Griggs letter to Gazette, 2/12/12

 Feb. 12 , 2012

I am writing in response to your Feb. 15 article, “Controversial flier could prompt policy changes.”

Contrary to comments made by Superintendent of Schools Joshua Starr that our ex­gay fliers are “deplorable,” the only thing deplorable is Starr’s bigotry against former homosexuals.

By spewing hate and intolerance against the ex­gay community, Starr has violated the Montgomery Board of Education’s nondiscrimination policy, which forbids verbal abuse and disrespectful behavior on the basis of sexual orientation.

‘Our fliers provided information to students with unwanted

same­ sex attractions, discouraged name calling and labeling, and urged tolerance for all. We at Parents and Friends of Ex­Gays & Gays have been distributing fliers for the past five years. Gay groups also distribute fliers.

Starr’s flagrant violation of the policy demonstrates that all diversity education must include ex­gays, which is the only sexual orientation discriminated against in Montgomery County public schools.

Instead of reviewing its flier policy, the Board of Education must review its nondiscrimination policy and remedy this blatant discrimination. 

Regina Griggs, Reedville, Va.
The writer is executive director of PFOX