhere.
They are still in school teaching tolerance of skin color. Shouldnt that be something taught at home? Of course, but its not apparently.

[SurferGirl]

If all adults would teach their children right from wrong this wouldn't even be an issue!! This goes back to the kids and no tolerance at school. If parents were not against certain people and orientations this wouldn't be a problem.

That is the point, parents do want to teach their children right from wrong, and to have decent moral values.

[peaceangle]

It should be taught at home. The problem is too many people spew their hatred of "the gays" and thats all the children hear. This bull crap has got to stop.
It all starts somewhere.
They are still in school teaching tolerance of skin color. Shouldnt that be something taught at home? Of course, but its not apparently.


Public Schools have an agenda, an agenda, just like the government to control all....and many of you are falling right into their hands! Schools should teach school things! It seems to be agreed they should not teach Christianity, so why should any other non-academic subject be any different? If one isn't allowed, none should be allowed not matter what side of the fence you are on. Moral values and beliefs should come for the parents and the church---weather or not others feel that what children are being taught is ok or right, that's not your decision, that is the decision of the parents. If there parents don't care or are uninvolved in their childrens lives, hopefully that child will have a friend that takes them down the right path and shows them the way.
In the end, there will be a judgement day, I know that many of you on this forum laugh at that and think it's funny, but it is coming! I think many of you deep down, know that is the truth, but if you admit it is the truth you might have to look at yourselves and make some changes. You figure that if the judgement day does come you can pleade ignorance, well you can't....you've been told, and ignorance is not an excuse. It is going to happen, and many of you need to stop now and look at yourselves, your morals, your way of living and wonder if you will pass judgement.
A very good set of CD's to listen to--these are in story format and make you think are called: AFFABEL Window of Eternity

This may upset many of you, and if it does, I know I have made my point. You only get upset because you know it may be true.


I'm only sorry that we may loose some very good forum people due to rudeness and crudness by some people on this forum.

Perhaps another book I could recommend to many of you is:
The Criminalization of Christianity

[freeby4me]

That is the point, parents do want to teach their children right from wrong, and to have decent moral values.

"decent moral values" you say?

God and religion do not define morals or decency.

[atprm]

Public Schools have an agenda, an agenda, just like the government to control all....and many of you are falling right into their hands! Schools should teach school things! It seems to be agreed they should not teach Christianity, so why should any other non-academic subject be any different? If one isn't allowed, none should be allowed not matter what side of the fence you are on. Moral values and beliefs should come for the parents and the church---weather or not others feel that what children are being taught is ok or right, that's not your decision, that is the decision of the parents. If there parents don't care or are uninvolved in their childrens lives, hopefully that child will have a friend that takes them down the right path and shows them the way.

I agree with this section.


If schools are segregated because of religion (and they are -- parochial vs public), then other things that have nothing to do with core curriculum or electives should also be excluded.

I would not feel comfortable sending my child to (as an example) Baptist school because we are not Baptist -- we don't hold the same beliefs as Baptists. In the same token, there are parents out there that would not send their child to a Catholic school because it is not of their faith.

The Parochial schools should be where you get biased teachings according to the families faiths. Public schools should not carry that agenda...Public schools, SHOULD (and often do not) be held to higher standards -- to be uniform in teaching to one and all students.

At the rate that they get $$$ on each student's head every year, they should be teaching more, doing more -- but many are failing schools ... in many different ways (including this particular teacher).

Maybe this is why so many more families in the last 3 or 4 years have started homeschooling.

We started homeschooling in 2001, when our youngest daughter brought home a paper from a PUBLIC school in the 4th grade... we were given 1 choice to sign it or our child would face consequences -- which was listed on the form --

Parental Signature Required or child will be placed in In School Suspension until signed --

What was the form for? The 4th graders were going to learn about STD's, Birth Control and How to use a condom.

4th grade?? 9 years old??? Um, NOT!! Not appropriate, in our opinion -- so homeschooling it was (for us).

[freeby4me]

So where does "societies business" fit in then? Thats what "Christians" use as their excuse to stuff their noses in everyones business. "Its societies job to save you from yourself" or some kind of BS nonsense.


The only thing I see AGAIN is "christians" being upset that THEY arent the ones getting what they want. They want to be allowed to push their noses in everyones private life, but when someone has the duty to teach children true acceptance, suddenly thats a no-no cause you're imposing real decent and moral values.

[freeby4me]

I agree with this section.


If schools are segregated because of religion (and they are -- parochial vs public), then other things that have nothing to do with core curriculum or electives should also be excluded.

I would not feel comfortable sending my child to (as an example) Baptist school because we are not Baptist -- we don't hold the same beliefs as Baptists. In the same token, there are parents out there that would not send their child to a Catholic school because it is not of their faith.

The Parochial schools should be where you get biased teachings according to the families faiths. Public schools should not carry that agenda...Public schools, SHOULD (and often do not) be held to higher standards -- to be uniform in teaching to one and all students.

At the rate that they get $$$ on each student's head every year, they should be teaching more, doing more -- but many are failing schools ... in many different ways (including this particular teacher).

Maybe this is why so many more families in the last 3 or 4 years have started homeschooling.

We started homeschooling in 2001, when our youngest daughter brought home a paper from a PUBLIC school in the 4th grade... we were given 1 choice to sign it or our child would face consequences -- which was listed on the form --

Parental Signature Required or child will be placed in In School Suspension until signed --

What was the form for? The 4th graders were going to learn about STD's, Birth Control and How to use a condom.

4th grade?? 9 years old??? Um, NOT!! Not appropriate, in our opinion -- so homeschooling it was (for us).

nvrmnd