Homosexuality Must be Discussed in American Elementary...

Wherever it has been established that it is shameful to be involved in homosexual relationships, this is due to evil on the part of legislators, to despotism on the part of the rules, and to cowardice on the part of the governed. -Plato Society is currently arguing over how to address the issue of violence against homosexuals. Many educators and activists suggest that the educational systems nationwide address the issues of sexual orientation in classrooms to combat stereotypes and myths that lead to violence against homosexuals. Within this debate, there is controversy about when to deploy educational stratagems regarding sexual orientation. In order to productively dispel stereotypes, it is necessary that queer issues be†¦show more content†¦It is hard to define exactly which issues are most important to focus on and discuss in curricula. Lesbian and gay studies means many things to people, at different times, in different countries. In fact, it often seems easier to define what it is not rather than what it is, (Weeks, 2000, pp. 2). Overall the issues that should be included in curricula, in some form at all grade levels, is the lives of GLBITTQ people, including their identities, their experiences of op pression, and their struggles for recognition. In addition, curriculum should include ways to live with these differences. Furthermore, the rights for GLBITTQ community should be discussed, especially the right for all people to be treated equally and fairly. Curriculum should lead students to question the heterosexual norm that is presented in this culture and how that makes other people feel who are different. All teachers should be educated about queer issues before incorporating them into their classes. As any other subject in schools, students should be taught the most basic foundations of queer theory and then provided with more information as the years progress. In elementary education, the fundamental queer issue that should be taught is that our society is filled with diverse cultures and families and it is important to include and treatShow MoreRelatedEssay on America’s Schools Need Character Education5183 Words   |  21 Pagesitself as the focus of curriculum debates and school planning discussions is that of moral and character development. Does character development have a place in our schools? Should public schools take the responsibility of educating students on morality? The answer is complex and has a multitude of sides and opinions. In a way, however, schools already educate students on what to believe and how to behave. By excluding the history of the other Ameri cans, such as people of color, women, and homosexualsRead MoreMasculinity Theory1630 Words   |  7 Pagesnumerous research projects spanning about 10 years. 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