Citizens voice concern over Gay-Straight Alliance in Janesville schools

Many people criticized Rodney King, mocked him, or pointed out that he was over-simplifying a complex issue. I don't know if King wrote this plea for sanity in the heat of the LA riots, but he delivered it, and although it may be naive to think that this goal is achievable, everyone can benefit from reading it.

"People, I just want to say, you know, can we all get along? Can we get along? Can we stop making it, making it horrible for the older people and the kids?...It’s just not right. It’s not right. It’s not, it’s not going to change anything. We’ll, we’ll get our justice....Please, we can get along here. We all can get along. I mean, we’re all stuck here for a while. Let’s try to work it out. Let’s try to beat it. Let’s try to beat it. Let’s try to work it out." Rodney King, May 1st, 1992.

there are plenty of other groups of people who are trying to break the silence of living in fear and oppression. I am familiar with domestic violence and sexual assault victims rallying during "Take Back the Night" events, which are intended to break the silence and give a forum for people to understand the power of speaking out.

“It takes two people to speak the truth: One to speak and another to hear.” – Henry David Thoreau

I am completely overwhelmed by the vast number of people who are totally incapable of living peacefully next to others who are different than they are. Everyone wants to "celebrate" their individuality and not live "in a box", yet cannot accept that others have a different perception of life. To get overly simplistic, WHY CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?!

justsaynotomath - This is off topic, but since you brought it up . . . . you DO get blue eyes from your parents. It is genetic, just like your blood type and hair color.

Just to answer some of the questions...

According to 2004 FBI statistics, hate crimes based on sexual orientation constituted the third highest category reported and made up 15.5 percent of all reported hate crimes.

Sexual identity isn't a preference, choice, nor necessarily a lifestyle. The same goes for gender identity. The only "choice" about either of these is to choose to deny who you truly are or to live your life & behave as your soul tells you or if your prefer the term as the spirit guides you. Repressing your identity is in all cases detrimental to the person who does it. In far too many cases this leads to the choice actually being to live or to take your life. Also this leads to a general shutdown of feeling or the feeling that you are living a lie as you put on the facade of the identity that isn't yours.

Most people who are same sex attracted can always remember feeling that way to some degree. Children are maturing at an earlier stage in life than just a generation ago due to advanced nutrition & health care that has been in place all of their lives. When I was in eighth grade effectively in 1969. I most definitely remember being deeply attracted to a wonderful girl who was my classmate. Most of my classmates were fact dating. Parents & teachers called it puppy love which has been recognized for so long that I remember my grandmother telling me about my dad's first puppy love. As puberty comes on you are going to feel the attractions that come natural to you. They may be for opposite sex, same sex, or both. You may not even have the words if you haven't had the opportunity to learn them. You most certainly do feel the feelings. Sorry to take so much time answering that one question but the notion that some not knowing they were same sex attracted in eighth grade just seemed to beg for clarification the most.

Coppertop
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Well said.

check

I think people on here are missing the point of others. GSA is teaching others tolerance towards a specific group of students only. While they teach others to be tolerant of homosexuals, transgenders, cross dressers and bi-sexual it leaves out other kids who are different and get harassed, bullied and beat up. What about the students who are mentally disabled, physically disabled, have a noticeable birth defect, speech defect, practice a different religion or are of different color, who protects theses kids and teaches others about being tolerant towards them? Do they not have the right to also not be harassed or bullied? Of course they do. Tolerance needs to be taught but not towards a specific group, it needs to be for all students who are different in some way shape or form. GSA may teach tolerance of those who are homosexual, but it does not stop the bullies from picking on someone else who is different.
The definition of tolerance is:
Sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/toleran...
Furthermore is it not the parents responsibility to teach tolerance to their children?

Well, first.... GSA is NOT a registered trademark of the Girl Scouts (GSUSA). That's easy enough for anyone to look up.

Second, I applaud high school students for standing up against bigotry and hate. High school should be a safe place for everyone to learn. Harassment and bullying should not be tolerated, but too often they are tolerated by teachers and school administrators. I grew up in Janesville and moved away when I was fourteen. I remember it as a beautiful place and as a wonderful place to grow up, but I don't remember it being the most tolerant place. I hope those of you who are in school now can help change that.

Third, in response to the "I have a family member who's gay and he/she is miserable so that's a bad "lifestyle"...." post, it's a shame to base your whole opinion of an entire group of people on one person's experience. It's like saying all women are miserable because your mother is a woman and she's miserable. You're the constant in the equation, right?

GSA is a trademark of Girl Scouts of America.

I know that Bill Sodemann will NOT be getting my vote next time! The funny thing is his initials are B.S. And that's all that seems to come from his logic and theory.

I wish the GSA was there when I was in high school at Craig (I only graduated in 99). It would have made my life a whole lot easier to be around people that were like me and that understood me and my feelings.

