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Posted on 12/04/2001 5:14:23 AM PST by LarryLied

Brian Camenker has sent a letter to members of the Newton School Committee that they are violating state law by not notifying parents of a homosexual day tomorrow at Newton North High. The full text of his letter follows:

 Dear School Committee members:

 As you know, this Wednesday, Dec. 5, is "ToBeGlad" Day at Newton North High.

 Most parents have only seen that acronym. They do not know that "ToBeGlad" stands for "Transgender Bisexual Gay & Lesbian" day.

 It is required by the State Parental Notification Law, as defined in the Dept. of Education's advisory opinion -- and Newton's own policy! -- that parents be notified IN WRITING (1) about the content of what is being presented, including speakers, forums, etc., and (2) the fact that this is not mandatory and the procedure for opting out their children. And further, (3) the "opt out" procedure SHOULD NOT embarrass or cause stigma in the kids.

 This has not been done.

 I was told that at the beginning of the year, in a PTO notice, parents were given a list of events, including "ToBeGlad Day" that "are voluntary." Period. That does not come close to fulfilling the legal requirements. I was further told that Newton North does not intend to notify parents further about this event. As a result, almost no one really knows what's being presented this Wednesday, much less the fact that they can "opt out" their children.

 I can name you dozens of parents in Newton who are demanding that you follow the law -- and your own policy.

 Please give me the courtesy of responding to this.

 Official Schedule of Events

 The following is the official schedule of events for Wednesday's all-day presentation at Newton North, for which students are taken out of their regular academic classes during the day.

 Newton North High School

 The Gay Straight Alliance and On Campus Wednesday, December 5, 2001 present

 To B GLAD: Transgender, Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian Awareness Day Little Theatre

 1. Life Outside the (Gender) Norm. - Past and present Newton North students discuss their experiences and ideas about gender identity in our society. Panelists: Kate Pomeroy '02, Michael Greenspan '00, and Dominik Fox,'00. B3 (7:50-8:45).

 2. Student Readings. Newton North students read fiction, non-fiction and poetry written by Newton North students. C3 (session A) 9:05-9:35; repeated (session B) 9:45-10:20).

 3. All in the Family. A discussion of life in families where one or more members are non-heterosexual. Panel will include parents and students from Newton. D2 (10:25-11:20).

 4. Out at Work: Being Gay in the Professional World. Panelists: Karen Loewy, lawyer for Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders; David Wilson, president of the Greater Boston Business Council. E3 (11:25-12:20) Take Lunch 3.

 5. Straight but Not Narrow: The lmportant Role of Straight Allies. A panel to inspire all of us to become allies, actively fighting homophobia. Panelists: V. James Marini, Assoc. Supt.; JoAnn Campbell, English teacher; Dan Bassichis '02 and Sarabeth Berman '02. F2 (1:00-1:55).

 6. The Gay Straight Alliances Around Town. This panel will introduce five Boston area high school students who work to raise awareness about gay, lesbian: bisexual and transgender issues in their schools and communities. 62 (2:00·2:55)

 ALL ARE WELCOME

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