5/11/2012
Porterville, Ca

John
Smith/Monache
Teachers should be required to teach about homosexuality in schools, since any form of knowledge or culture should be taught, as long as this knowledge does not violate the law. Teaching about religion in the class should only be allowed if all religions are represented equally, and ethics and morals should be taught about as long as the teacher does not give any unreasonable bias for or against any one moral code. Homosexuality is just the same, and it should be taught about to the students so that the students attain an adequate education, but homosexuality should not be discriminated against in these classrooms.

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5/11/2012
Porterville CA

Anthony
Smith/Monache
I beleive that homesexuality shouldnt be talked to by teachers in an elementary school because there is children facing bullying on sexuality. Yet as middle school students it shouldnt be a problem they are mature enough to talk and know about there sexuality. If reproduction is being discussed then they should be allowed to talk about it with any couple not just straight people.

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2/9/2012
chatsworth ga

chris
children attend eton elementary
I dont understand why this subject is even being brought up because last time a checked the tax payers were paying schools to educate there children to teach them to be sucessful in the work force not to educate them because somebody thinks they won't to teach it. Teaching morals ,and the right way to do thing is the parents job .

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2/1/2012
Porterville California

John
Mr Smith of Monache High
This question is very similar to another thing being prohibited to be taught at school. Have an idea? I believe we do have the right to teach homosexuality as just information rather what non-thinkers would believe is pursuing to young children as well as young adults.

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1/20/2012
Benson Arizona

Kendra Marie
Mr.Sorenson /Benson High School
I believe that homosexuality should not be taught. When you are in elementary and middle school you do not think about things like that, so when you begin teaching it it begins to encourage to those that it is okay, and they start to think more about it. I believe that is the responsibility of the parents to learn about such issue, if they want their children to learn about homosexuality then teach it. But there is some parents and teachers that are embarrassed and disturbed to talk to children about sex, unprotected sex, and STD's, so I am sure they won't be exactly happy to teach homosexuality without being uncomfortable. When people argue against it and say it's people own personal choices, I completly agree, that is why i don't think it HAS to be taught, it is an own personal choice so learn it on your own time.

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11/1/2011
Watertown MA

Margaret
Rimas / Watertown HS
I do not think that Homosexuality should be banned in any school. It is one of the biggest topics, and debates in the world right now. What if the children are questionable now even at a young age. They should be able to ask their teachers about this. People who are against Gay rights ; do not think about what makes those people happy. Because all they think is that they are going against the others religion and ruining their lives. When all they want in life is to be happy with the choices we make. That is why we have freedom in this country, to be able to make life choices on our own with no one standing in the way. There was just a law passed "Don't ask don't tell" Gave people the right to be open about being gay in the army. This is letting more people know about how it is okay to be open about this. I think that everyone should know about this, because it is not going to influence them. It is a choice that people have made to live their lives. And all the people in the world who are against this, won't give them a chance to live their lives.

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10/19/2011
Sidney Mt.

Ryan Sullivan
Ms. Fontana SHS
Homosexuality should not be taught. I feel that teaching it is just encouraging it. There is a theory that People are homosexual because of testerone levels but i believe that it is more of a psychological thing. If you think that it is more acceptable, it will be more common. I'm not a homophobe or discriminatory against gays, but let's be real... encouraging this would be disturbing to some people.

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10/19/2011
Montana

Kodi
Fontana
I think that homosexuality shouldn't be banned from discussions in school, even in class. It's an obvious hot topic in our world today and if anything, students should discuss it in order to stay informed. Ignorance isn't always bliss and treating homosexuality like it's an innappropriate discussion topic just makes it seem like it's frowned upon and looked down on, which shouldn't be the case. It's each individuals' own personal choice.

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10/19/2011
Sidney/Mt.

Katey
Ms. Fontana/Sidney High School.
I don't think this should be discussed in schools. It's a subject that not many people embrace. I understand that kids are going to learn about it anyway, but it should be their choice if they want to learn about it or not. I do think its better left alone.

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10/12/2011
Sidney MT

Stephanie
Ms.Fontana/Sidney High School
I don't think that elementary childern should learn about homosexuality just yet, they are way to young to learn about that. Middle school on the other hand can learn about homosexuality because they are going to learn about it anyways. As they get older so why not learn about it when your in middle school.

