DISQUS

Randy · 1 year ago

That’s the problem with a lot of the “science” in this area; most of the searching and inquiring and observing is done with the lens of this philosophical assumption already firmly in place.

I think Representative Campfield may be onto something here. Let families instill morals and truth. Educators should stick to facts.

That's the truth.

Randy · 1 year ago

That’s the problem with a lot of the “science” in this area; most of the searching and inquiring and observing is done with the lens of this philosophical assumption already firmly in place.
I think Representative Campfield may be onto something here. Let families instill morals and truth. Educators should stick to facts.

That's the truth.

Brandon · 1 year ago

I think the subject of homosexuality should be discussed, or at least explained (not below the high school level), but that it should be looked at objectively. There shouldn't be any teaching in schools as to whether it's right or wrong. Now, the reason I think it should be discussed is because of my own confusion as a youngster. I didn't know or understand what I was going through (and was too afraid to ask anyone close to me) until finally a high school health teacher explained during class what homosexuality is. He didn't say it was right or wrong, but just explained it. I finally understood better what I was going through and realized I wasn't some lone freak or monster because of that. But my morals were dictated outside of school by parental and church influence. Which, really, is how I think it should be. Discuss the topic in school, but leave the morality of it to those outside of school. Teachers shouldn't be promoting it or discouraging it, I don't think.

Scott · 1 year ago

It's a moot point at the moment. Campfield's bill failed.

Mensley · 1 year ago

Brandon, I think I agree with you. To whatever extent schools talk about sexuality (and the extent it should be is a matter for another debate), there's nothing wrong and I agree it would be helpful to acknowledge that people experience all kinds of sexual attractions.

Scott, the bill itself may be out of the picture, but the indoctrination of young people in schools is never a moot point.

Brandon · 1 year ago

I think the subject of homosexuality should be discussed, or at least explained (not below the high school level), but that it should be looked at objectively. There shouldn't be any teaching in schools as to whether it's right or wrong. Now, the reason I think it should be discussed is because of my own confusion as a youngster. I didn't know or understand what I was going through (and was too afraid to ask anyone close to me) until finally a high school health teacher explained during class what homosexuality is. He didn't say it was right or wrong, but just explained it. I finally understood better what I was going through and realized I wasn't some lone freak or monster because of that. But my morals were dictated outside of school by parental and church influence. Which, really, is how I think it should be. Discuss the topic in school, but leave the morality of it to those outside of school. Teachers shouldn't be promoting it or discouraging it, I don't think.

Scott · 1 year ago

It's a moot point at the moment. Campfield's bill failed.

Mensley · 1 year ago

Brandon, I think I agree with you. To whatever extent schools talk about sexuality (and the extent it should be is a matter for another debate), there's nothing wrong and I agree it would be helpful to acknowledge that people experience all kinds of sexual attractions.
Scott, the bill itself may be out of the picture, but the indoctrination of young people in schools is never a moot point.

Scott · 1 year ago

Explain "indoctrination" to me if you could.

Randy · 1 year ago

Scott, do you really need the word indoctrination explained? Is that the real question behind the comment?

Scott · 1 year ago

I know what the word means in the dictionary, however I would like Mike to define for me what he considers "indoctrination".

It strikes me as a scare word, sort of like "agenda". When you explain what concepts are behind the word you are using, a lot of people say "well that doesn't sound so bad".

If a gay teacher happens to mention their partner is that indoctrination?

Is it indoctrination when a straight teacher does the same?

I'd really honestly like to know what concepts are offensive enough to use that particular word.

Randy · 1 year ago

Thanks for clarifying. It makes more sense now. Mike is on the road right now and I am not sure about his access to the Internet so it might be a few days before he can get back to you.

Scott · 1 year ago

Explain "indoctrination" to me if you could.

Randy · 1 year ago

Scott, do you really need the word indoctrination explained? Is that the real question behind the comment?

