Posted on 03/29/2002 3:07:26 PM PST by Tailgunner Joe
A pro-family group founder and talk show host is urging parents not to send their kids to public schools in California for fear they could be corrupted by a pro-homosexual agenda.
"In the state of California ... if I had a child there, I wouldn't put that youngster in a public school," Focus on the Family founder James C. Dobson told his radio audience on March 28.
"I've been very careful not to be negative to the public schools, because there are many Christian teachers that are struggling mightily to do what's right," he said. "But given the fact that in every classroom in the state, for 13 public school years, they're being taught homosexual propaganda and these other politically correct, post-modern views.
"I'm going to get hit for [saying] that," Dobson acknowledged.
His recommendation drew praise from the Alliance for the Separation of School and State.
"With today's courageous and insightful statement, Dr. Dobson joins the millions of Americans who have already discovered that the public schools have become government indoctrination centers which are no place to train new generations of freedom-loving Americans," said Marshall Fritz, president of the Alliance.
"Dobson is so significant," said Fritz, noting that Dobson's broadcast is heard by 200 million people daily in over 100 countries. "This could open up debate much wider."
Dobson's organization has been critical of the California legislature and governor for passing legislation that will "devastate children in the state's public schools and harm family life in the state."
Focus on the Family last year singled out ten "radical bills" that would "require teachers to tell children that homosexuality is normal and that anybody who objects is hateful.
"If these bills are passed, homosexual activists will likely use California's schools to destroy the Christian ideas about sexuality that parents teach at home," warned the group in June 2001.
Regarding schools, Focus on the Family criticized state-passed bills that extend "hate crime" policies to public and some private schools; use school-based health clinics to allegedly refer children as young as 12 for birth control, abortions, drug and alcohol and mental health counseling "all without parental notification or permission;" and define harassment to mean talking about moral objections to homosexual behavior.
Tom Adams, administrator for California's department of education "curriculum frameworks," said he was unaware of any pro-homosexual curriculum being taught in the state's public schools.
But, said Adams, parents do have recourse for changing curriculum they don't like, other than taking their kids out of public schools.
"When it comes to the adoption of instructional materials, a person can apply to be a reviewer, because we not only have teachers and scholars ... but we do have members of the public," he said. The state board chooses reviewers, based on an applicant's professional qualifications and commitment to the review process.
Members of the public can submit public comments to the state board and attend public hearings on school curriculum. "The curriculum commission also has to have two public hearings on instructional materials, so anybody can come in there" and speak their mind, said Adams.
The state board of education has all say on final curriculum guidelines and adopting instructional materials, he said. But "we make sure that when we develop curriculum ... that it's all done in a public process; there's plenty of time for public comment," said Adams.
"We do what we can to make sure that no one is not heard," he said.
Former presidential candidate and talk show host Patrick Buchanan was the guest on Dobson's Thursday radio show. He agreed with the host that parents should take their kids out of California public schools.
"Anyone who teaches a child that homosexuality is a moral, natural and healthy lifestyle is lying to that child," said Buchanan. "You're exactly right. You should not let your children be lied to by people in authority [in] the classroom."
And soforth, then on to fith grade.
Homeschooling for us!
For all the parents out there who are contemplating it, go for it! It was the best decision my wife and I ever made.
My son is in the 2nd grade but already doing 4th grade work at the public school level. I confirmed this with my mother who teaches 2nd grade in a public school.
James Dobson is right on with this recommendation. I would also recommend reading his new book, Raising Up Boys, which covers other areas where the public schools are hindering our sons.
Oh, don't believe the myth that your children will turn out to be social misfits. Dobson covers that in his new book as well.
Not only Christians should feel this way. The California schools lead the way but they are not alone.
Regards.
you can do this till your blue in the face, cause that's all you can do is speak your mind, they won't change their agenda. Just try this locally and see where it gets ya....no where! i'm glad my brother is moving this month..
Today it is a different story in America.
We have always homeschooled our four children--ages 10 to 17. If any one out there needs encouragement, let me say that it is a piece of cake. You will never drive the car of your dreams (I bring the check home; my wife handles the children), but your children will be a heartwarming legacy for you and for your country.
By the way, congratulations on the birth of your son !
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