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10/7/2011
Sidney/Montana

Faith
Faulhaber/Sidney High School
I don't think schools should teach about homosexuality. It's a very touchy subject and it's better left alone. I can imagine it makes kids who are homosexual feel uncomfortable. People know about homosexuality and that's as far as it should go. I don't think homosexuality needs to be any more exposed than it already is.

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10/7/2011
Sidney/Montana

Sam
Ms. Fontana/Sidney High School
No, I do not think that the Tenessee legislators should pass this bill. There is no law saying you cannot be gay therefore why should there be a bill prohibiting discussions of Homosexuality? What if there are kids who question their sexuality, wouldn't teachers want them to understand boths sides. I believe many people who oppose Gay Rights don't exactly think of the people who are gay but their own beliefs and how much they find it disgusting even if they don't say it, it shows in numerous ways. Why is it such a bad thing that people who are supporting gay rights push for recongnision in schools. Its only fair that if we learn about human reproduction, straight, then we should learn about Homosexuality. You get kids to think that being homosexual is wrong there will be bullying among the school with kids who actually are gay and whose to say they will even want to announce it at school with their friends when the school is stopping all homosexual talk and making the kids dislike gays.

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10/2/2011
Sidney/Montana

Kevin
Sidney High School
I feel that students have a right to learn about their sexuality. Students can be troubled by their sexuality at a young age and learning about it in middle school can helps a lot of students figure things out. It can help students understand homosexuality and it can help students with the way they treat others and that's just the tip of the icebirg, once you enter the real world students will meet new people every day and they'll have to keep an open mind about other peoples sexuality.

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9/23/2011
Phoenixville/Pennsylvania

Katrina
Renaissance Academy Charter School
I think shools should decide whether its necessary to teach about homosexuality. They should take polls and talk to the community and see where they stand and if they would want their children to learn that at such a young age. I think in middle school they should teach about homosexuality because its their years before they hit highschool and before they find themselves. Its good for them to understand that not everyone has the same views and its ok to stand out. I believe if children learned sooner they would be afraid to go to someone if they had a problem with bullying and teachers would know how to help them. Children shouldnt have to deal with bullying at school over homosexuality because its where they go to learn and where they look up to teachers for advice so how could any teacher not try to help their students.? maybe we all need to make a change in how we think and the things we react to.

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9/14/2011
Beeville/tx

big popa;)
ac jones
i think homosexuallity should be discused, because in life your going to meet millions of people and they are not always gonna be straight or like the same sex. People should not be judged or critisized by thier actions or likes and dislikes everyone is thier own person. The sooner the world and humanity realizes the reality of my statement, the better the world we would live in will be.

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9/14/2011
beeville texas

Thomas Anderson
A.C. Jones Highschool
No

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9/14/2011
beeville/Texas

jacob
mrs.thornton/AC Jones High
Schools should make kids feel more comfortable,no matter what there sexual preferences are. Everyone has there own opinions but i believe its there life and like the first amendent says freedom of expression.

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9/14/2011
beeville/Texas

jacob
mrs.thornton/AC Jones High
Schools should make kids feel more comfortable,no matter what there sexual preferences are. Everyone has there own opinions but i believe its there life and like the first amendent says freedom of expression.

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9/14/2011
beeville, texas

jason
acj
Yes i think they should teach about homosexuality. Things are changing. The teachings should change to society not from the past.

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9/6/2011
Dallas / Texas

Lauren
Braddley
I think they should teach students about homosexuality in school, because there are so many people now that are gay/lesbian. Most people do not respect others ways. There are bullies that will hurt homosexuals physically and emotionally. I think that if they are thought about it then they would be more open to peoples ways and feelings.

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9/5/2011
Irving, Tx

Stephanie
Bradley/Nimitz
Education is very important to succeed in anything and everything to want to aspire to be. In order to truly achieve a broad education not only in books but in life people need to be well versed in all things surrounding them. Our schools take charge of that initiative and asure us to an education which ew can fill with promise but f we cut a branch off from our educational tree as insignificant as it may seem then are we really taking in and absorbing all the possibilities this world holds whether they be same or different from the majority assumptions? As to really open our minds and view points and accept as we do normal or same, to really accept difference in others. Not only would being educated over homosexuality, which is inevitably making an impact, be beneficial to maintain an open mind but it would help everyone be accepted and really discover their own person.

