By Topic: Schools

February 17, 2006

Hey Kids - It's the Queer Day Mailbag!

mailman · #1: Remember the shootings nightmare earlier this month at Puzzles Lounge? A fund has been set up for the victims. Send donations to: St. Anne's Credit Union, Puzzles Victim Fund, P.O. BOX 0 (zero), Fall River, MA 02724.

· #2: Garrett, a long time reader of Queer Day, writes: "Can you help spread the word that the GLBT-SA at the University of North Carolina is hosting the 4th annual UNITY Confernce on April 7th-9th and already over 150 students have registered!" Consider it done Garrett and it's great to see the such hardcore support from the administration.

Continue reading "Hey Kids - It's the Queer Day Mailbag!" »

February 14, 2006

Queers on campus

lydon state gsa · Ontario The University of Western Ontario's new Pride Library computers have a unique search engine that accommodates "queer lingo" - just one of the features of Canada's first library devoted to the academic study of "diversexuality." It opens today.

· Connecticut/Massachusetts: While we're still wondering if 25 percent of Yale students are gay (seems unlikely?), Harvard's Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, and Supporters Alliance (BGLTSA) kicks off its second-annual “Bisexuality Weeks” program addressing the marginalization of bisexuals within the larger queer community.

· California: While California State University, East Bay, kicks off its first weeklong Queerfest today, University of California Riverside's Graduate Student Research Conference is digging deeper into sexuality. Conference highlights include Whitman’s obsession with masturbation, Queer Asian perspectives in contemporary literature, masculinity in film noire and sexual deviance in society. Sounds like my kind of crowd.

· Hawaii: And sadly the high school years are still a nightmare/endurance test for teens like "Shane", a transgendered sophomore who says, "Being queer in high school here is really hard. It makes you scared, like you can't even walk down the hall without being thrown against a locker."

· Vermont: Photos from Lyndon State's Gay Straight Alliance.

February 7, 2006

Branded a devil worshipping lesbian, Tresa Waggoner knows why God doesn't belong in school

faust video Tresa Waggoner, the Colorado music teacher who tried to introduce her students to opera and wound up forced to take administrative leave, is taking legal action against the Bennett School. Teaching at a K-12 school 25 miles east of Denver, Waggoner chose a video of Gounod's Faust, from the classroom shelf, to teach about bass and tenor voices, the use of props and trouser roles in opera. The latter resulted in the married mother of two accused of being accused of being a lesbian promoting homosexuality to school, and her choice of Faust got her labeled as a devil worshipper. Which trouser role are you?
And speaking of insanity in our schools, the Day of Truth folks are back and do they ever have an uncanny knack for mislabeling bullshit on their video.

February 6, 2006

Lesbian scene bans Vagina Monologues at Providence College

vagina monologues It's hard to imagine much of a fuss over The Vagina Monologues at this point, particularly in Rhode Island at Providence College where the play has been staged four years in a row. But add a new school president by the name of Rev. Brian Shanley to the Dominican run campus and anything can happen. In fact the play has been banned with Shanley's primary objection being the tale of a sexual encounter between a woman and a teenage girl. While the teen narrator describes the episode as “a kind of heaven,” Shanley said it’s “abusive, exploitative and morally wrong” and that the church teaches that being gay or lesbian is “intrinsically disordered.”
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January 11, 2006

Chris Buttars thinks talking about gay sex is criminal

buttars Utah Senator Chris Buttars wants to ban gay and lesbian support clubs from Utah high schools, which isn't what you'd expect from a man who looks so incredibly warm and open minded, right? He's also got a bill to require 'intelligent design' theory be taught along side evolution in public schools. Anyway, as for gay clubs he says, "If you're in a chess club you're going to be talking about chess. If you're in a dance club you're going to be talking about dance. If you're in a gay club you're going to be talking about human sexuality, and that's illegal, in fact it's criminal." Yes kids, they even want to make talking about sex a crime.

January 9, 2006

UW student lobby backs gay rights bill

Washington: University of Washington students are approacing Olympia lawmakers with their legislative priorities, keeping tuition affordable, boosting financial and equal rights for gays. "We just looked around and said that (we) want to be on the right side of history," said Ben Golden.

September 29, 2005

Surrey fight over gay play Laramie Project continues

British Columbia: The B.C. Civil Liberties Association has taken up the fight for The Laramie Project to be performed even though it was axed by the Surrey school district. The decision to kill the play has drawn a storm of criticism from drama students at Elgin Park secondary and their teacher, Stan Engstrom. (Thanks Matthew)

Shay Clark expelled for having lesbian parents

clark Shay Clark, 14, was expelled from a Christian school in Onatario, California, because her parents are lesbians. "Your family does not meet the policies of admission," Superintendent Leonard Stob wrote to Tina Clark, Shay's biological mother. Stob wrote that school policy requires that at least one parent may not engage in practices "immoral or inconsistent with a positive Christian life style, such as cohabitating without marriage or in a homosexual relationship."

