Ward stand on 'gay' as insult disheartening

I recently read an article about the U46 bullying prevention program and Jeanette Ward's opposition to the curriculum concerning the use of the word "gay." Ward believes that using "gay" as an insult shouldn't be seen the same way as insults like "girlie" and "retarded," because she thinks those are not choices, but "homosexual behavior" is.

It is disheartening to see many people, especially our elected officials, argue that being gay is a choice, when studies show that is not the case. I believe, regardless of whether you think being gay is a choice or not, that no child should be subjected to bullying for any reason.

Some, like Mrs. Ward, say that it is the job of the parents to handle these sensitive issues. I agree that, ideally, parents should be involved, but not all students have parents that are as involved in their lives as they should be. This is unfortunate, but that forces the district to handle these issues when they arise at school.

It is the school board's responsibility to set policy, direction and provide leadership for every administrator, teacher and staff in U46, and to make sure that all students are given a safe learning environment. Given the appalling rate of suicide among gay teens, we should be doing everything in our power as a community to express support for these vulnerable youth.

If parents want to instill other values in their children and teach them to think negatively about a group of people, that is unfortunate, but that is their right. Letting them bully others based on those beliefs, however, is wrong. Our public education system is an institution in which people of all backgrounds should be able to take part without bullying. It is the job of the U46 school board, including Jeanette Ward, to make sure this is achieved.

Betsy Couture

Elgin