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9/3/2011
Irving/Texas

Tahira A.
Bradley/Nimitz
Homosexuality has been a controversial topic for many years. Some are pro, against,or remain neutral about this subject. I do believe that people do have their owns rights and are free to make decision about their sexuality; it's their life and we can not control or manipulate anyone to change their minds because we simply think it's “inappropriate,” or believe that they are “misguided”, but I do strongly believe that the bill SHOULD PASS as in schools should prohibit the teachings of homosexuality. Between the ages of 5-14, children can not handle the subject of homosexuality at such a young age and I feel that they are not mature enough. As they get older, they'll be informed on homosexuality on their own. Furthermore, teaching about reproduction in Elementary and Middle School has already made parents uneasy and apprehensive about having their little babies learn about “the birds and the bees,” I'm almost certain that majority of parents will be strongly against, or will not let their 5-14 child be aware of homosexuality. Homosexuality is just not something a primary school student needs to be alarmed by, it's not a necessity. It's simply too much for a young child to handle.

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9/2/2011
Irving/Tx

Jennifer J.
Bradley/Nimitz
Homosexuality isn't a new thing. It's always been around and it will always be around. It's a fact of life. Just because the Tennessee Senate (and many others) don't want to accept it, doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. I believe that children/teens should be COMPLETELY informed about sex ed. Especially in today's society, where homosexuality is coming more and more outward. Not teaching about it almost discourages any questions or curiosities children/teens may have and encourages separation and isolation of confused kids. Many homosexuals, because of bullying and separation, end up hating themselves, or others, and schools (especially) shouldn't encourage such self loathing. In short, no, the bill shouldn't be passed and middle schoolers should be educated in all sexual orientations and feel comfortable asking "taboo" questions.

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9/2/2011
Irving, TX

Joel S.
Bradley/Nimitz
Why would students need to learn about homosexuality in school? In a Biology classroom, it’s important to teach how humans reproduce, not about their sexual orientation. What would students learn? What would teaching about homosexuality achieve? Students will learn what homosexuality is one way or another, and it is not the responsibility of a school to introduce sexual ideologies! We don’t need to introduce human sexual orientations, gay and and straight alike, in any mandatory class (such as science).

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9/2/2011
Irving/Texas

Jacob H.
Bradley/Nimitz
The topic of homosexuality has been highly contested for many years. Some believe that they are born with this "condition". I believe that this is completely incorrect. Teaching children about homosexuality at such a young age could possibly give them a reason to become attracted to the same sex, seeing as it is mostly psychological. Children can often become the outcasts and curse themselves and others while searching for a reason for the abandonment. If they are taught about homosexuality so early on, then they may begin to believe that this pertains to them. It's true that some kids are born without the correct levels of testosterone or estrogen and this may cause some to believe that they are supposed to date members of the same sex because it "feels right". But that doesn't mean that it should be allowed to go on. I know religion and state are supposed to be separate but that doesn't change the fact that homosexuality is wrong. The Bible specifically speaks against it and says that it is not the way that God created us. We were created to procreate, not ask for someone else's seed or egg so that we can have kids. This Bill is proposing the prohibition of teaching about homosexuality to elementary and middle school kids. I support the Bill wholeheartedly and I believe that more states should follow suit.

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9/1/2011
Irving, Texas

Abigail A
Bradley/Nimitz
I do not believe that elementary or secondary students should be taught about homosexuality. I think that with younger students this type of discussion will confuse them. Some of these kids are still exploring their own bodies and are not mentally equipped to comprehend matters regarding any kind of sexuality. This type of discussion is something that the parents should talk with their children when the question presents itself. I think that schools should focus more on teaching classes that will enable successful students to excel, rather than education on homosexuality.

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9/1/2011
Irving/Texas

Carmen
Bradley/Nimitz
In my opinion, I don't think they should be able to teach about homosexuality in school because kids are going to find out on there own and don't need the thought in their mind at an early age. Something that gets all humans is curiosity, which when kids figure out what it is, they are going to want to experiment! Everyone complains about homosexuality but if you start teaching it then it's just going to spread. I don't agree with homosexuality because I personally am not a victim of it, but I don't think we should spread the word of it, because it will just make it worse.

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9/1/2011
Irving/Texas

Angelica
Bradley/Nimitz
I think that the whole concern of teaching homosexuality in schools should be prohibited. Some parents might not agree with having their child being taught that. It should be the parent's decision to talk to their child about that particular subject. The parents know when it might be the right time or if their child is mature enough to understand such things. The schools shouldn't try taking that sort of responsibilty upon themselves, it wouldn't be right.

