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August 10, 2007
Back to counting the days till summer vacation
It seems that a school district's recent attempt at highlighting its diversity has backfired. The Philadelphia Inquirer is covering this story about the city's school district and the academic calendar it sent out last year.
In an effort to include all ethnic and minority groups, the school district sent out the calendar acknowledging African American, Hispanic Heritage, Asian Pacific American, and Gay and Lesbian History Months. This attempt at inclusiveness brought fire from different groups and the community who called for the Gay and Lesbian History Month to be removed.
Flash forward to this year, when all diversity awareness months have been removed from the calendar. According to the article, "The only days that get recognized now are the ones that mean a day off from school, said Cecilia Cummings, the district's senior vice president for communications and community relations." She also pointed out, "We were just not prepared for the controversy. We were besieged by calls, threats, letters, and we didn't have the manpower to staff it. Nor did we have the preparation or training to really figure out how to deal with this issue in a way that could keep kids safe. We had meetings where adults were calling kids names."
The removal of the months from the printed calendar will not effect the events being acknowledged in the schools.
Removal from the calendar has no effect on curriculum, Cummings said. Furthermore, Black History Month, as well as gay history events, will continue to be held in schools.
The district's decision to retreat on the calendars was first announced in the Philadelphia Gay News last week. Cummings said the district thought it was fair to tell that newspaper first.
But the effort to avoid controversy may backfire.
Some groups on opposing sides already have begun rifling off news releases.
"It is appalling that a school district would drop months that recognize and educate our schoolchildren about the history and contributions of America's diverse fabric," said Malcolm Lazin of Philadelphia, executive director of Equality Forum, an international gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil-rights group.
BoardBuzz is sure this debate won't end here. Stay tuned for what's next.
Posted August 10, 2007 4:21 PM |
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