And one last thing, don't you people from the religious right know that the Bible has been rewritten SO MANY TIMES that it takes away so much from it? Of course there are many truths in the Bible and many of its people (characters?) are indeed real, but an awful lot of it is story (fiction, I dare say?). How can a logical and average person believe that Eve was formed from the RIB of Adam and NOT believe in EVOLUTION.

I'm not an Athiest (I believe A LOT of the story/Bible) but I just don't know what is real versus what isn't. While your devout religious beliefs have given you so much in life, apparently they took away your logic and reasoning skills!

DJ,

Why did you have to be such a spoilous ignoramous hoeseph jack@$$ thinking that spelling wrong loses credibility? Perhaps you could teach yourself internet shorthand and acronyms, or better yet... be kind to others regardless of their spelling, grammar, and whatnot.

Or maybe not all people are brilliant spellers but they do have the right to post comments on any given blog to speak their mind. If spotting spelling errors is what you do for a living, that's great... keep it at your workplace then.

We don't have to spell correctly to communicate.

It seams clear no one read the article now this problem of gay straight is now in our back yard an in our schools aparently .The murder of the student for being gay was a hate crime an a raciest crime plain an simple We dont start teaching our kids tolerence for other cultures weather there gay or straight.Will see more murders like this Violence is no answer for solveing our problems.So my questioin is this are we gonna talk about this or keep makeing coments in the paper like this.The time has come to tech tolerance not violence or we will learn nothing from this.

lyboyatjvl ............in response to your comment, it's not difficult to spot spelling errors. In fact, it's what I do for a living.
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I would not, however, waste my employer's resources by proofreading and/or posting comments on a website while I was at work! Do people really do that?
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Rest assured, I'm posting this at home. If you're not, "man I want a job like yours!"

There are many references to being "born" gay or straight. I am curious how bi-sexual persons fit into the "born" gay or straight thing.
If they are born bisexual, then sexual preference is both genetic and also a decision.
I think that teens are at an age where they are exploring and trying to gain knowledge in regards to their sexual orientation. They can during this time have several types of exploration, trying to figure it out. If material is presented fairly and accurately it will only serve to help our youth. If the information is agenda packed, then it will only serve those with an agenda.

Believe it or not, I have been reluctant to comment on this story because of the emotionally-charged subject matter. For this reason, I do not care to comment on what appears to be the main subject, but on something else about this promotion that should concern everyone. If I understand this properly, (and if I don't, I am sure that I will be attacked by an angry mob of intolerant hate-mongers posing as enlightened individuals) the suggestion being made by this organization is that students (and possibly teachers) will not speak for the entire day. This seems to be a disruption of the educational process that will almost certainly impede learning. I do not feel that this is a productive use of our educational facilities and constitutes a hijacking of the school system. That said, let the stoning begin.

& i would also like to encourage anyone who has doubts about our organzation & its reasoning to attend a meeting & see first hand whats going on before you make a judgement.

thank you for all of you that support us.
I know i may be just a "child" to some people, but i can't back down on this. its something that i feel very strongly about, & i have no intentions of giving up without a fight...& i'm choosing to participate in the day of silence because i've seen my best friend suffer from people calling her a "dyke" or "Faggot" just because of her sexual orientation. I'm also doing it because it breaks my heart to hear that someone got KILLED due to their sexual orientation. There's no reasoning behind it. It was a hate crime. & hopefully by being silent, we will be able to educate people & let them know that this isn't going away. You can say you dislike it all you want, its not going to change anything.

DJ,

Man I want a job like yours which allows so much time to proof-read over a hundred postings and correct the erroneous spelling but offer no opinion to the subject at hand.

Is your place of work taking applications?

Thank you.

Spelling Bee? More like D-.
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Here's a shockingly long, but by no means all-inclusive list of misspelled words I found in this comments section (I've also included the correct spelling in case you had any doubts):
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alledging, alleging
adverstisement, advertisement
biggots, bigots
waht, what
highschool, high school
deteremined, determined
opionion, opinion
entiled, entitled
unmorale, immoral
dicredit, discredit
rehabiltated, rehabilitated
thier, their
deseases, diseases
fequently, frequently
chioce, choice
proponets, proponents
enviroments, environments
hetro-sexuals, heterosexuals
homo-sexuals, homosexuals
anthetical, antithetical
persecurtion, persecution
becomposed, be composed
intolerence, intolerance
worring, worrying
concerened, concerned
ingorant, ignorant
shure, sure
comunity, community
intoloerant, intolerant
hight, height
Im, I'm
comming, coming
Preists, Priests
additudes, attitudes
colot, color
diferent, different
Recrute, Recruit
agends, agendas
defence, defiance
Scince, Science
beleifs, beliefs
intersting, interesting
personly, personally
realy, really
judgemental, judgmental
dont, don't
differnet, different
certian, certain
explanantion, explanation
homesexual, homosexual
appaulded, applauded
ashmed, ashamed
dissapointed, disappointed
reson, reason
tolerence, tolerance
borned, born
wern't, weren't
Exceptance, Acceptance
Muselems, Muslims
Jues, Jews
allaiance, alliance
beleive, believe
attitues, attitudes
peice, piece
discusion, discussion
#
The point is, you lose credibility when you don't spell well.

http://exodusyouth.net

Sorry, above is the website.