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9/1/2011
Irving/Texas

Nam P
Ms.Bradley
My thoughts and beliefs on this matter is that, children and teens these days need to be educated about sexuality. Reason because in today's society homosexuality is acceptable. I believe that the earlier they learn about this, the easier it is for them to accept the truth and respect their peers with their sexual orientation when they are mature. It wasn't long ago that homosexuality was shun as a taboo. However, most people in today's world realize that other people sexual orientation doesn't affect others' views at all, thus, doesn't harm anyone. Spreading this knowledge to the next generation can rid of hate and bring forth love and prosperity.

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9/1/2011
Irving/Texas

Shelby P
Bradley/Nimitz
The talk of homosexuality in elementary school should be prohibited because I believe that kids under the age of 12 are not yet mature enough to handle such matters. But in Middle school its a whole different ball game most people are already starting to mature and if they want to know I think it is the schools obligation to teach them. I also believe that it should be approved by the parent, of the parent has no problem with their kid learning about it, then why does it matter. So personally I don't believe that people should be able to pass a bill concerning what is taught about peoples way of life gay or straight.

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8/31/2011
Sidney/Montana

Lizzy
Mr. Faulhaber
Homosexuality isn't really that important to be taught in a middle or elementary school. First off they are too immature to handle it, and second I don't think its up to the school to teach it, its up to the parents. I believe that also not teaching it to them it would help maintain innocence and let them be kids longer. Middles schools should only teach about natural human reproduction, leave to later in life to figure homosexuality out when they are more mentally prepared for it.

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8/31/2011
Irving /Texas

Caterine Cruz
Bradley/ Nimitz High School
The bill shouldn't be passed, as stated in the article kids in elementary and middle school aren’t ready to under what that "really " means. If homosexuality is taught it would be a disaster at schools. Yes, they will have to face it later on in life, but they should try to understand them self’s first before being exposed to homosexuality. Parents of the children learning this wouldn't be happy of the situation. Parents would blame it on the school since they're teaching them what homosexuality really is. They should just need to teach things that are more important to life. If students want to learn more of homosexuality then they should take their time a research. If you teach kids about homosexuality then they can become that. So, yes they should ban homosexuality talks in schools.

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8/31/2011
Sidney, Montana

Tori
Brad Faulhaber, Sidney High School
I don't think shools should be prohibited from teaching about homosexuality. Children are going to learn avout it later on in life, wheither it be from friends, family, or social interacts. So why not teach them about it earlier on in life. That way they will be more educated on the matter and know how to deal and handle that situation later on in life.

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8/31/2011
Irving/Texas

Jose
Bradley/Nimitz
In the early stages of education, some students in elementary and middle school are less interested in the idea of school. They care more about playing Call of Duty on their Xbox 360 or watching iCarly on the Disney Channel. They have a point because their just kids, most students are to young to understand homosexuality and some just don't care. I'm not saying that its correct for students to be acting that way but to them its just another day in school where all that matters is when the final bell rings. That's not the only reason though; Discussions over whats the right pass to follow or even about the religious part of it are to complicated to deal with. The point is that teachers shouldn't be spending class time over topics that don't intrigue them. They should be focusing more on the regular curriculum; Math, English, and Science may not seem interesting now but will be more convenient to students in the long run. The time will come for the students to learn about homosexuality if they desire to. There is no need for them to be pressured into learning this in their early lives. Besides that fact, its not the school's job to teach students about homosexuality but their parent's job.

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8/31/2011
Irving/Texas

Luz V
Bradley/Nimitz
The subject of homosexuality isn't something technically important to the education aspect of school, but it is something which students will almost definitely encounter in their lives and so should in some way be educated about the subject. Elementary and middle school students shouldn't have to study entire units on gays, lesbians, bi-sexuals and transgenders; but just as they're taught to accept other people no matter their race or abilities they should also be taught that someone of a different sexual orientation shouldn't be shunned or mocked but understood and accepted. Prohibiting homosexual information from even being mentioned in schools will only produce citizens who are uneducated on the subject and more prone to discriminate against the growing homosexual population. Thus, homosexuality should not prohibited, it can neither be thrust upon school children, it is a subject that has to be included and introduced to children in order to produce compassionate and tolerant citizens.

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8/30/2011
Sidney, Montana

Jaycee
Brad Faulhaber, Sidney High School
I don't think that homosexuality should be taught in classes. It is not an important subject to study. We should be using our time in class to study about things that we need to know for the future. Homosexuality is just a way of life for someone and we do not need to learn about their lives. In my opinion, teaching about homosexulaity should be banned from schools.