September 28, 2005

University of Florida may get co-ed fraternity

Florida: A lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender co-ed fraternity is in the planning stages at the University of Florida. Organizer and UF sophomore Davier Rodriguez said that because of the co-ed factor a new national organization would have to be formed, which could take five years.

Harvard gay ban on military recruiters crumbles

Massachusetts: Harvard Law School will be allowing military recruiters back on campus even though they were banned over their discriminatory “don’t ask, don’t tell" policy. Why? Apparently facing the loss of billions of dollars in federal funds has something to do with it.

Dave Allen, Australia's first heterosexuality officer

allen Australian Dave Allen is "a roo-shootin', beer-drinkin' rednecked country bloke and the official defender of heterosexuals at the University of New England in northern NSW." Yes, while many of Australia's 38 universities have a queer officer to represent gay students, Allen is the only "heterosexuality officer" in the country. A real treat for those into homophobic testimonials.

September 19, 2005

Vermont Translating Identity Conference is open to the public

Vermont: Free To Be, the University of Vermont's GLBT Alliance is proud to announce the fourth annual Translating Identity Conference at the University of Vermont. It's happening on February 25th and 26th and the free conference focusing on gender and gender identities is open to the public.

Tufts bathrooms modified for transgender students

Massachusetts: Bathrooms in Tufts University's Tilton Hall were modified this summer to better accommodate transgender students. "The University has been looking at ways to make restrooms more accommodating to a number of groups, including transgender people, people with disabilities and families."

September 15, 2005

Teacher in Belgium denied job over his gay marriage

Belgium: A gay man was turned down for a teaching position because he is married to a man. Gertjan Bikker, a Dutch religious education teacher, applied for a post in Flanders, a Flemish community in Belgium. The committee rejected Bikker's application because of his gay marriage.

September 14, 2005

Gay hate crime protested at Lebanon Valley College

Pennsylvania: About 100 Lebanon Valley College students marched from the Mund College Center to the Miller Chapel to support a resident assistant. Someone wrote racial and anti-gay slurs on his message board. LVC investigated and identified three suspects.

September 13, 2005

Oregon high school cancels gay Laramie Project play

Oregon: Beaverton's Southridge High School principal pulled the plug on the production of "The Laramie Project," the play based on the murder of Matthew Shepard. They're citing profanities and sexual content.

Lesbian teen Charlene Nguon sues Garden Grove School District

nguon Charlene Nguon, 17, has filed suit against Garden Grove Unified School District, claiming she was suspended several times and forced to temporarily transfer because she refused to stop hugging and kissing her girlfriend on campus. The Santa Ana resident and her girlfriend, Trang Nguyen, 16, allege that Santiago High School Principal Ben Wolf told them not to show affection toward each other after they began dating as juniors last year. Throughout the year, the two defied the order and continued to hug and kiss on campus despite suspensions ranging from one to five days, the suit says. Eventually, Wolf demanded that one of the girls transfer to another school, according to the suit.

September 12, 2005

Princeton homophobic university list drops Boston College

Massachusetts: The Princeton Review has taken Boston College off its "low acceptance of gay community" list in the Review's 361 Best Colleges book, a list it has been on since 2000. Boston College was number two for two years in a row.

August 29, 2005

Trans students gain power on campus

Texas: Transgender student Andrew Jones' college insisted he was female. His assigned roommates disagreed, and kept moving out. He demanded suitable housing - and got it.

August 21, 2005

A transsexual high school reunion

Iowa: Transsexual Casey Gradischnig had reason to worry about going to his 25th high school reunion, but when a friend asked if he was nervous, the 43-year-old replied, "Not at all. I'm perfectly comfortable with who I am.

August 11, 2005

Homophobia in high school: One student's experience

karlee Karlee Reid, pictured, took a stand against homophobia at high school and found herself in the psychiatrist's office. She tells her story.
While Pickering High School isn't known for violence, it is certainly known for the homophobic students within it. After severe harassment caused a considerable amount of emotional upheaval in our school and home environments, my current partner and I, with the help of a mutually close friend, proceeded to post copies of a typed poem we wrote throughout the school expressing our opinions and feelings about the homophobic and harassing attitude of our peers. It wasn't long before we were intercepted. We found ourselves in the office.

Continue reading "Homophobia in high school: One student's experience" »

August 9, 2005

Wollongong students get queer safe space

Australia: A group of Wollongong University students have won their four year battle to create queer safe space on campus. The university's equal employment opportunity officer made the announcement.

