MCPS Staff Response to CAC (Excerpts), Dec. 2006

 Excerpts from Dec. 2006 Staff Response to Proposed Changes to Grade 10 Lesson “Respect for Differences in Human Sexuality” by Citizens Advisory Committee on Family Life and Human Sexuality

9[CAC Recommendation] In the lesson, add a teacher resource information sheet containing the following information for presentation to students:

“Other things to know:

•  “Children who have fleeting same-sex attractions may assume incorrectly that they are gay or lesbian. Mere fleeting attraction does not prove sexual orientation.”

•  “All mainstream medical and mental health professionals have concluded that homosexuality is not a disease or a mental illness.” [referenced at Compendium pp. 3, 27-28]

•  “The American Academy of Pediatrics says that most experts have concluded that ‘one's sexual orientation is not a choice; that is, individuals do not choose to be homosexual or heterosexual.’ Moreover, according to the American Psychological Association, sexual orientation is not a ‘conscious choice that can voluntarily be changed.’ Similarly, the American Medical Association opposes ‘therapies’ that seek to change sexual orientation that are premised on the assumption that homosexuality is an illness and that people should change. [referenced at Compendium pp. 3, 27, 1]

•  “Homosexuals can live happy, successful lives; they ‘can be successful parents.’ [referenced at Compendium pp. 6, 27-28]

•  “Children raised by same-sex couples do just as well as those raised by heterosexuals, and are no more likely to be homosexual.” [referenced at Compendium 28]

[Staff Response] Disagree. The recommended new material does not align with target indicators and objectives for the lesson.

[CAC Recommendation]In the lesson, add the following: “An individual has the right to label him or herself but others should not label individuals based on appearance or behavior.”

[Staff Response]Agree, with modification. On page 4, in section Extend by under first bullet Answering questions for clarification, add a second indented bullet: “If students ask how a person can determine another’s sexual orientation, say, ‘Individuals have the right to label themselves but others should not label individuals based on appearance or behavior.’” (AAP)

10          CAC Recommendations                                                           Staff Responses

11	In the lesson, add the following: “Civil expressions of disapproval of homosexual behavior out of sincere religious, moral, or health-related concerns should not be labeled as homophobia.”	Agree with modification. On page 2, Vocabulary, add definition of homophobia as, “an extreme or irrational aversion to homosexuality and homosexual people.” (Random House Webster’s Dictionary, 2001). This definition of homophobia excludes civil expressions of disagreement.
12	In the lesson, add the following: “The American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend the support group Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).”	Disagree. This recommendation does not align with target indicators and objectives for the lesson.
13	On Page 10, MCPS Policy Excerpts, add a bullet at the bottom of the page stating: “MCPS will investigate all allegations and take appropriate disciplinary action when MCPS policies are violated.”	Agree with modification. “When students report incidents, MCPS will investigate human relations concerns and complaints of discrimination. (Policy ACA and Policy ACB)”
14	On Page 10, MCPS Policy Excerpts, add specific information on how to report an incident at school and include copies of any appropriate forms.	Agree with modification. Students will be informed, using the statement in item 13.
15	On Page 11, Student Resource Activities Sheet, change question III. B. to: “What are some advantages and disadvantages to revealing one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity?”	Agree. Revise question as recommended.