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Corunna School Board rescinds ban on Gay-Lesbian display at high school

By SEAN ELY, Argus-Press Staff Writer

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 10:05 AM EST

The display that set off controversy at Corunna High School is seen here before it was removed in mid-October. It includes two rainbow flags, symbols of gay pride, photos of well-known gays and lesbians, and the words: “Gay Lesbian Bisexual History Month” and “Just a few: Actors, Politicians, Athletes.” Courtesy Photo

CORUNNA - Seniors Jessica Kimble and Carol Barnett never backed down from what they believed in when the Corunna Board of Education ordered a Gay-Lesbian-Bisexual-Transgender Awareness Month poster removed from a display case at the high school.

The Diversity Club co-presidents at Corunna High School, who heard district officials call their display promoting GLBT awareness inappropriate, prepared a speech and defended students' rights to learn about diversity and awareness during the Board of Education's special meeting Monday night at which officials rescinded their previous decision and gave the club permission to re-install the display.

And if it were up to resident Susan Thorman, who has gay family members, a poster would be made for each of the five Board members who voted against the Diversity Club's display to help them “learn, accept, tolerate and understand diversity.”

After she presented the idea, members of the public broke into applause.

But Lianne Bigelow, a former Corunna student, said it's up to the majority of the taxpayers to decide if a gay and lesbian month should be promoted, claiming Corunna High is only for subjects such as mathematics, science and social studies.

“This doesn't belong in the school district,” she said. “Do (taxpayers) want this in our schools?”

Following about a half-hour of public comment about the display, gay and lesbian issues, religion and morality, the school board voted 6-1 to rescind its previous action removing the display with Secretary Brenda Walworth opposing the decision.

The issue arose Oct. 19 when a district parent attended the Board's regular meeting. The parent complained about the GLBT Awareness Month display. Board treasurer Jim Lockwood then made a motion to remove the display, which was seconded by Board president Maureen Stanley. Then, without viewing the display or speaking with members of the club, the Board voted 5-2 to remove the display from the showcase. Members Gary Bendall and Erwin Lenneman opposed the motion. In addition to Stanley and Lockwood, members Walworth, Lyle Brooks and Linda LeCureaux supported the original motion.

After its Oct. 19 meeting, attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union in Flint contacted the district and informed officials they had violated the club's First Amendment right to expression. The Board checked with its attorney, and confirmed it had violated the group's rights.

“As soon as we found out we did that, I called a special meeting,” Stanley said. “We aren't going to (violate their rights), that is not our intent ... Now, individual people's opinions is their right.”

Other Board members did not comment on the issue before voting on the night's lone agenda item.

The students had strong feelings about the topic, however.

“I was just really hurt,” Kimble said of the Board's original action. “You go to a public school, religion does not matter. If you want your kids to not learn about every type of person, you should not go to a public school. Put your kids in some type Catholic or Christian private school.”

Barnett added public schools help promote awareness of “all different types of people that will be with you the rest of your life.”

Kimble and Barnett said the display case promoted that tolerance and taking it down only shined a negative light on the district.

“I did not hear any students come here and say that the display case was affecting their learning or affecting anything in their lives,” Kimble said. “Because it wasn't - it was affecting the parents' (lives). If the kids can go through school all day without having the display case affect their learning, I don't see what the issue is.”

But Jeremy and Jennifer Hall of Owosso, who have children attending Corunna High School, said “homosexuality is a sin.”

While they have no problem with individuals in general, they said the issue starts with a poster and will eventually escalate into more - such as accepting thieves and murderers in schools.

“What the Bible says is true,” Jennifer Hall said. “He did not make them gay.”

Dan Moiles, a Corunna foster parent, said individuals do not choose to be gay, nor can a poster change someone's mind to become gay.

“God did not damn me from birth, there is no way,” he said. “For the first 30 years of my life, and having grown up in a community like this and having been called every single name that I could possibly be called, there is no way I would have chosen that.”

Moiles said he was - like many children who grow up gay - suicidal, attempting three times because of the hate expressed toward him.

