ACTION ALERT ***** GLSTN RESPONDS TO CWA ADVERTISEMENT ***** ACTION ALERT Provided by: GLSTN 122 West 26th Street, Suite 1100 New York, NY 10001 USA Tel: (212) 727-0135 Email: glstn@glstn.org Web: http://www.glstn.org/freedom/ October 15, 1995 Most of you are aware of the anti-gay advertising campaign being waged by the Concerned Women for America (CWA). The following is contained in this ACTION ALERT: 1. GLSTN PRESS RELEASE 2. FULL TEXT OF THE CWA AD 3. A FACT SHEET ON THE CWA AND THE ADVERTISEMENT 4. AN ACTION PLAN YOU CAN TAKE 5. A SAMPLE LETTER TO THE EDITOR Thank you for your efforts. John Spear Assistant Director GLSTN ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kevin Jennings, Executive Director or John Spear, Assistant Director (212) 727-0135 Gay History Month Sponsors Denounce Radical Right Ads on the Event New York, NY (October 15, 1995)--The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Teachers Network, the sponsoring organization of National Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual History Month, responded harshly today to paid ads placed by the far right group called "Concerned Women for America" in newspapers in St. Louis, Cleveland, Seattle, and other cities, which "distort and defame the History Month Project," according to Kevin Jennings, GLSTN's Executive Director. The History Month Project, initiated in 1994 by teachers seeking to redress the absence of gay history in their curriculum, has been endorsed by more than one hundred organizations in addition to the National Education Association, as well as numerous elected officials including the Governors of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Oregon. The CWA ads depict History Month as a project of the NEA rather than one coming from grass-roots teachers, and portray the Project as one that will "require students to...[take part in] celebrating the history of a group of people who historically prey on the innocence of minors." "The attacks being launched on History Month are the products of fantasies and lies," said Jennings. "The CWA hasn't even looked at our curriculum materials," he added "and doesn't cite in their ads any programs or facts drawn from our work." Jennings reacted particularly harshly to the CWA's attempt to link gay history with child molestation. "What groups like the CWA don't want to talk about is the fact that a child is one hundred more times more likely to be molested by a heterosexual male family member than by a gay person," Jennings said, referring to a 1994 Pediatrics study on the subject. "They aren't interested in what is really happening in our schools or with our kids: they're just seeking to create panic and hysteria among parents to stampede them into supporting their own extremist agenda." "The real 'agenda' here is to insure that students learn a complete history of our nation," Jennings stated. "Whether groups like the CWA like it or not, gay people are part of this country, and gay issues are a major topic for discussion at this time," said Jennings, a former high school history teacher. "Students take history classes to understand the world in which they live. How can they understand the current world, in which gay issues are so prominent, if they learn no history that explains where these issues came from?" Jennings called upon educators to stand fast in the face of the CWA assault. "The fact is, we have to tell the truth about history when we teach it, and gay people are part of our history. To pretend that this isn't the case is to fail our students, and to teach them a set of lies instead." The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Teachers Network is a national organization of teachers, parents, and concerned citizens to insure that schools are places where all people are respected and valued, regardless of sexual orientation. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** The following is the full text of the CWA Advertisement which appeared in the Des Moines Register, Indianapolis Star, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Seattle Times, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Sacramento Bee, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, The University Star (paper of South West Texas State University), and the Omaha World Herald on Friday, October 13. CELEBRATING GAY AND LESBIAN HISTORY MONTH IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS NOT JUST A BAD IDEA IT'S A RESOLUTION OF THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION. THIS IS COMPLETELY TRUE The NEA, this nation's largest education union, passed a resolution this summer at their annual convention. This resolution (reprinted in the center of this ad) advances the celebration of gays. lesbians, bisexuals and transex-uals (sic) for an entire month in all public schools throughout the nation. This idea that school children should celebrate homosexuality at all--much less an entire month of study--is proof of how misguided the NEA is. They sincerely expect an entire nation of schoolchildren to accept the homosex-ual, lesbian, and