Gay students love Manchester Metropolitan University

UK: Manchester Metropolitan University is the best place to be a gay student - if you are looking for the highest gay to straight ratio, unlimited events run by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual society and the widest range of "queer theory" courses. Enroll today!

August 3, 2005

Transsexual teacher Kerri McCaffrey wants to teach

New Jersey: Transsexual middle school teacher Kerri McCaffrey wants to teach next year, but some parents are concerned. McCaffrey, who grew up as Herb McCaffrey, had her surgery in February.

July 28, 2005

The fluidity of gender for transgender lesbian Danny O'Dell

Oregon: Transgender lesbian Danny O'Dell used to tell his mother that he was staying after school for "Dance Dance Revolution Club" when he was really at Southridge High's Gay Straight Alliance.

July 25, 2005

Gay fraternity Sigma Phi Beta set to go nationwide

Arizona: Five years ago at Arizona State University, Sigma Phi Beta emerged to become the first national, collegiate-based gay fraternity organization and with the creation and adoption of a new national charter, gay frat loving college students can found new chapters at other campuses.

July 18, 2005

So much fuss over a rainbow sticker in Ann Arbor

rainbow sticker at NYPD In Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan's St. Mary's Student Parish (STSP) students received an email urging them to boycott the New York Pizza Depot (NYPD) for having a rainbow sticker on their front door. Andrew Shirvell, former president of Students for Life, said, "I find the rainbow flag offensive because it is a symbol of the homosexual movement that, in my opinion, indicates a validation of the homosexual lifestyle, as opposed to a sign that indicates openness to customers who are of the homosexual orientation," he said. Um, say what? Whatever he's saying, it doesn't sound good.

Continue reading "So much fuss over a rainbow sticker in Ann Arbor" »

July 14, 2005

Diversity committee rejects We Are Family DVD

we are family dvd A music video that features Barney, Big Bird and SpongeBob singing a message of family and togetherness won't be playing in Florida at Broward County schools after members of a so-called diversity committee labeled it objectionable. The problem with the "We Are Family" DVD, intended to teach tolerance to preschool and elementary kids, isn't from any explicit mention of homosexuality because there isn't any, but because the people are all part of one big family, a message that, critics contend, could be construed to include pedophiles and other criminals. Radio Talk Show Host Steve Kane, a member of the so-called Diversity Committee, said, "these people are trying to mess with our kids' minds." (Thanks Dan)

July 12, 2005

UCLA and Outfest to preserve LGBT films

California: UCLA and Outfest launched a scheme to preserve and restore Outfest's collection of more than 3,300 independent films with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender themes to ensure the future of the genre. "These films represent our community's cultural legacy and we refuse to be complacent in the erasure of our own history," said Outfest's Stephen Gutwillig.

British Columbia school system accused of gay discrimination

British Columbia: Murray and Peter Corren of Coquitlam accused the Ministry of Education of discriminating against gay students and the children of same-sex partners in 1999. The Human Rights Tribunal hearing has finally begun and it could change the way schools deal with sexual orientation.

July 11, 2005

Queer activists in Perth attacked by police

perth cops150 student and queer rights activists rallied at the end of the national student Queer Collaborations Conference held all last week at the University of Western Australia in Perth. While attempting to march peacefully around Murray St Mall, the protesters were attacked by Western Australia police without warning. Multiple reports of police violence were experienced by protestors and supportive witnesses. Four men were taken into custody and one woman was also arrested.

July 7, 2005

Homophobic graffiti at Iowa State University

Iowa: 10 incidents of homophobic hate graffiti at Iowa State University have been condemned by university administrators, students and professors as a "cowardly act." Vice President for Student Affairs Thomas Hill says, "We will do everything we can to identify who is responsible." (photos)

July 6, 2005

New female student turns out to be her brother in drag

Russia: A young girl was not admitted to an entry exam at the Moscow State University after it was discovered that she was actually a young man trying to pass the exams for his sister. Security got suspicious because of the prospective student’s “outstanding” breasts, which turned out to be fake. (Thanks Dima)

June 30, 2005

L.A. school district settles gay student harassment lawsuit

Los Angeles: City school district officials and the ACLU announced a federal lawsuit settlement that accused Washington Preparatory High School staff of harassing gay and lesbian students and employees. The settlement requires anti-discrimination training. Other details weren't released. [Related Entry]

June 27, 2005

Northwest Indiana looks at being gay

Indiana: Northwest Indiana students talked about being gay and the challenges they face - while parents and friends described how they deal with knowing someone who is gay. Another related piece is located here.