Scott · 1 year ago

I know what the word means in the dictionary, however I would like Mike to define for me what he considers "indoctrination".
It strikes me as a scare word, sort of like "agenda". When you explain what concepts are behind the word you are using, a lot of people say "well that doesn't sound so bad".
If a gay teacher happens to mention their partner is that indoctrination?
Is it indoctrination when a straight teacher does the same?
I'd really honestly like to know what concepts are offensive enough to use that particular word.

Randy · 1 year ago

Thanks for clarifying. It makes more sense now. Mike is on the road right now and I am not sure about his access to the Internet so it might be a few days before he can get back to you.

Mensley · 1 year ago

Scott, I use the word "indoctrination" because students, when they are instructed according to most of the curriculum out there, are introduced to concepts which are not factual or scientific in nature--but they are presented as though they are.

They're also sometimes subjected to intimidation by the proponents of these concepts. Groups like GLSEN have suggested that teachers use certain games to teach "tolerance," yet the purpose is clearly to isolate and embarrass anyone who has a differing view about sexuality.

I think it earns the word "indoctrination" perfectly.

Mensley · 1 year ago

Scott, I use the word "indoctrination" because students, when they are instructed according to most of the curriculum out there, are introduced to concepts which are not factual or scientific in nature--but they are presented as though they are.
They're also sometimes subjected to intimidation by the proponents of these concepts. Groups like GLSEN have suggested that teachers use certain games to teach "tolerance," yet the purpose is clearly to isolate and embarrass anyone who has a differing view about sexuality.
I think it earns the word "indoctrination" perfectly.

Brian · 1 year ago

Might banning any mention of homosexuality and/or gay people in the classroom similarly "isolate and embarrass" students either are gay, have been taught to respect a diversity of sexual orientations, and/or have come to the conclusion that being gay is morally neutral?

Randy · 1 year ago

Brian, I will jump in even though I assume your question is directed to Mike and that he will answer.

I haven't read the bill but from the post it seems that homosexuality is only being "banned" from being taught by the teachers or curriculum. So, I am not sure how deeply that goes or how it will be implemented.

That said, I have a lot of Christian friends who are school teachers. They are not allowed to teach their faith in Christ being Lord of all, but are allowed to talk about it if the student asks them specifically. So on that level it becomes interpersonal and a matter of opinion ... not something you will have to take a quiz over and either conform or lie in recitation of the politically prescribed one sided answers.

Brian · 1 year ago

Might banning any mention of homosexuality and/or gay people in the classroom similarly "isolate and embarrass" students either are gay, have been taught to respect a diversity of sexual orientations, and/or have come to the conclusion that being gay is morally neutral?

Randy · 1 year ago

Brian, I will jump in even though I assume your question is directed to Mike and that he will answer.
I haven't read the bill but from the post it seems that homosexuality is only being "banned" from being taught by the teachers or curriculum. So, I am not sure how deeply that goes or how it will be implemented.
That said, I have a lot of Christian friends who are school teachers. They are not allowed to teach their faith in Christ being Lord of all, but are allowed to talk about it if the student asks them specifically. So on that level it becomes interpersonal and a matter of opinion ... not something you will have to take a quiz over and either conform or lie in recitation of the politically prescribed one sided answers.

Brian · 1 year ago

A science teacher might not give a quiz on Christian beliefs, but a religion teacher might. And in my Montgomery County, Maryland public high school, they did just that. Likewise, a health class, a sociology class, an anthropology class..., might discuss gay people/relationships/families in a matter-of-fact way while a religion class might discuss the differing theories of morality on the subject within various traditions.

Brian · 1 year ago

A science teacher might not give a quiz on Christian beliefs, but a religion teacher might. And in my Montgomery County, Maryland public high school, they did just that. Likewise, a health class, a sociology class, an anthropology class..., might discuss gay people/relationships/families in a matter-of-fact way while a religion class might discuss the differing theories of morality on the subject within various traditions.