bisexual lifestyle as normal. THIS IS A BLATANT ATTACK ON CHILDREN AND SCHOOLS What's really frightening is the thought that our children will be celebrating the history of a group of people who historically prey on the innocence of minors. That's a fact (although not politically correct). According to the Reisman & Johnson Report, 1995, among the 166 gays and lesbians of historical significance, 49% admitted to having sex with a minor. This information comes directly from the Alyson Almanac, the fact book of the lesbian and gay community. This Almanac claims some research indicates that Jesus Christ, Winston Churchill, and George Washington were homosexuals. This Almanac is likely to be the main resource for selecting who your children will study during this month-long celebration. THIS IS A MOCKERY OF HIGHER EDUCATION Imagine the environment your children will be in for an entire month. As with any month of study, the library, lunchroom, and hallways will be covered in posters promoting the gay and lesbian community and celebrating their "lifestyle." Think about the guest speakers--their topics for discussion and how they are likely to present themselves to the full assembly of the school. Consider the personal involvement your child will experience when they are required to conduct a study and write a report on a homosexual, lesbian, and bisexual. And then there are films to watch and pro-homosexual displays to build in the classrooms. Just imagine. THIS IS A THREAT TO MORALITY & DECENCY Anything that can be done to chip away morality and family values will further this extremist cause. This resolution is just another example of how our society is being manipulated. Our children and our schools are clearly being targeted. And in the process, the nation's largest teachers union is helping to make it happen. THIS MUST BE STOPPED NOW It is vital that this campaign by the National Education Association be exposed and stopped. That's why we have developed an action information packet free to anyone who calls the phone number below. These packets include a copy of the NEA resolution and information on how you can stop this from entering in your children's schools. Homosexual organizations have selected October as Lesbian and Gay History Month. It's already being celebrated in some schools. It may be celebrated at your school before the month is over. Please call now. This must be stopped. Concerned Women for America P.O. Box 65453, Washington, DC 20035-5453 CALL 1-800-955-2120 (insert of NEA Resolution) The 1995-96 Resolutions of the National Education Association. B-9. Sexual Orientation The National Education Association recognizes the importance of raising the awareness and increasing the sensitivity of staff, students, parents, and the community to sexual orientation in our society. The Association therefore supports the development of positive plans that lead to effective ongoing training programs for education employees for the purpose of identifying and eliminating sexual orientation stereotyping in the educational setting. Such programs should attend to but not be limited to-- a. Accurate portrayal of the roles and contributions of gay, lesbian, and bisexual people throughout history, with acknowledgment of their sexual orientation. b. The acceptance of diverse sexual orientation and the awareness of sexual stereotyping whenever sexually and/or tolerance of diversity is taught. c. Elimination of sexual orientation name-calling and jokes in the classroom. d. Support for the celebration of a Lesbian and Gay History Month as a means of acknowledging the contributions of lesbians, gays, and bisexuals throughout history. (94, 95) ***** ***** FACT SHEET ***** ***** THE HISTORY MONTH PROJECT RESPONSE TO THE CONCERNED WOMEN FOR AMERICA ADVERTISEMENTS OCTOBER 15, 1995 In advertisements placed in newspapers October 13, 1995, the Concerned Women of America made a number of claims which are best viewed as fiction designed to exploit stereotypes and hatred against gay and lesbian people. The facts speak for themselves: CLAIM: The National Education Association created Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual (LGB) History Month and recommends that LGB History be celebrated "for an entire month in all public schools throughout the nation." FACT: This is merely an extension of an ongoing series of attacks by the CWA against the NEA that go back years. LGB History Month was created by teachers, librarians, and community organizations. The NEA's endorsement was courageous. But, the NEA has offered no plans for any introduction of any LGB History curriculum in any school. FACT #2: Learning about LGB History is not just for students. There are close to 1000 events on the 1995 LGB History Month calendar and most have nothing to do with schools. Again, the CWA creates a smoke screen for its own extreme purposes. CLAIM: Gay and lesbian people "prey on the innocence of minors." FACT: This statement is repugnant. Fear that gay and lesbian people abuse children is a loathsome repetition of old stereotypes. * A