Lexington C.A.R.E.S.[Links added by Lexington C.A.R.E.S.]
It's springtime in Lexington, and once again we have a family who not only objects to a positive depiction of gays in a book, but also finds that so offensive that they demand prior notification by the schools any time something of this nature comes up in the future.
Neither law nor school policy requires parental notification except for "human sexual education or human sexual issues," which is not what this book is about (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 32A). In a press release issued on Sept. 20, 2005, Superintendent Paul Ash said "schools routinely provide students with access to materials, activities, and discussions that recognize diversity."
He then said "staff has no obligation to notify parents of discussions, activities, or materials that...recognize the existence of differences in sexual orientation."
Our town overwhelmingly supports our public schools in their continuing support of diversity and inclusiveness. Let's let our schools focus on educating our children rather than keeping track of, and supporting, the prejudices of some parents in our community.
Jon Dreyer
Chase Avenue