I have read some of these threads, but not all. I am just writing to make some of you think.

The title "gay" lifestyle is a misnomer. In fact, there is little "happiness" in a this lifestyle. How do I know? I have walked the road with a family member for over 20 years. Pain and sadnness and broken relationships are all a part of this lifestyle. Why is that? Because we were not created gay. There is another choice. And that choice is doing a lot of work to understand the circumstances behind why you or yours have gotten in to this lifestyle. Is it hard work? Yes. But in the end, there is freedom and happiness.

I will never treat someone in this lifestyle with disrespect or hate. And my family member comes to me when the chips are down quite often, because this person, in their own words says "ProtectingKids doesn't agree with all my choices, but I have always known how much she loves me."

Please look at this website for more information. I do care.

Click here: Exodus Youth

upnorthwi
I guess I must of hit a nerve or sore spot. They took my comment off. I guess some people CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!!!

IMO....In how many of these Days have you actually been involved with or a witness to?
If your answer, which I suspect it will be, is "none", then you really have no idea what goes on within the school. Which means you are basing the totality of what you believe on what some right of Attila the Hun organization believes is true. And to the folks who have actually experienced these days and really know what goes on, your thought process is not very impressive.

NVgrf which pack of lies? The trash from "we have no agenda but safety" wink, wink, Gays. Or from the leave our kids alone until they are adults and can decide for themselves, Americans for Truth. Gee which side should I error on? Hmmm?

Again, the Gazette posts two articles on the same subject. I don't really care if one is from WCLO, or one is a blog and another is a news story. The duplication of discusion threads is irritating.

http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2008/apr...

IMO ..... And you buy into that pack of lies?? Incredible.

shocky52 well said, people forget about Sodom and Gomorrah....

Forget al Qaeda, mounting debt, inflation, food shortages, or the sinking dollar... the real threat to our security is AN ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLE. Thank you, IMO, for showing me the truth and the light. Now, if only I could find a compound like the Eldorado compound and find a man 40 years older than me (and quite possibly related to me) to impregnate me repeatedly and keep me barefoot and pregnant and safe from those wily homosexuals, then I would be secure. Then, the only beatings and bullying I would have to worry about is that of my own man. Hallelujah!

nowind-if that old dog reference was for me-or no matter who it was for-YOUR attitude would not change my mind for any cause...unless unfortunately you might already agree with me on something-then I might have to wonder if I've been wrong all along. It's hateful, hurtful attitudes like yours that actually cause people to turn against something. Age does not cause intolerance; each generation learns its attitudes, in part, from previous generations, and in part from experience.

Why are people so concerned with this club? If you yourself choose not to be in this club because of whatever reason than what's the big deal? Also if your children go to school there, I highly doubt a peice of paper on the wall is THAT distracting to make someone uncomfortable. And it's not like they are talking to people to push anything (beliefs, way of life, whatnot) on anyone... I mean... it is a DAY OF SILENCE. I guess I just don't get the big deal. I understand people have thier opinions so I understand where you should be voicing them in a blog but some of them, to me, are silly. But, that's life! :)

nowind-I believe IMO did site her reference at the bottom. And, though I didn't read much of the linked page yet-so can't form an opinion-the idea that people should go along with any organization saying they are promoting tolerance of, for example, gays (NOT THAT WE SHOULD NOT ALREADY PRACTICE TOLERANCE!)just so that we don't LOOK intolerant, without researching their specific and REAL agenda,is really doing a disservice to those living that lifestyle different from our own (or are a different race, age, sex, income bracket...) Be tolerant because it's the right thing to be and you don't have to worry about someone else's agenda.

What you should have detected was hope that future generations will be more tolerant.
I guess I can't expect to change the attitues of some old dogs.

hey nowind, did I detect an intolerance for those over the age of, say, 25 or 30 when you said "and dont worry about old intolerant folks like this, They will die someday."?(as if you won't!) or when you equated those around in 1968 (or was it Janesville?) with intolerance in this statement "localboysince1968, Your name says it all."?
Interesting contradictions you have there.

IMO
If you are going to copy / past an article you might want to cite where it came from.
Or, you could have an original idea.

The “Day of Silence”

On April 25, 2008, the pro-homosexual indoctrination of your children comes to a boil. Homosexual activists and like-minded liberal educators will be pushing the so-called “Day of Silence” on kids in thousands of schools across the country.

The “Day of Silence” (DOS) is organized by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), one of the most militant and well-funded of the powerful homosexual pressure groups. DOS purports to confront the alleged systematic harassment and bullying of children who self-identify as homosexual, bisexual or “transgender.” (For a sampling of the kinds of things GLSEN teaches children, click here. Be warned, though. It’s pretty graphic.)