child is 100 times more likely to be molested by family member than by some gay or lesbian (Jenny, Roesler & Poyer, Pediatrics, July 1994). * No evidence has ever demonstrated that children are at greater risk to be molested by identifiable homosexuals than by other adults (Jenny, et al, 1994). CLAIM: Children will be asked to study whether Jesus Christ was gay, school posters will "celebrate the gay and lesbian lifestyle," and watch films about gays and lesbians. FACT: This is a complete fabrication by the CWA. The entire genesis for the LGB History Month idea was the complete lack of curriculum materials on the subject. CWA NEVER ASKED FOR NOR REVIEWED ANY CURRICULUM MATERIALS PRODUCED BY THE LGB HISTORY MONTH PROJECT. CLAIM: This is an attack on children and students. FACT: The purpose of the study of history is to teach people how to understand the life around them. Gay and lesbian people and issues are a part of our world. Without an accurate historical portrayal of gays and lesbians, how can we be prepared to deal the world around us? Indeed, the only way to protect young people is to equip them with information. WHAT DOES THE CWA NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW? FACT #1: History that does not include gay and lesbian people is not accurate. How can the CWA justify excluding gay and lesbian people as a matter of education policy? Open any high school history text and look for references to homosexuality. You will find few or any references to people who have made great political, artistic, literary, economic, and athletic contributions to our world. FACT #2: Those who call for the CWA packet have their names sold to other far right groups and are solicited continuously for donations. This issue is simply another opportunity for the CWA to exploit to obtain funds. FACT #3: Our gay and lesbian young are in crisis. * 80% of gay and lesbian youth are victims of verbal insults (Pilkington & D'Augelli, 1995) * 44% report being threatened by physical attack (Pilkington & D'Augelli, 1995) * 22% of boys and 29% of girls report being physically attacked by other students (Pilkington & D'Augelli, 1995). * 7% report being physically hurt by a teacher (Pilkington & D'Augelli, 1995). * 42% of the youths reported a past suicide attempt (D'Augelli & Hershberger, 1993). * Gay youth are 2 to 3 times more likely to attempt suicide than other young people (US Dept. of Health & Human Services, 1989) * Suicides by gay/lesbian youth may comprise up to 30% of completed youth suicides annually (US HHS, 1989). * Suicide is the leading cause of death among gay male, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual youth (US HHS, 1989). FACT #4: Distorted, hateful advertisements like the ones placed by the CWA are the direct cause of increases in hate crimes. According to studies during the anti-gay initiatives in Colorado and Oregon in 1992, violence against lesbians and gay men escalated. * In the month after approval of Amendment 2 in Colorado, reports of anti-gay violence increased by 800% over reports received in the same month in the previous year. Anti-gay violence in 1992 in Colorado increased 129% over 1991 (Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Colorado, 1993). * Those opposed to the initiate in Oregon were routinely attacked. The office of Campaign for a Hate Free Oregon was ransacked, and its campaign donor lists were stolen. People whose names were on those lists received phone and mail death threats. Two people were murdered after skinheads firebombed their house (NGLTF Policy Institute, 1994) * The day the CWA placed its advertisements, the national LGB History Month office received several telephone calls saying "all gay people should be dead," and "AIDS would finally rid the world of gay people." The facts are clear. The time has come to put away fear and hatred. "If we do not learn from the mistakes of the past, we are doomed to repeat them." We make the greatest sacrifice if we neglect to equip our young people with the information and tools necessary to understand the world around them. And we make a huge mistake by not offering information and ideas to our adults in an effort to undue centuries of prejudice and hate. For More Information Contact: THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL HISTORY MONTH PROJECT c/o The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Teachers Network (GLSTN) 122 West 26th St., Suite 1100 New York, NY 10001 PHONE: (212) 727-0135 FAX: (212) 727-0254 E-MAIL: GLSTN@glstn.org ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ACTION PLAN * CALL GLSTN (212) 727-0135 IF YOU SEE CWA ADS IN YOUR LOCAL PAPERS TO HELP US WITH OUR TRACKING EFFORTS. * WRITE LETTERS TO THE EDITORS OF THE PAPERS THAT CWA AD RAN IN LAST WEEK. USE THE ABOVE FACT SHEET TO DEVELOP TALKING POINTS (SAMPLE LETTERS FOLLOW THE ACTION ALERT) SACRAMENTO BEE PO Box 15779 2100 Q Street Sacramento, CA 95852 TEL: 916-321-1000 FAX: 916-321-1109 E-MAIL: sacbedit@netcom.com INDIANAPOLIS STAR P.O. Box 145 Indianapolis, IN 46206 TEL: 317-633-1240 FAX: 317-633-9423 DES