California Family Minute

Often dubbed a child’s first teacher, moms and dads are called to take primary responsibility for every aspect of their children’s development. Yet a time-tested strategy (summed up in the Abraham Lincoln quote, “The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next”) has been employed by opponents of traditional values and families, in an attempt to normalize controversial ideas and behaviors in curricula.  Just as values in today’s society have been diluted by exposure to questionable news, entertainment and devotees to alternative behaviors, so, too, our children are being transformed by the philosophies they learn in school, see in the movies and hear from peers. 

Changes in education wrought by passage of pro-homosexual legislation and policies in California recently are now being replicated on the federal level. Pro-homosexual activist groups like GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) and the GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) – whose aim is to promote homosexuality in public schools under the guise of “safe schools” – have carved inroads into schools nationwide. These groups know that, if they can capture the hearts and minds of the next generation, they have won the culture war. 

This fall, Mason Crest Publishers, a specialty curriculum company that produces education books on “under-published” subjects, is releasing a 15-book series of homosexual curriculum aimed at middle-school students. CEO Philip Cohen explained, “Forty years ago, homosexuality was considered a psychological disorder. Today,” he said, “it’s becoming an accepted part of our society, no longer something hidden and taboo. Homosexuality has come out of the closet and we are proud to be the pioneers of this new series to educate young adults in a positive tone.” James Sears, senior consulting editor, said, “By teaching young people. . .that gender and sexuality cover a spectrum of expression, we extinguish the notion of difference or ‘queerness’ that fuels bigotry, intolerance and hatred.”

Candi Cushman, education analyst for CitizenLink, said this is a dangerous, one-sided trend, impacting children at a point of vulnerability. Social science data has shown a significant number of ‘tweens and teens are unsure about their sexuality during this phase of maturity. Cushman explained, “Clearly, the middle and high school years are a crucial and vulnerable time for children who are developing in many ways. Schools certainly shouldn’t be opening their doors to messages that push children into prematurely embracing a sexual identity based on the demands of outside advocacy groups.”

In the next few days or weeks, many uninformed parents may send their children off to their neighborhood schools, and it is imperative for parents to remain involved. Volunteer in your child’s or grandchild’s class, attend school board meetings, and volunteer to serve on school committees. Examine reading lists and textbooks, and keep open the lines of communication – with your child and his/her peers, the teacher, and other parents. Fill out and file an opt-out form to protect your child from sex education that may conflict with the values taught in your home. Carefully read and question forms you are asked to sign – especially in the back-to-school rush. Pray, become informed, and become your child’s best advocate in the schools.