To be sure, bullying and harassment should not be tolerated against anyone, anywhere for any reason, and those who engage in such activities should be firmly disciplined. However, DOS has very little to do with “bullying” and has everything to do with propaganda.

During DOS, children and teachers are encouraged to disrupt the school day by refusing to speak, in a show of support to self-described “gay,” “lesbian,” “bisexual” and “transgender” students. Kids are additionally taught that Biblical truth, which holds that human sexuality is a gift from God shared between husband and wife within the bonds of marriage, is “homophobic,” “hateful” and “discriminatory.”

Our schools are supposed to be places of learning, not places of political indoctrination. It’s the height of impropriety and cynicism for “gay” activists and school officials to use good-hearted but misguided children as pawns in their attempt to further a deceptive, highly controversial and polarizing political agenda.

DOS is pure, unadulterated propaganda and, based on the medical science, amounts to nothing short of educational malpractice. With liberal school officials in tow, these militant homosexual activists are brazenly circumventing and abusing parental authority to further this dangerous political agenda. DOS is also a slap in the face to the many students with traditional moral values.

So, it’s time for the “Day of Silence” to finally live up to its name. It’s time for these radical adult activists to be silent in our children’s schools.

http://americansfortruth.com/news/day-of...

Bigteva, you are completely out of line.

Mariah, You have my 100% and keep pushing to gain tolerance of others who do not fit the mold according to others. You all should be proud of yourselves for taking a proactive approach toward bettering society and your school, don't listen to these ignorant adults.
Take pride in Janesville, beleive it or not I feel the majority of us agree and support you. Don't let these few people scared of those who are different make you gain a negative reflection of all in Janesville.
You are the future and it is up to you to bring forth the questions and answers to make society better. Stay positive and defend your stance, I am proud of the allaiance and what you are attempting to do.

localboysince1968, Your name says it all.

Let's keep the gays, Blacks, Mexicans, Chinamen, Jues, Muselems, Hindus and every one but God Fearen clansmen out of Janesville, that,s something to be proud of.

Folks like you have done a good job so far of keeping Janesville "Respectable".

Mariah, Please stay who you are, and dont worry about old intolerant folks like this, They will die someday. Do your best to help teach tolerance and Exceptance to your peers.

Well said, Mariah! Please don't be ashamed of the entire community of Janesville....just the intolerant bigots who happen to reside there. As you can see, the great majority of the posts certainly agree with your position on the GSA. Keep up the good fight! You represent a great group of concerned student citizens!

Please. Mariah's post was more articulate and well-reasoned than many others. What's more, it is first-hand. Mariah, don't listen to any of the paternalistic claptrap. I think that it is great that you are a member of GSA. I'm sorry that there is a lot of resistance in the community.

Mariah_610, you are too young to be ashamed of Janesville. We you get older and get the complete picture, I am sure you will understand. Life in Janesville is more than if we tolerate or accept homosexual behavior. If you continue to be ashamed of Janesville, please leave. Take K. Andreah Briarmoon, Richard Frank, Ty Bollerud, and Billy McCoy with you. They are ashamed of Janesville also.

Doggylover- The day of silence is for a kid who was murdered because he was gay. He was in the eighth grade.

I'm a student, & a member of GSA. I know many of you have students who go here, & let me assure you, our club isn't out to turn you children gay. Our club is about promoting tolerence & understanding. Its about diversity. Its people who make stupid comments like " I hate seeing homosexuals making out," that give us a reson to have this club. We live in the United States. We're supposed to be about diversity. I guess i'm just very dissapointed in a lot of the adults in this community, especially people on the school board. Aren't you supposed to look out for our best interests? because it seems to me, that all you care about is YOUR well being & if YOUR offended, not the well being of the students. I'm so ashmed of Janesville.

Jdowd, I agree with you 100%.

I am a bully! respect who I am or I'll make up lies and tell you that it is in my genes. My brother did an experiment so it must be true, I can claim that as science! Bullying may lead to EVIL things but relax you might not be the one who all the good times (for me) hurts. KKK- too crazy, Nazi---so last century, Gay alliance--way too gross
poor bullys, we just don't fit in anymore.

This issue is about bullying and harassing a insubordinate group of people. This is no different than posting posters to stop violence against African Americans or women. If this group was not advocating for non violence against homosexuals but other groups, would this discussion be taking place?
Stopping violence against other groups of people should be appaulded. This is not enhancing the homesexual lifestyle, it doesn't have anything to do with religion, but has everything to do with intolerance and people's need to feel superior by cutting others down.
This issue should be a moot issue, but because of the words expressed and explanantion for being opposed to this action, those who defend the unjust have to step up and keep this dialogue going. Lets worry about our own personal responsibility instead of dictating personal beleifs which add to negativity. If anyone wants to bash gays, or others of certian religions or races, keep it in your home and don't push your beleifs onto me. Freedom of speech is fantastic until it begins causing harm to others. Support the efforts of these students for standing to educate and prevent violence period.

i read each and everyones opinion below, you all have good views and some bad views, not that anyone person is right or wrong about this debate. but we should not judge, it is not our place to, people fear what they dont understand, which i feel leads to the abusive behavior they show. my niece is gay, i dont approve nor do i like her lifestyle,but i love her very much. and would do nothing to hurt her feelings, where as the rest of the family, acts as if this is not happening. so before you say hurtful horrible things to someone who is differnet, or you dont approve of their lifestyle, this if this was you or someone you loved, maybe your child.

