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Schools Must Teach More Gay, Disabled History November 16th, 2011
SACRAMENTO - For the most part, California high school students may grasp the legacy of San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk and President Barack Obama's repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" doctrine toward gays in the military.
But how many have heard of Frank Kameny, a civil servant who was fired from the Army Map Service because he was gay and became a pioneer in the gay rights movement at a time when psychiatrists labeled it a mental disorder?
Helen Keller is an icon in the blind and deaf community and, thanks to "The Miracle Worker," hers is one of the most recognizable names in American history.
But few social studies courses relate the role activist Justin Dart played in passing the landmark Americans With Disabilities Act that has changed the lives of millions of those who are blind, use wheelchairs or cannot hear.
Often obscure, figures and events in the history of the gay rights and disabled rights movements will soon have a mandatory place in the classroom right along side Martin Luther King, Cesar Chavez and Susan B. Anthony.
It's part of a first-in-the-nation law that has drawn fierce protest, particularly among those committed to the belief that parents - not teachers or lawmakers - should be the ones deciding how to approach children about the still-delicate subjects revolving around gay figures and history.
A referendum drive, which would have delayed implementation until voters could decide the law's fate, failed to gather enough signatures. There is some talk of a November 2012 ballot measure.
"Our history is more complete when we recognize the contributions of people from all backgrounds and walks of life," State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said after the legislation was signed into law in July.
Supporters say Senate Bill 48 could also help prevent bullying by presenting those who may be viewed as different in a positive light. The law also outlaws new textbooks and materials that reflect adversely on religious beliefs, and adds Pacific-Islanders to those whose contributions should be noted.
The law goes into effect Jan. 1, pushing districts to quickly formulate teacher guides....
To read more go to article source
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But how many have heard of Frank Kameny, a civil servant who was fired from the Army Map Service because he was gay and became a pioneer in the gay rights movement at a time when psychiatrists labeled it a mental disorder?
Helen Keller is an icon in the blind and deaf community and, thanks to "The Miracle Worker," hers is one of the most recognizable names in American history.
But few social studies courses relate the role activist Justin Dart played in passing the landmark Americans With Disabilities Act that has changed the lives of millions of those who are blind, use wheelchairs or cannot hear.
Often obscure, figures and events in the history of the gay rights and disabled rights movements will soon have a mandatory place in the classroom right along side Martin Luther King, Cesar Chavez and Susan B. Anthony.
It's part of a first-in-the-nation law that has drawn fierce protest, particularly among those committed to the belief that parents - not teachers or lawmakers - should be the ones deciding how to approach children about the still-delicate subjects revolving around gay figures and history.
A referendum drive, which would have delayed implementation until voters could decide the law's fate, failed to gather enough signatures. There is some talk of a November 2012 ballot measure.
"Our history is more complete when we recognize the contributions of people from all backgrounds and walks of life," State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said after the legislation was signed into law in July.
Supporters say Senate Bill 48 could also help prevent bullying by presenting those who may be viewed as different in a positive light. The law also outlaws new textbooks and materials that reflect adversely on religious beliefs, and adds Pacific-Islanders to those whose contributions should be noted.
The law goes into effect Jan. 1, pushing districts to quickly formulate teacher guides....
To read more go to article source
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