Odemus

http://www.cnn.com/2003/EDUCATION/07....ap/index.html

Is there really a need for such a thing? The more I see the national social norm stressing tolerance of all people for all people, the more I see people being labelled, isolated, and defined in terms of victimhood.

Some obvious questions arise.

1) Does a 14 year old child have the capacity to really know his/her sexual orientation? Do schools have the right to promote an agenda of sexual exploration?

2) What are the requirements for being a "gay" student? Do you need to have actually engaged in homosexual activity?If this is the case wouldn't the school in fact be promoting homosexuality by forcing kids to engage in homosexual acts to gain admittance?

3) If the requirment for admittance only specifies that a child must have gay feelings or something of that nature, what is to prevent any kid who simply feels harrassed from trying to get into this school?

4)Which brings me to my next question: If the purpose of this school is to provide an environement free from harrassment, why not extend admittance to all children who are beaten up, picked on or otherwise harrassed? Why do gay students get such special treatment?

Fr.Andrew

(Fr Andrew): Sure. At the very least a 14-year has the capacity to be confused about his/her sexual orientation.
I'm not sure where I come down on a separate school for gay kids--I don't think that's the way to achieve an open, tolerant society--but I'm well aware of the damage done a kid's education (and self-esteem) when he's afraid to go to school.

(Fr Andrew): You don't have to engage in sex to be aware of your sexual orientation. Or to be harrassed because of it.

(Fr Andrew): Nothing, I don't suppose. But the subterfuge wouldn't last very long.

(Fr Andrew): I'll see if I can find an article, but there was something not long ago about a high school board voting down an anti-bullying program at the insistence of the religious faction, because they were afraid that homophobic sentiments (and behavior) would be construed as bullying and this would deny children their Christian right to harrass homosexuals.

Fr.Andrew

(Fr Andrew): Here's one

Ronin

That's one damn creepy article Fr.Andrew.

I think privately funded schools can promote any special interest they wish and need to read up a little more on how this school is supported.

Ronin

It appears to be privately supported by a likeminded advocacy group and not from the public tax base...so this seems as acceptable as the requirements of this christian school.

From the article ~ Is there a different way to teach christians? Is there christ math?

Why do christians homeschool?

This school is cool.

Vylo

They know enough to get pregnant.

GET ON YOUR KNEES!

I suppose that could happen, but somehow I don't think that would do anything to lessen harrassment, particularly in the gym showers.

I am guessing that is the reason, in which case I see no problem allowing other children in so long as they don't go there and harrass the homosexual students. I don't know how many children would jump up at this opportunity as it may be slightly uncomfortable.

Really I don't see too much reason for this school, separating gay people from society only makes them more isolated. I'm not found of the thought of some gay guy checking me out, but hey as long as he only looks I won't lose any sleep over it.

Arken

Sorry for the hijack here, but why not? I'm heterosexual but I don't care if a gay guy checks me out or even comes on to me... I mean, as long as they understood that no meant no, I don't see the big deal. I'd say the same about any woman who came on to me that I had no sexual interest in. If nothing else, it's a bit flattering, IMO.

Vylo

While I have no problem with homosexual people ( I work for a lesbian, I have a gay cousin, and my friend's uncle is gay; all very nice people), I find homosexuality physically revolting.

Calzaer

There's a christ science... it's called "lying through your teeth".

Fr.Andrew

(Fr Andrew): Here's another.
I collected these for a Harm of Religion thing I used to do. I challenged theists to provide an equally long list of the good things that religion has done for mankind.