An interesting tidbit for all the professed church goers-In the book "religions of the world" I find it very interesting that it states Catholics are members of the first, and largest organized Cult. Religious beliefs are a choice, sexual orientation is not, and they have determined there is a genetic cause for ones sexuality-do all the research

Billnewbie,

You tell me exactly where I state in my original post that I claimed the Constitution contains the phrase "separation of church and state". I said the Constitution contains it, as in contains a concept. I know we are talking about abstract thinking here, but bear with me. We have had many different compositions of Supreme Courts since the 40's (some conservative, some liberal) and they all have upheld the separation of church and state. Peace out.

Prinny68 As Christians it is our duty to tell people God's will etc.. I'm sorry to inform you that the bible clearly states that homosexuality is a sin (1 Cor. 9-11), God would not have a child born gay if that is against His will. So to say that we are pointing fingers and being judgemental is out of line, we are just telling the fact. I don't feel superior to anyone, I'm a sinner just like anyone else. But I think it is unfair that all of these worldly issues that our children are taught are ok, but at the same time Christian values are a taboo in school.

I think nowind in the post below has formed the most concise and informative post I ever ever read on these blogs. I think many should consider this before posting.

IMO

I don't know you or your views any more than you realy know mine.

So don't take this personly, I find it intersting how some folks use Scientific studies to support there views when it suits there beleifs and reject others when it doesn't.
This is just like using the Bible to support your views just like it used to used to support slavery. Or reject Scince when it supports Evolution.

But now Im getting off topic

JSM:
You claimed that the first amendment contains the words "separation of church and state". It does not. Those words do not appear anywhere in the constitution. I'm well aware of the interpretation you cite. It is an interpretation very much in dispute, and as an interpretation, it is subject to change. The Supreme Court may appear to have the last word, but It too has restraints. It is subject to review by subsequent courts as well as congress.

I think we all get killing, is wrong, bullying is wrong, but yet some people do it. Let's discourage those things, yes for any reason other than self-defence.

Do I love gays, yes as I love all my fellow human beings, whether I like them or not. But, I feel sorry for them. I think they need help. They want acceptance of a behavior and not tolerance. That tolerance stuff is all just semantics. They want to say the behavior is not bad. Well the science without moral judgement shows again and again that it is a high risk unhealthy behavior. I would not encourage exposing children to any high risk unhealthy behavior.

This is why I HATE the concept of organized religion. Supposedly the bible and God teaches people to be tolerant, loving, accepting of all people, yet who are the first people to start pointing fingers, or looking down their noses at anyone that doesn't believe EXACTLY as they do. Now is that very Christian of you? I think not. I support gay/lesbian/bi lifestyles, just because in my opinion, who am I to say that it should be considered alternative? To them, straight people are alternative. Maybe they pray to a God that is accepting of that lifestyle?

It all comes down to church and school being intermixed.... All the bible-bangers and atheists and anyone else, should stay out of it, because honestly, this wasn't a topic stating, "Should this group be tolerated by the Christians of the city?" No, that wasn't the issue. There is a reason for the separation of church and state.

I'm not saying that the Christians cannot have their beliefs against homosexuality, however I do not feel it is their right to think they are any more superior to them, than you or I. You don't see me protesting the many churches in the city do you? But according to your beliefs I should be able to, and it should make it so that you need to practice privately without me having to witness/see it. But that wouldn't be very Christian of me, now would it? My God and I know where I stand on this issue, and I don't really care how anyone else sees my beliefs. Because they are MINE!

diamondback-I agree with what you say, but-as I wondered on the related story "Hushing a Day of Silence"-tell me what "this is 2008 not 1960" mean exactly? And then, what do you suppose they will be saying to you in 2080 about your archaic views? You know it's going to happen-it does in every generation. Just how many decades should it be used before it's going too far?
For the record, I think the Gay-Straight Alliance is a wonderful thing-but my question is one I've wondered about for a long time.

As pudssweetie shows the Gay/Straight Alliance does have an agends. Unlike many folks have tried to state on this discussion I don't see "Recrute people to become gay" as one of there agenda items.

A bigger part of the Day of silence is to teach folks to be tolerant no matter what the issue. It help prevent bullying and Violence because you happen to have a diferent view, skin colot or sexual orientation.

I Think perhaps some christian groups should be out promoting the day of scilence.

nowind, Yes we all know that the Gay/Straight Alliance has no agenda?
Please. Science is science right? Get the studies read them.