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8/30/2011
Irving/Texas

Azaria
Bradley/Nimitz
Almost every time that I have heard someone talk about gays, religion has been a major factor. Religion and State are separate, and for good reason, as there are many different religions here in America, and the past has shown us that the mixing of Religion and State have caused a lot of problems. By passing this law, wouldn't that be as if Tennessee was allowing the belief system of religion to influence the State? We should not allow laws to be influenced by religion, not even in a single state. It may start a chain reaction as other states that feel the same follow Tennessee's example. Teaching about homosexuality will not make someone gay or lesbian. We should accept that gays and lesbians exist and accept them for who and what they are, humans in their own rights.

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8/30/2011
Irving/Texas

Tambra B.
Bradley/Nimitz
I honestly cannot see any reason for this specific bill to be passed. I can understand a bill disallowing all sex ed in Tennessee schools, as a way of returning the power of choice to parents and avoiding government involvement in a private matter. I could actually even understand passing the bill if it wasn’t supposed to, as stated by the author, prevent “the homosexual agenda” from reaching schools, because it’s reasonable to say the subject of sex shouldn’t be addressed in schools outside of a biology class. But, because the author explicitly stated that the bill was anti-homosexual, and it can be inferred that this bill would also prevent any logical anti-sex or anti-pregnancy education from happening, because of the wording, the bill just seems like a bigoted use of power. I also believe that feeding paranoia about “the gay agenda” with preventative measures like this would in fact promote violence towards anyone that is homosexual or transgender, or supports homosexual and transgender rights. I wouldn’t necessarily agree that it would cause a bullying problem, because often the people that choose to be ignorant or hateful choose to be so despite education otherwise, but it would definitely mean persecution for any middle-school age children who feel they might be homosexual or transgender, and it would increase the feelings in them that things like the “Day of Silence” and other anti-bullying government and publicly supported programs and events are supposed to stop. In summation, I think that this proposed bill should not be passed, because it appears to be simply misguided and bigoted, and I can see no real moral, healthful or social benefit from placing this restriction on people.

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8/30/2011
Irving/Texas

Kirstin
Bradley/Nimitz
I do not think this bill should be passed. I think homosexuality SHOULD be discussed in middle schools and elementary schools. We can't shield children from homosexuality because they will not be shielded from it when they enter the real world. Just like stated in the story it would increase bullying because they would not be informed on what homosexuality is and that it is okay to be different. If you educate people on what homosexuality is then maybe there wouldn't be so much hate going on about the subject. There is so much controversy about the subject of homosexuality in general. There are people who are against it because of religious reasons, and there are people who are against it for no reason what so ever, then there are the people who are for it. I honestly think more people would not have a problem with homosexuality if they actually knew more about the subject than just the fact that it is two people of the same sex attracted to one another.

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8/30/2011
Sidney Montana

Marcus
Brad Faulhaber, Sidney High School
I don't want to be taught about homosexuality.

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8/29/2011
Irving/Texas

Marcus A.
Nimitz High School/Helen Bradley
How are we expected to overcome this controversial matter of homosexuality if we never speak about it? I am currently studying economics for Academic Decathlon, but the one lesson I continue to remember is that in life, we must outweigh the costs and benefits. Let's face it – elementary and middle school students will probably not understand the complexity of homosexuality in its entirety. Yet, we cannot ignore the truth that same-sex orientation does not exist, because it does. Surely we have all come across the topic either on TV, books (both factual and religious), or even on the radio. But I still feel like we hinder at the thought that not everyone shares the same sexual preference. Perhaps the reason this potential ban is so startling is the fact that we feel blocked from helping those who really do need help in this area of life. However, we should focus more on conquering the basics in math, reading, and writing before dealing with highly fragile moral issues. It is my best interest to advocate the prohibition of teaching homosexuality in school not because we should swerve our way out of this hole or to “protect our children.” There are other ways to deal with this difficult theme such as gay support groups or local counseling appointments that do not interfere with the typical academic curriculum. Because many of today's professions now require some form of a college degree, we should consequently focus on excelling in these fields in order to have a productive society. But we cannot just disregard the gays, lesbians, bisexuals, or transgenders. Only through voluntary outside programs are we able to defeat this perpetuating battle. Maybe the costs of dismissing the topic of homosexuality during school hours will reap better results if we can lend a caring hand to those willing to reach for it. That way we can still avoid wrongfully stepping on any concerned parent's shoes while preparing the world for a more, hopefully, tolerant generation.