April 28, 2012 — LGBTQ education is a controversial topic in public schools, especially with the recent outbreak of bullying and suicide. On this edition, we explore the issues LGBTQ children face in public schools, differing views on legislative action, and the benefits and repercussions of this legislation.
In California, the Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, and Respectful (FAIR) Education Act, which went into effect on January 1, 2012, will require public schools to include material on LGBTQ history and notable figures. OutCaster Juliana talks this week with California State Senator Mark Leno. The openly gay Democratic senator was the law's sponsor in the state senate.
Meanwhile, in Tennessee, the "Don't Say Gay" bill would effectively do the opposite, prohibiting mention of anything that strays from the heteronormative in grades K-8. Joining us are Brad Palmertree and Callie Wise from the Middle Tennessee chapter of GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network).
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