USSN: In the News

Wednesday, June 04, 2003

The Novato school board voted last night to adopt six supplemental diversity materials, including the lesbian- and gay-friendly film, "That's A Family," for use in the district's fifth-grade classrooms.

The 4-3 vote put an end to more than two years of controversy. Leading up to last night's vote, a flurry of last-minute advertisements both opposing and supporting the film had appeared in the Independent Journal.

"This is about civil rights, this is about human rights," Lynne Wasley, founder and co-chair of United for Safe Schools Novato, told a packed meeting room last night. "This is about including everybody."

Assistant Superintendent Jan LaTorre-Derby, who will take over as superintendent July 1, told board members last night that all six materials had been shown throughout the district and had received overwhelming support from the 82 teachers who viewed them, from the Diversity Advisory Committee and the Curriculum Council.

She said parents received "opt-in" notices before their children saw the film and that 87 percent of fifth-grade parents opted "to participate in 'That's A Family.'"

Lu Sutton principal Ken Gallagos spoke of the film's ability to change kids' minds."One little girl did raise her hand," Gallagos said. "She said her religious values teach her that homosexuality is wrong but 'That's a Family" video taught her to respect everybody."

Loma Verde fifth-grade teacher Lybe Crumpton expressed strong opposition to the film and she opted out of teaching the program."'That's a Family' is not a valuable teaching tool and should be considered inappropriate for classroom curriculum," Crumpton said.

"The movie holds many stereotypical biases, promotes nontraditional family values and is a Band-Aid fix for student relations within Novato's school district. ...Teaching of family values should remain a parental responsibility."

Novato parent Mark Brant argued that adopting the film could improve Novato's reputation. "Among the gay and lesbian community in the Bay Area, this is known as a very hateful community," Brant said.

Responding to his comment, Novato parent Jennifer Shepherd, who said she has served on the Diversity and Curriculum committees, urged the acceptance of all the pilot materials because, "We want to be known as a community of heart, not hate."

The other materials adopted last night are "Bully Proofing," "Different and the Same," "Get Real About Violence," "Giraffes and Heroes" and "World of Difference."

Trustees Perry Newman, Ross Millerick, Roger Collins and Bill King voted for the diversity curriculum. Trustees Cindi Clinton, Jeff McAlpin and Leslie Schwarze opposed adoption.

Contact Jane Futcher at jfutcher@marinij.


	Novato Trustees OK Diversity Plan By Jane Futcher Marin Independent Journal Wednesday, June 04, 2003 The Novato school board voted last night to adopt six supplemental diversity materials, including the lesbian- and gay-friendly film, "That's A Family," for use in the district's fifth-grade classrooms. The 4-3 vote put an end to more than two years of controversy. Leading up to last night's vote, a flurry of last-minute advertisements both opposing and supporting the film had appeared in the Independent Journal. "This is about civil rights, this is about human rights," Lynne Wasley, founder and co-chair of United for Safe Schools Novato, told a packed meeting room last night. "This is about including everybody." Assistant Superintendent Jan LaTorre-Derby, who will take over as superintendent July 1, told board members last night that all six materials had been shown throughout the district and had received overwhelming support from the 82 teachers who viewed them, from the Diversity Advisory Committee and the Curriculum Council. She said parents received "opt-in" notices before their children saw the film and that 87 percent of fifth-grade parents opted "to participate in 'That's A Family.'" Lu Sutton principal Ken Gallagos spoke of the film's ability to change kids' minds."One little girl did raise her hand," Gallagos said. "She said her religious values teach her that homosexuality is wrong but 'That's a Family" video taught her to respect everybody." Loma Verde fifth-grade teacher Lybe Crumpton expressed strong opposition to the film and she opted out of teaching the program."'That's a Family' is not a valuable teaching tool and should be considered inappropriate for classroom curriculum," Crumpton said. "The movie holds many stereotypical biases, promotes nontraditional family values and is a Band-Aid fix for student relations within Novato's school district. ...Teaching of family values should remain a parental responsibility." Novato parent Mark Brant argued that adopting the film could improve Novato's reputation. "Among the gay and lesbian community in the Bay Area, this is known as a very hateful community," Brant said. Responding to his comment, Novato parent Jennifer Shepherd, who said she has served on the Diversity and Curriculum committees, urged the acceptance of all the pilot materials because, "We want to be known as a community of heart, not hate." The other materials adopted last night are "Bully Proofing," "Different and the Same," "Get Real About Violence," "Giraffes and Heroes" and "World of Difference." Trustees Perry Newman, Ross Millerick, Roger Collins and Bill King voted for the diversity curriculum. Trustees Cindi Clinton, Jeff McAlpin and Leslie Schwarze opposed adoption. Contact Jane Futcher at jfutcher@marinij.
• Home • History & Goals • Our Coalition • Calendar • Get Involved • In the News • Speaking Up • Links • Contact Us •