Diversity club brings clash of ideologies

June 10, 2005

Spectrum/Joel Davidson

Certain individuals in our community are upset by a recently formed student club at Palmer High School. (See story, page A-1.) The club addresses, among other things, sexual orientation as it relates to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues.

It may be controversial, but the student-founded club is perfectly legal and even protected under school board policy, state statute and federal law.

Down through history, Americans have opposed multiple topics of discussion or instruction in public schools. Sex education, student prayer groups and evolution curriculum come to mind as several highly controversial subjects in school districts across the country.

Federal law, however, has upheld the right to keep these hot-button issues in public schools. Schools cannot prohibit student-led clubs based on the religious, social, ethical and political views they may explore or stand for. If one group is allowed in public schools, then they're all allowed, so long as the safety and order of the school is maintained.

This may come as bad news to those who oppose certain issues based on deeply held moral or religious beliefs. Parents might be concerned, and understandably so, about the prospect of their children learning about ideas and values that are contrary to those in the home.

If parents choose to send kids to public schools, however, then they have to deal with the realities of an institution that serves a pluralistic public with diverse backgrounds.

Public schools serve the general public, and federal courts have ruled that they cannot defend and propagate any one religious, political or philosophical ideology to the exclusion of others. More to the point, public schools cannot allow one student-led club to meet while barring another because of its social or political values.

This reality often doesn't hit home, however, until people feel threatened by ideas and activities that strike at the heart of deeply held beliefs. Over the last few weeks, several parents expressed disapproval over the newly formed Diversity Union of Palmer High School.

Some claim the district should ban the club outright; others said they don't want their kids participating.

The reality, however, is that kids attending public school interact with a range of people and have opportunities to explore subjects and ask questions that might challenge the views of their parents.

Most people agree that a child's education is one of the most influential aspects of their entire life. Education, when done correctly, teaches a young student how to think, what questions to ask and how to form reasoned opinions. Along the wa,y it usually contributes to the morals, values and ideas that a child takes into adulthood.

Children are highly impressionable, and it's perfectly understandable that parents are concerned that their children receive a "proper education." What constitutes a proper education, however, is broadly defined in public school settings.

The Mat-Su School District's stated goals are to create professional learning communities while supporting student learning and continuous student growth.

That leaves the door open for myriad subjects. Private home-school programs and religious schools traditionally define their goals more specifically and narrowly. The curriculum in these institutions tends to direct children toward the world views of their parents, church or religion.

Many parents and guardians, upset with the subject matter or ideas found in public schools, have withdrawn their children from these schools and enrolled them in religious schools, correspondence programs, private home school or religious-based home school. This, too, is an educational choice open to many Americans.

These options may take more time and certainly take a little more money, but they are available for many.

Public schools, on the other hand, cannot limit their scope like private institutions and families can.

Like it or not, they must remain broad, which means children will sometimes be exposed to voluntary discussion groups, course offerings and philosophies that may contradict or challenge the beliefs of their family or church.

This may be true of any school, but more so in public schools, where America's pluralistic society is on full display.

Joel Davidson is a Frontiersman reporter who covers, among other things, schools and education issues. He can be contacted at joel.davidson@

frontiersman.com

Contrary or supporting opinions are welcome at info@

frontiersman.com.