I did some research and found this to be interesting. The Gay/Straight Alliance network was formed during the 98/99 school year in the San Fransisco Bay Area. It is a youth leadership program that connects school based GSA's with each other. GSA was founded to EMPOWER youth ACTIVISTS to start other GSA clubs to fight HOMOPHOBIA and TRANSPHOBIA in schools. The club was created to promote 3 things:
1. create safe environments in school for students to support each other and learn about HOMOPHOBIA and other oppressions.
2. Educate the school community about HOMOPHOBIA, GENDER IDENTITY and SEXUAL ORIENTATION issues.
3. Fight discrimination and harassment in school.

Funny how it says nothing about teaching others to be tolerant of all students who are different in some way, shape or form and I also find it interesting how it says empowers youth activists as well. I found this info on the gay straight network. Don't be fooled, GSA is out to teach/promote an agenda. I also find it interesting that this is the first time I have heard about local schools participating in the "DAY OF SILENCE".

I see some intolerant people wanted my post removed probably for being "racist" or "inflammatory".
.............
It was the farthest thing from it, and I am a person that is the farthest thing from it.
.............
Your ignorance is showing.

IMO States
(Two extensive studies published in the October 1999 issue of American Medical Association Archives of General Psychiatry confirmed the existence of a strong link between homosexuality and suicide, as well as other mental and emotional problems.)

With the reaction shown on this site regarding the additudes to Gays, it's no wonder they want to commit suicide. its not like they feel excepted in communities like Janesville.

(A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health has shown that 39 percent of males with same-sex attraction have been abused by other homosexual men.)

Yep, Preists.

(In a major Canadian center, life expectancy at age 20 years for gay and bisexual men is eight to 20 years less than for all men.)

How can this be true, How can you determine this when we are still living in a world where gays are just comming out. How many of our elderly generation were ever able to come out.

Queston "Facts" from sources with an agenda

I'm not saying its ok to "put" anyone "down".

I'm "intolerant" of lots of things ....."hateful"? ....no.

You'll find that EVERYONE is "intolerant" of lots of things.

I wonder how many "tolerant" people would be so "tolerant" being behind a driver in the left lane of I-90 doing 50 mph.

I bet you would see a completely different side of them, not so "tolerant", then.

If the Pope were the CEO of a large corporation of Day Care Centers where hundreds of directors were molesting children, the Centers would be shut down and the CEO would lose his position and be charged.

IMO, you still didn't answer my question. Is that why the Catholic church condoned the molestation of thousands of innocent children over the years? Was it party of the same-sex study?

Truth, Are you saying it is ok to put someone who down because they have a choice. Im not sure

You can deny your skin color, hight Weight just like you can deny your sexuality.

Either way all I see here on this post is intolerance from an intoloerant comunity.

Prove me wrong. Show me this is a tolerant comunity, no mater what the bias.

JSM Your tolerance for truth is showing. You have none. Expected.

Janesville is known as an intolerant comunity. It seems to have done a great job of keeping non whites out. I can see how this has happened. If any non white has been given the same welcome as Gays in this town I can see why Janesville is so white.

You should all be so proud.

For a day of silence it shure has provided a lot of conversation.

IMO, is the study what the Catholic church was using as an excuse for the widespread molestation of children?

By giving us information on a "lifestyle" choice. Did they inform students that:

A 1997 New York Times article reported that a young male homosexual has about a 50 percent chance of getting HIV by middle age.

Homosexual activity remains a major source of transmission of the HIV/AIDS virus.

In addition to AIDS, there is a long list of maladies attendant upon the homosexually active population Of particular concern is anal cancer.

Two extensive studies published in the October 1999 issue of American Medical Association Archives of General Psychiatry confirmed the existence of a strong link between homosexuality and suicide, as well as other mental and emotional problems.

A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health has shown that 39 percent of males with same-sex attraction have been abused by other homosexual men.

In a major Canadian center, life expectancy at age 20 years for gay and bisexual men is eight to 20 years less than for all men.

If the same pattern of mortality continues, we estimate that nearly half of gay and bisexual men currently aged 20 years will not reach their 65th birthday.

Did they inform how Mary Stachowicz was brutally raped, murdered and shoved into a crawl space because she asked her fellow worker "Why do you like boys?".

That there is no "Gay" gene. Twin studies disprove the link to genetics.

Why not encourage acceptance of heroin addicts at least addiction has a gene. We could all try it for a day?

It might be fun and they say they really enjoy it.

Is this a lifestyle we want highlight for our youth?

Try informing with the whole truth.

http://www.catholiceducation.org/directo...

Hey jtmek-
put up a poster stating 90% of janesville residents are ingorant, and close-minded! You do not need any proof of that! Read the Gazette!

Jtmek, for the 900th time, comparing religion and sexual orientation matters is pointless because religion is separate from public schools. If you don't like it, send your children to parochial schools or amend the Constitutions. So your comment about putting posters up about Christians is pointless.