MOINES REGISTER 715 Locust St. PO Box 957 Des Moines, IA 50304 TEL: 515-284-8000 FAX: 515-286-2511 EMAIL: dsmreg@delphi.com SEATTLE TIMES 1120 John St., P.O. Box 70 Seattle, WA 98111 TEL: 206-464-2111 FAX: 206-382-6760 E-MAIL: opinion@seatimes.com SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER 101 Elliot Avenue West P.O. Box 1909 Seattle, WA 98119 TEL: 206-448-8000 FAX: 206-448-8166 CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER 1801 Superior Ave., NE Cleveland, OH 44114 TEL: 216-999-4800 FAX: 216-999-4145 OMAHA WORLD HERALD 1334 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68102 TEL: 402-444-1000 FAX: 402-345-4547 ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH 900 N. Tucker Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63101 TEL: 314-340-8000 FAX: 314-340-3139 National New Editor Freivogel, Margaret EMAIL:mfreivogel@pd.stlnet.com Assistant Managing Editor/News Kingcade, Carolyn EMAIL: ckingcade@pd.stlnet.com Columnist Greg Freeman EMAIL: gfreeman@pd.stlnet.com "THE UNIVERSITY STAR" South West Texas State University The Daily University Star Online Student Publications 102 Old Main Southwest Texas State University San Marcos, TX 78666-4616 TEL: 512-245-3487 FAX: 512-245-3708 Letters to the editor EMAIL: jh@swt.edu [250 words or less policy] Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Trevathan EMAIL: jt17875@swt.edu Advertising Manager Karl Boysen EMAIL: kb05@swt.edu Opinions Editor C.J. Hart EMAIL: ch27580@swt.edu * Call/write the NEA and tell them you commend the resolution passed via democratic process by its membership. Let them know you are a citizen concerned about equity in education and fair treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. CWA has flooded the NEA's office with over 20,000 letters and phone calls. Contact: Keith Geiger, President National Education Association 1201 16th St. NW Washington, DC 20036-3290 TEL: 202.833.4000 FAX: 202.822.7974 * Schedule a meeting with the editorial board of your local paper to make sure they understand why it is inappropriate to publish articles or ads that demean gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. Contact: GLAAD-NY 212/807-1700 GLAAD-LA 213/658-6776 Request their "MEDIA GUIDE TO THE GAY AND LESBIAN COMMUNITY," which you can give the editorial board at your meeting. * Call your local GLSTN chapter and ask how you can help them program for this and future history months (GLSTN/National 212/727-0135 can provide your regional chapter's contact information. * Call your local or state-wide gay-rights organization, and ask how you can support them as they work to educate your state's media. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** SAMPLE LETTER TO THE EDITOR October 15, 1995 Letters to the Editor The Sacramento Bee PO Box 15779 2100 Q Street Sacramento, CA 95852 To the Editor: I was disappointed to learn the Sacramento Bee ran an advertisement (Friday, October 13) by the Concerned Women For America, an organization known to use fear and ignorance of gay men and lesbians as a fundraising tool. The CWA ad portrays gay men and lesbians as pedophiles and a threat to children. These dangerous myths have been contradicted time and time again. In fact, a study done as recently as July of last year (Pediatrics, July, 1994) found that over 99% of child molestation is perpetrated by heterosexuals (most by relatives of the child). The lesson CWA has to learn is that homosexuality is not a threat to our children: ignorance is. I urge the Sacramento Bee to issue an apology for printing the damaging myths and stereotypes perpetuated by the CWA. Sincerely, John Spear, Assistant Director The Gay, Lesbian Straight Teachers Network ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** This document is part of THE GLSTN TOOLBOX, an online resource of practical information and tools, for educators, students, parents and community organizers, to help fight homophobia in K-12 schools. Founded in 1990 as a regional volunteer organization in Boston, The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Teachers Network (GLSTN) today has over 20 chapters around the country and is the largest organization of teachers and community members dedicated to ensuring that all students are valued and respected, regardless of sexual orientation. GLSTN's work includes community organizing, providing programming to schools, and developing materials that teachers can use to raise awareness among their colleagues and students. Membership is open to all who are committed to ending homophobia in schools, regardless of sexual orientation or occupation. The GLSTN TOOLBOX is available from at GLSTN's World Wide Web Site: http://www.glstn.org/freedom/ In the interest of sharing this information with others, you may copy and redistribute this document provided that all notices remain intact. You may not charge or make a profit from the redistribution of this material. If you have writing which you would like to contribute to The GLSTN TOOLBOX, please contact us by phone at (212) 727-0135 or by email at glstn@glstn.org.