Teacher Details NEA Convention Goals on LGBT Issues

The decision Wednesday by the National Education Association to scrap a resolution on homosexuality is only a minor setback in educators' quest to create safer schools, says one Coachella Valley delegate at this year's convention in Los Angeles.

The following is an excerpt from an article printed in the Desert Sun. Any opinions either stated or suggested are not necessarily those of GLSEN or its members.

By Jeff Donaldson, The Desert Sun

The decision Wednesday by the National Education Association to scrap a resolution on homosexuality is only a minor setback in educators' quest to create safer schools, says one Coachella Valley delegate at this year's convention in Los Angeles.

Allen Tarzwell, a teacher at Rancho Mirage Elementary and spokesman for the Palm Springs Teachers Association, said the NEA will form a task force to look at whether schools should develop materials supporting the struggles of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students and staff.

The NEA was originally scheduled to consider a resolution at its annual meeting, which began Wednesday.

With hundreds of Christian activists gathered in opposition outside the doors, the measure was dropped at the recommendation of the Gay and Lesbian Caucus, which met Tuesday.

"NEA's concern is fostering an environment where everyone is safe from harm and harassment," Tarzwell, who is not a member of the caucus, said. "Does this mean NEA wants to usurp the role of parents? Of course not. Teachers and parents need to work together."

NEA officials said the teachers' union would instead look to the task force to explore the issue "in a holistic, reasoned way" before taking any further action.

On Tuesday, about 600 protesters picketed the NEA meeting at the city's convention center.

They complained the resolution would have promoted homosexuality among students.

Tarzwell said officials had yet to develop a curriculum for teaching tolerance based on sexual orientation. He said those opposing the resolution were likely responding to the subject matter.

Tarzwell said educators were looking seriously at measures that would foster a safer environment at schools and eliminate all forms of discrimination.

The NEA is meeting through Saturday, with some 9,000 delegates representing 2.3 million members.

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