“I thought it was OK to kill myself because the way I was raised in church is that, if you kill yourself, you're going to go to Hell. Well I was going to Hell anyway, I was gay, so I might as well kill myself. And that's what kids are being told, that's what kids are believing in and that's not fair.”

Moiles and his partner, Ward Delbridge, said children need a support group at any early age, allowing them to feel good about themselves, so they don't feel they have to run from the truth.

Delbridge was married for 12 years because it was “what he was told was right.” The two men said they do not want to see gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender students in Corunna go through the same issues they faced.

Heather Helton, a mother of a recent lesbian Corunna graduate, said sexual orientation does not make up who someone is - it's how they conduct themselves. And for those who say God claims it as a sin?

“God forgives everyone for their sins and He loves (my daughter) for who she is and who she has become,” she said.

For those raised in a conservative generation where gays and lesbians are not accepted, Denise Grzibowski said “we have to step outside our own insecurities and comfort level.”

Comment on this Story

Open Minded wrote on Nov 9, 2009 11:11 AM:

" Beyond Corunna, there is a whole world out there where these students are going to encounter all different types of people. A diversity club is teaching harmony and posting truths about different parts of our population. I would much rather our students learn about diversity in school than to have their claim to fame be that they were involved in a hate crime because their high school was ignorant. (Look at Matthew Shepard). This is 2009 - you can be religious and still support civility and tolerance among all of our different groups that share the same sky. "

proud of the kids wrote on Nov 6, 2009 7:18 PM:

" Thank you to the students at CHS that found that a diversity club was a needed organization. Obviously it is not only the students who need some diversity awareness and acceptance training but a whole community. What a shame that a school board would sensor the intentions of these students. Makes me wonder what other freedoms the school board could hastily revoke... Bravo to the faculty advisors who make this experience possible for the students at CHS. "

DurandGrad wrote on Nov 5, 2009 8:17 PM:

" Jessica and Carol,

Very proud of you. Way to stick up for yourselves when the adults in power did not. "

stupid bible thumpers wrote on Nov 5, 2009 12:25 PM:

" This is for BILLY

You are a flaming idiot...being gay IS NOT A CHOICE....just like you being ignorant...you were born that way... "

Durand wrote on Nov 5, 2009 10:45 AM:

" @Constitutional Law:
Ahhhh, Now I get it. Your one of those "living Document" guys. Well as per my last comment it IS ironic that someone who posts as "Constitutional Law" would agin make such blatantly WRONG claims, not just as pertains to the intent, but also in the amazing claim that we would still have slavery and woman couldn't vote? Seriously, LOL Have you ever read and studied the subject, or do you get your information from think progress?

In fact, slavery was ALWAYS unconstitutional.If the document was intend to "Go with the flow" of the whims of present day societies, it wouldn't require a super majority to amend would it?

This "Living Document" BS was cooked up long ago by progressive politicians who sought a way to circumvent the super majority needed for an amendment. It allows progressive judges to re-interpret what the Constitution says and there by effectively amend it through the application of law without it ever even being discussed by the Congress.

But, you already knew all this didn't you, "Constitutional Law"? "

irritated wrote on Nov 5, 2009 8:19 AM:

" What a bunch of frickin tea bag huggers! "

Constitutional Law wrote on Nov 5, 2009 6:41 AM:

" It is not about the "original intent" as it is a living, evolving document, otherwise we would still have slavery and women would not have the ability to vote, it is about what has been established by precedent, therefore it does mean that public institutions, especially those that receive public $ will not be influenced by any one religion. "

Brooke wrote on Nov 4, 2009 8:38 PM:

" This shouldn't be a religon issue or discrimination issue. Sexual preference gay or straight should not be discussed at the high school level. Acceptance and awareness can still be promoted by teaching tolerance of all people. This is an issue that should be discussed at the collegiate level. "

shiataxpayer wrote on Nov 4, 2009 7:50 PM:

" Supreme Court says it is LEGAL TO FORM A RELIGIOUS CLUB.

If you want a religous club then form one and quit saying that forms of religous expression are not allowed.

Here is a link with correct legal informatics concerning schools and religion.

