As I write this, the delegates to the National Educational Association convention in Los Angeles are debating a new business item that would put the NEA on record as opposing conservative views regarding the presentation of sexual orientation in schools. Here is the New Business Item:

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 82

NEA will develop a comprehensive strategy to deal with the new and more sophisticated attacks on curricula, policies, and practices that support GLBT students, families, and staff members in public schools.

Rationale/Background

Extremist groups are using increasingly sophisticated and aggressive tactics to attack school districts with affirming GLBT policies, curriculum and practices. These tactics include litigation, so-called "Days of Truth" and attacks on the rights of gay students to form clubs. These groups are making schools less safe and are infringing on our members academic freedom.

Submitted by

50 Delegates

Contact Person/Mover

Tom Nicholas, Connecticut

Relevant Strategic Priority

Student Achievement

Cost Implications

This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2005-06 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

How this relates to student achievement, I have no idea. Free speech and tolerance are great things for the mover of this New Business Item until he hears something he can't tolerate.