June 23, 2005

Gay T-shirt ban lifted, ACLU drops lawsuit

Missouri: The ACLU dropped its lawsuit against a southwest Missouri school district after it lifted its ban on T-shirts with gay rights messages.

New Jersey Appeals Court throws out Seton Hall gay lawsuit

New Jersey: A state appeals court ruled that Seton Hall University, a private, Catholic institution, is not required to recognize a gay and lesbian student organization. The three-judge panel dismissed the lawsuit filed by gay sociology major Anthony Romeo.

Gay Jewish group Kulanu, serving kosher fruit since 2002

Toronto: University of Toronto gay Jewish group Kulanu's founder says, “All of our events are kosher and have a Jewish feel, with the extra twist of being queer.” Kulanu is participating in this Sunday's Pride Parade. Look for them in their “Serving Kosher Fruit Since 2002” T-shirts.

June 21, 2005

President Bush calls again for gay marriage amendment

bush makes the yahoos happy If you thought it was put to rest, never underestimate the value of maligning us and our rights for political gain when you're President Bush and your popularity rating is plummeting. Bush called again for a federal constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage as he addressed the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention - for the fourth year in a row, and in case you're wondering, they really don't like us. (Thanks Carl)

June 20, 2005

Idyllwild transgender student Isaak Brown

California: Idyllwild transgender high school student Isaak Brown wants to be remembered as a national award winner, class leader and artist, not for being trans as the Press-Enterprise looks at a life "From Liza to Isaak."

June 17, 2005

Luoluo Hong leaving University of Wisconsin at Madison

Wisconsin: Luoluo Hong, University of Wisconsin at Madison’s dean of students, is leaving over the state’s denial of domestic partner benefits for university employees. Hong is heterosexual, married and tired of watching the brightest faculty members and administrators walk. That, of course, would be us. (Thanks Tyler)

June 15, 2005

Costa Mesa school bans gay parents from school functions

California: In Costa Mesa, St. John the Baptist School angered some parents by allowing a gay couple to enroll their two boys. Now they've drafted a school policy that would forbid the men to appear as a couple at school functions.

Georgia school board rejects parental permission for clubs

Georgia: The state Board of Education voted to reject a requirement that students obtain permission from their parents to join high school clubs, an offshoot from the controversy over a Gay Straight Alliance in one local school district.

June 13, 2005

Azmi Jubran's ruling appealed to Canadian Supreme Court

Canada: The North Vancouver school board wants to appeal April's BC Court of Appeal ruling in the Azmi Jubran case to the Supreme Court of Canada. Jubran filed his complaint in 1996 while he was a sophomore at Handsworth Secondary School.

Tracy schools graduation visited by homophobes

California: Those Westboro hatemongers arrived at the Tracy Unified School District graduation this weekend claiming that Tracy and West high schools are "sodomite whorehouses masquerading as high schools."

June 9, 2005

San Diego gay harassment at school suit awards Ramelli and Donovan 300K

poway A San Diego Superior Court jury awarded $300,000 total to two former Poway High School students who were harassed by their classmates because they're gay. After a week of deliberation, the jury determined that the harassment effectively deprived Joseph Ramelli and Megan Donovan of the same access to the educational opportunities and benefits that other students enjoy. Now both 19 and attending Palomar College, they were awarded $175,000 and $125,000 in damages, respectively. Attorney Paula Rosenstein said, "We're hoping that the next time some kids and their parents come to these administrators, that they will take a different action."

Gay rights battles spread to public schools

USA: The New York Times takes a closer look at the political right's recent interests in students receiving any education about gay issues or promotion of any acceptance of gay people in public schools. (Thanks Tyler)

June 8, 2005

Gay hate outwitted and outmaneuvered in Massachusetts

westboro in massachusetts While Boston police warned residents who wanted to see all the Westboro ignorance and hatred for themselves to "Please stay away," Phelps and company were outwitted and outmaneuvered. Educators in Lexington spared the kids by bringing school buses at Joseph Estabrook Elementary School to the rear entrance, while teachers in Dracut sponsored schoolwide assemblies in the Englesby Intermediate School gym and cafeteria - thus emptying classrooms, some of which had a view of the street. 200 counter-protesters were also on hand to stop the hate.

More gay book drama in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma: The battle over gay books in Oklahoma City public schools continues, this time with a book about the Stonewall riots and a book about Bayard Rustin in the hot seat. Gay community members purchased the books on their own and distributed them to all Oklahoma City high school libraries.

June 6, 2005

Abstinence only education programs fail queer youth

USA: The Silver Ring Thing is just one example of what is happening with abstinence based education programs in the schools and this program is so wrong, on so many levels, I can't even begin to count the ways. Gays not included.

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