Letter from Bob Chase
This is my letter to Mr. Chase:
Mr. Chase,
I was disappointed to discover that you will be a participant in the GLSEN conference. As a member of public school board of education I find it disheartening that you are either knowingly or unknowingly undermining all that we are trying to accomplish.
I'm sure you don't see it that way, and will accuse me of bigotry, or perhaps even hatred. I have resigned myself to fact that all it takes to be a bigot in this country is a commitment to moral principles. You may believe that your activities go unnoticed, but I assure you they do not. By your actions, you serve only to lessen the already damaged image the public holds of the NEA.
If I am mistaken about your intentions to deliver an address at this conference, please notify me. Or perhaps you plan to address them on the damage their group is doing to the moral fabric of our society. If so, I apologize for my previous words, and applaud you.
Sincerely,
Mike North,
Walker County, Georgia
Post 3, Board of Education
This is Mr. Chase's response:
Executive Office
October 12, 2000
Dear Mr. North:
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding my keynote address at the Gay,
Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) Conference, Teaching Respect for
All 2000. I believe my participation in the GLSEN event properly reflects the
concerns of educators who seek to ensure that all children have equal
opportunity for the highest quality education in the safest possible learning
environment.
NEA believes that a student's actual or perceived sexual orientation should
never place that student in danger nor deny him or her the opportunity to
learn. As an organization committed to ensuring the highest quality standards
in our public schools, NEA has an obligation to act to prevent the emotional
and physical abuse of students by those who disagree with their actual or
perceived sexual orientation. While the expression of diverse opinions is an
essential hallmark of our free society, differing points of view should not be
permitted to lead to violence or emotional abuse.
My participation in the GLSEN conference helps further these goals. The
conference brings together gay, lesbian, and straight (heterosexual) students;
parents; and educators to help ensure that each member of every school
community is valued, respected, and protected regardless of sexual orientation
or gender identity. In participating in the GLSEN conference, NEA focuses on
helping protect the physical safety and learning environment of all students,
rather than on the specific issue of sexual orientation.
NEA is a diverse organization, with 2.5 million members representing the
broadest spectrum of interests and viewpoints. Although the issue of sexual
orientation is controversial, I believe that NEA members agree with the
importance of respecting diversity and protecting the safety and quality of
learning of all students. NEA policy - adopted through an open, democratic
process and approved by the more than 9,000 elected delegates to the annual
NEA Representative Assembly - explicitly highlights NEA's support for
respecting the diversity in our society. (A copy of NEA Resolution B-7,
Diversity, is attached for your information).
NEA believes that the strength of America depends on the involvement in public
discourse of all segments of our society. We thank you for taking the time to
express your views on this important and challenging issue.
Sincerely,
Bob Chase
President
B-7. Diversity
The National Education Association believes that a diverse society enriches
all individuals. Similarities and differences among races, ethnicity, color,
national origin, language, geographic location, religion, gender, sexual
orientation, age, physical ability, size, occupation, and marital, parental,
or economic status form the fabric of a society.
The Association also believes that education should foster acceptance and
appreciation for recognizing and valuing the qualities that pertain to people
as individuals or members of diverse populations.
The Association further believes in the importance of observances, programs,
and curricula that accurately portray and recognize the roles, contributions,
cultures, and history of these diverse groups and individuals.
The Association encourages affiliates and members to become part of programs and observances that may include cultural and heritage celebrations and/or history months. (1995, 2000).