Teaching respect of students has nothing to do with sex

Published 3:07 pm Thursday, May 7, 2009

It would take too much space here to present the research and statistics on gay vs. straight youth drug/alcohol use, depression, dropout rate and suicide – all evidence as to why the “Day of Silence” is important and needed. But my reason for writing this letter is because comments as “Middle schoolers in particular should not be encouraged in any sexual behavior” are dangerous, misleading and only serve to increase ignorance, cause fear and deepen hate. Teaching respect for all students, including gay students, has nothing to do with sex. Why is the word gay associated with sex, while the word straight isn’t? Both describe a person’s sexual orientation.

And as for this being inappropriate for middle schoolers, it is not. Jaheem Herrera of Decatur, Ga., recently hung himself. He had confided to a close friend that he could no longer take the gay slurs and torment from classmates – he was a fifth grader.

Renton is a wonderful, diverse community and as responsible adults we must work together to make our schools and streets safe for all our children. To do this, we must put an end to the ignorance that only serves to breed hate and divisiveness. All of Renton’s very diverse community of young people need the respect and acceptance of each one of us.

Linda A. Baker, Renton