As for your comments about teachers and students, did you take a census of the students and staff? How many did you interview? You talk about supporting statistics. I'd like you to support your comments.

This is just amazing to me ! In less than 4/hrs there are 82 posts on this .... WHY O WHY are you people not as concerened about the underaged drinking ...and the drug use that as come to light,gangs fights etc.. If most of you people would STOP worring about what 2 people are doing/or not doing with each other maybe this wouldn't be a big issue.After all this is 2008 not 1960.

I have not read through all the comments yet but I wanted to say something about the posters that were up at Parker.

I feel it was very promotional and almost a recruiting style. I found the posters offensive. Many, many students and staff were uncomfortable with them. The posters were all over the place. In the bathroom, hallways, elevator--I'm sure there were over 100 placed throughout the school.

Some of the quotes did not site their sources. An example was that 10-15% of all students are gay, lesbian or bisexual. Where is that source?

Can I put up posters stating that 90% (made up number) of all students are christian? Absolutely not!

There is a difference between educating and informing versus propaganda! No one should be made to feel uncomfortable in school, even the students that are not gay, lesbian or bisexual!

The Gay/Straight Alliance is about tolerance and acceptance. The KKK and Nazi's.....aren't. I don't think the school would allow a club that promotes violence and intolerence. That's the difference. So some of the members are gay-now it's just all about being gay, right?

Billnewbie, if you were even remotely familiar with Supreme Court jurisprudence you would be well aware that the language you just quoted to me is commonly construed as meaning the separation of church and state. It is known as the Establishment Clause. The Fourteenth Amendment applies it to state governments as well. For further reading, check out Everson v. Board of Education, 330 US 1.

"Since the Gay-Straight Alliance is a school club, it has the same rights as other clubs." So what clubs would be excluded... The Gay thing is as offensive to me as the KKK and Nazis are... Are we letting them in.. Heck no, there needs to be a little more thought brought.. What next, Brokeback Mountain viewing during the next saturday school session?

The club: Gay/Straight Alliance.
The Day of Silence: an act to bring attention to violence and bullying among people.
The Gay/Sraight Alliance chose to participate in The Day of Silence. It's not that The Day of Silence is just about being homosexual. A club who happens to becomposed of gays and straights who want to encourage tolerance-participated in this activity.

The Fist Amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”. Where is it? I can't find it.

Truth1, I know it is really long and boring, but you need to read all the way to the First Amendment.

Maybe I should have been more clear. When I used the term "recruitment" it was recruitment for the club and recruitment to acknowledge the lifestyle. Not recruitment to become gay.

Why can't any proponent of the GSA explain to me why they used orientation in their title if they want to promote equal treatment and educate of the plight of the mistreatment (bullying) of all individuals? I am sure they are educating on persecution of religions also. Again, the title says it all. If orientation doesn't matter, why bring attention by promoting it in the club's name? For the simple reason already stated. What do GSA club members think of a club title of Arian Nation Alliance? I can tell you, the title represents a specific motto, just like the GSA. What if nobody took on Communism? What if nobody took on Nazi-ism? I am proud to take on the gay lifestyle for what it is - wrong. It doesn't reduce my respect for an individual as they could be a really nice, caring, and loving person. Judgement will be reserved for one person only, and that is God. But I have a moral obligation to acknowledge their errors and if possible, educate them on the religious bases of their errors. God Bless the U.S.A.!!

Wow, JSM, you need to do a little research.

"Separation of church and state" is not found anywhere in the Constitution.

What is this perceived persecurtion of christians? Is the presidenty not an evangelical? Why is it when everyone who is not a christian asks to be treated as a christian, christians freak out? When the rapture comes, can I have your ipod?

For those who keep bemoaning the fact that Christians can't promote their faith at schools and then bring up the "good old days" of 1776, remember the separation of church and state in the Constitution. The discussion of sexual orientation and discrimination has nothing to do with religion. Christians may say that it is anthetical to their dogma, but that is their take. The Supreme Court has rejected the intermingling of any religion and the public schools. So the argument that it is unfair that sexual orientation is discussed but not religion is comparing apples and oranges. That dog simply won't hunt. You could, however, argue that you could have a homosexual club and a young Republican club. But there might be substantial overlap.

finding an article on the internet is not research and support your claims.

Who's doing this homosexual recruiting for the club-the straights or the gays? That's right-there are both gays and straights in the club so why would they all band together to 'make people gay'? I think they banded together to talk tolerance.
To the club members: Keep doing good with your spare time! In time we'll see a difference.

