activities, or materials that simply reference same-gender parents or that otherwise
recognize the existence of differences in sexual orientation. Accordingly, I expect
teachers to continue to allow children access to such activities and materials to the
extent appropriate to children's ages, to district goals of respecting diversity, and
to the curriculum. As this new school year begins, I look forward to working with
the Lexington community to provide a positive educational environment for all
students.
44. This release is inaccurate and intentionally crafted to demean the Parkers' legitimate and
constitutional concerns. Specific problems are identified below:
A.
The language of the statute is quoted incorrectly. The actual language refers to
"human sexuality issues" not "human sexual issues."
B.
The phrase "In Lexington, curriculum identified by the statute begins in fifth
grade . . ." is self-serving and misleading. The statute does not identify any
specific curriculum. It refers to topics within the constitutionally established zone
of familial privacy.
C.
The phrase "some parents have requested they be notified whenever their child
has access to any material, conversation, or activity that acknowledges differences
in sexual orientation, including any reference to families with same-gender
parents," is clearly intended to refer to the plaintiffs and other like-minded Judeo-
Christians. It belittles their constitutional concerns by suggesting that the
plaintiffs wish to interfere or control playground banter, when, in fact, at all
pertinent times the plaintiffs explicitly expressed concern only with adult-initiated
indoctrination.
45. In December 2005, the defendant Superintendent Ash formally rejected the Parkers'
request for notification.
46. These actions caused the plaintiffs severe emotional distress.