Separate schools for gay and lesbian students?

There should not be a separate school for those individuals who choose to be gay (“Are schools for gay students a good idea?” Speak Out, November 2003). Homosexuality is a learned behavior, not something you are born with. A school is for learning basic skills so that all students are prepared for college and a future career. School is not a place for defining your sexuality.

—Tracee Jackson
Atlanta, GA

What about a school for fat kids, kids with eyeglasses, extra-tall kids and others? Why stop at a school for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered)? The problem that Mr. Ettman misses is that while the children might be safe within the confines of Harvey Milk school, what happens when they leave it? Will they be safe from the “bullies” who have not learned tolerance while coexisting and learning with them? What if while in the regular schools the students were never forced to encounter any gay/lesbian students, then what? How would they learn to deal with “those” kids?

The only way to learn about each other is to live, work and learn together.

—Loreta Torres
San Francisco, CA

I have read the pros and cons of an LGBT school. Speaking from a position of having been gay in high school in a redneck Texas town, I think the school is a great idea. My reasons for being on the pro side is that it would have been possible for me to explore my sexuality, date, hold hands and maybe sneak a kiss from a boyfriend like the straight couples did in school. That was something I was denied because of where I was.

The school would give a relief to the kids who otherwise had to watch everything they did so they would not be ridiculed or get the crap kicked out of them. However, I think the school should be open to those straight kids who do not care about anyone’s sexuality. There are straight kids who get bullied and would welcome the relief of not having to worry about the bullies simply because they were somehow different and were picked on all the time.

—Paul Walker
Huntsville, TX

I think this school [for gay and lesbian students] is a major waste of taxpayer money. Prejudice and hatred need to be addressed in the public schools. Creating a separate school does not seem like a good answer. Give the teachers and staff more control over creating a safe environment and teach “no tolerance” for hate and prejudice, and there would be no need to waste taxpayer money.

—Dave Eckroth
Billings, MT

Do we segregate and/or isolate people based on their sexual orientation, or do we create a safe and accepting environment for all students within the regular school structure?

IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) has long put forth the premise that students be educated in an “inclusive” environment. I know from experience that inclusion works to promote compassion and tolerance among students of all stripes. Why not with LGBT students?

We need to focus on the safety and security of all students. I agree with Mr. Dobbs that schools in general have failed to provide a safe environment for students and for staff. If students break the law by harassing, bullying or assaulting their fellow students or adult staff, then they must be made to face the consequences of their behavior.

We as a society have come quite far in the area of civil rights. We no longer segregate students based on race or disability. Why do so based on sexual orientation?

—Bob Maguire
Clayton, NY

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