You speak for all? My points are well supported, you just don't care to evaluate them.

billnewbie- yousure are wealth of facts. Unfortunately, nobody on this blog cares what you have to post as you refuse to support your points when questioned.

if being informed and standing up for others is "mean and discrediting" then that is fine by me. we are not here discussing this matter to be friends. you make comments that hurt gays and that's ok because you are the moral majority and therefore right. DARK AGERS

There are promiscuous hetro- and homo- sexual people, so I don't see the relevance of bringing that up. I knew a gay couple who were both respected professional in the community (a doctor and a CEO of a youth service organization) and they had a very long term committed relationship, just like any marriage I know. So they can be promiscuous or committed, JUST like hetro-sexuals.

I think they call it the Gay-straight alliance to bring attention to the fact that homo-sexuals are discriminated against in our society. When any group is persecuted, they band together and try to bring attention to their plight. You CANNOT recruit people to be gay, they are BORN that way! No gay person I have ever met, wanted to be gay. They just were and knew it from a young age. It is not a choice or a lifestyle.

It is called the Gay Straight Alliance because individuals are being discriminated against for their sexual orientation. Teena Brandon was tortured and killed by some good ol' boys in pick-up trucks because she was passing as a male when she was a woman attracted to other women. Yes, if you dilute it to the most generalized principle it comes down to treating others with respect and decency. You will see that in literature because sometimes it is difficult for some people to understand how/why those who are 'different' may do the things they may chose to/automatically do. But those individuals still have integrity and the right to self-identify. And that is why they should not have to hide and mask their identities.

If you think there is a need for a redneck group in Janesville, by all means, start one. If you think that you can fairly compare asserting your pride as a redneck to dealing with your classmates orally harassing you, vandalizing your property and threatening your life on a daily basis because of your sexual orientation when you are 15 years old, then start the club.

Laugh. I'm done. You win. I am sure you will sleep much sounder tonight. Congratulations.

since when are you exact ?

go to a christian school then. i pay property taxes and don't use public school, that's american ! you should try it.

232 years to be exact. Keep on belittling. It actually shows your educational abilities.

Romans 500 years, America 232 years, but we know how you hate history.

Romans 300 years, America 200 years but i know how you hate math.

"what is the point of discussing anything with you. can you say dark ager?"

Discrediting and MEAN once again.

You are right. It is a special club with special treatment for special people. Who are you talking about-the homosexuals that you don't approve of or the gay and straight kids who want to promote tolerance? What special treatment are we talking about? Letting kids with an opinion different than yours having their own club. When i was a teenager I walked around the flagpole-where a large group of kids were praying before school-to get into the school. The school didn't promote it-it was something the kids did themselves. I'm an atheist-did I complain? What they do in their own time is their business-before school at the flagpole or after school in a classroom,

This is really an effort to silence Christians and anyone else that is willing to tell the truth about homosexuality.

Day of Silence (DOS) is a nationwide push to promote the homosexual lifestyle in public schools,” said Donald Wildmon, chairman of the American Family Association, which is also urging parents to take action against such “intrusive, political exploitation” of the classroom.

First held in 1996 at the University of Virginia, the Day of Silence has been a tool of the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN) since 2001. Participants agree to refrain from speaking all day or part of the day as a way to protest the “silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies ....” Protesters wear T-shirts and hand out “speaking cards.” Typically organized by a school’s Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), the event is designed to pressure students to regard homosexual, bisexual and transgender behavior as normal.

Common is the story of a Christian kid who comes home from school (or college) to accuse his or her parents of being ‘homophobic,’ ” LaBarbera writes on the AFTAH Web site. “Mom and dad are bigoted squares, it seems, if they fail to embrace the history-defying notion that people deserve legal rights (and respect) based on changeable sexual misbehavior.

Our schools are supposed to be places of learning, not places of political indoctrination. It is the height of impropriety and cynicism for ‘gay’ activists and school officials to use children as pawns in their attempt to further a highly controversial and polarizing political agenda.

the example was to show that gay can NOT be forced on you. you should have googled blue eyes. statistics are based on math not views. that's my user name as sarcastic just say no to math. when you can not tell the difference between 2000 years and 4 billion years, what is the point of discussing anything with you. can you say dark ager ?

My son did a high school paper a couple years ago on gay vs straight- it was a high school english college ap course-he did a lot of research and documented all resources debating both sides of the coin-interesting figure/fact left handed people were once extremely prejudiced against, the percentage of gays is close to the percentage of left handed people-you do not choose what hand to use-My son was very active in High School in the GSA, outside of Janesville-I feel everyone should respect each other for who they are and educate themselves so they do not need to be intolerant/prejudice on any other human being due to their ignorance about the ways others differ from themselves. GSA and the Day of Silence does promote safe school enviroments for ALL students (GAY / STRAIGHT!)or is there others who need to be addressed????

"Why is the club called the Gay/Straight Alliance? Why reduce it to orientation? Why not have a title that reflects their "stated" mission? e.g. Student Alliance for Fair Treatment? I think I know why they don't use that example. Because it is a recruitment, promotional club for the homosexual behavior. Kind of an oasis for that lifestyle."

I have asked this question twice localboy, none of the proponets of the gay/straight alliance club will answer.

Special treatment for special needs. Special laws for "special people".