Special News
Printed in the Wichita East High School student newsletter the "Messenger"
Among the many controversial issues surrounding the topic of legal rights for homosexuals, discrimination involving the denial of certain occupations is high on the list. Although it seems that tolerance has increased for gays and lesbians n the work place, the acceptance is strictly dependent on the type of job. In a poll done by the Gallop organization in May 2001, American citizens were asked about their opinions concerning equal rights in terms of job opportunities for homosexuals. 85% of the people polled said that homosexuals should receieve equal rights, while only 11% disagreed, with 4% undecided. However, when asked if a homosexual should be hired as elementary school teachers, the percentage of people who said yes dropped to 56%.
It is important for society to be accepting of the lifestyle choies of homosexuals. Homosexuals should not be discriminated against, soley based on their sexual preference. However, there should be a limit to their behavior, the same as hetrosexuals, when dealing with the education of students. It is inappropriate for teachers to promote religious or political opinions in the classroom, and there should be no exception for opinions of a sexual nature.
It is totally unacceptable for people to abuse their power in any occupational situation, and especially in eduacational, to promote homosexual practices. Those who choose this lifestyle need to recognize that opposition still exist and they should not force their opinions on others for the sake of tolerance.
Despite the perception that many people try to create, homosexuality is not a normal, natural, or healthy lifestyle. According to research done by the Medical Institute for Sexual Health research, homosexuals have a significantly greater risk of developing diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatits, cancer, and bacterial vaginosis.
When teachers try to promote a lifestyle with such risks to their students, they have overstepped their limit and abused their power as an educator.
This story was in the Messenger as an opinion from one of the reporters whose name I will not disclose. This story is very degrading and very insulting to the gay community. Speak out against the story. E-mail the advisor at smartin2@usd259.net and send letters to the editor. We are hoping to blow up the "Messenger" with as many letters to the editor as we can.