READ IT. EDUCATE YOURSELVES.

www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/tools/studentrights.asp

EXCERPT:

7. May students organize Bible clubs in public schools?

Public secondary schools must allow Bible clubs the same privileges as any other school club. Meetings may include prayer, Bible reading, and worship. Bible clubs must also be allowed to promote their activities through school newspapers, public address systems, and bulletin boards on the same basis as other clubs. The school must provide a room and resources for the Bible clubs. The only difference the Court allowed between Bible clubs and other clubs is that the faculty sponsor may not control the Bible club. The faculty sponsor must merely ensure that the club follows school policies, since any official control by the faculty members of religious activities of the club could be an establishment of religion. The club must be student-led, and students may occasionally invite outside community religious leaders to speak. "

tmj wrote on Nov 4, 2009 7:10 PM:

" Who at the Argus allowed this religious rant on the comments area?
Why is it that "religious" folks who want to judge, forget that they are sinning by judging? and by not accepting all as Jesus did? Go read your Bibles again, you didn't get it ! "

catmandoo wrote on Nov 4, 2009 6:35 PM:

" One said anyone could ask for forgiveness and go to heaven, but asking for forgiveness means to discontinue living in the same manner and discontinue the same acts of sin.
BUT all that aside: Sexual acts straight or otherwise should not be performed in school! Kissing, holding hand, petting or whatever has no place in the school and should not be allowed or tolerated no matter what the preference. "

billy wrote on Nov 4, 2009 6:30 PM:

" All homosexuals are going to hell anyways, so let them be gay its there choice to burn forever after death "

Cavalier wrote on Nov 4, 2009 5:44 PM:

" Its sad that Ms. Walworth still voted against - knowing it voilated constitional rights. get her outta there. "

hello wrote on Nov 4, 2009 5:37 PM:

" you are all a bunch of nut bags.
shut up
thank you "

chs student wrote on Nov 4, 2009 4:44 PM:

" Personally, I am comfortable enough in my sexuality that a showcase such as this is not a threat. The kids who are concerned about it, should take a deeper look into themselves now, rather than coming to terms with it later. As far as the parents that are concerned that their child may be effected or influenced by the showcase, obviously you are concerned about your childs sexuality and maybe you should sit down and talk to them to find out how they are feeling without prejudice or hate in your heart. "

who cares wrote on Nov 4, 2009 1:56 PM:

" GrRapids, how can you sit and judge a lifestyle because it is not something you embrace? The problem here is Corunna is a small city with small minded people. So what if you are Christian, if a person is gay that doesn't make them human? In bigger school districts in better communities where there are not so many judgemental idiots, this would not be an issue!
Didn't the bible say that you should not cast the first stone unless you want to be judged? How many of you are perfect? I am sure if you were honest, you could come up with a few sins you commit. "

Monica wrote on Nov 4, 2009 1:19 PM:

" If a public school can have a Diversity Club. Why can't they have a Bible Club? If is it so important to teach our children about other life styles why can't we teach them about God in school. Not everyone believes in the life styles chosen to be put on display. "

wonders wrote on Nov 4, 2009 1:05 PM:

" Maybe the problem here shouldn't be sexual orientation or religion at all. Humans are humans, we were are created the same and equal. Depending on your morals, you may believe this to be right or wrong, saveable by the lord or not. Again, not the point...we are not to judge our neighbor.

Maybe the issue should be with sex being presented in the school...period. From what I hear, PDA's (public displays of affection) run like wild fire from both same sex couples and hetero-couples at CHS. This should not be acceptable in any school. If we are supposed to teach abstinence, then PDA's should not be allowed by anyone. If sex is an issue, then maybe an extra lesson in health class would be appropriate and all issue's with sex could be discussed...hence sexual orientation, safety, consequences, etc.

But really, it is worth all the upset and name calling...no! "

former student wrote on Nov 4, 2009 12:52 PM:

" glad the ban was taken off. its a shame it was taken down in the first place. the school board should deeply apologize. "

taxed enough wrote on Nov 4, 2009 12:26 PM:

" The reason the school board backed down was MONEY. If the school board fights the ACLU, the school looses. If any of you want to bank roll the schools legal fight......put your money where your mouth is and let the school know you will pay all legal fees.

Guess I am right, as none of you whiners want to fight the ACLU with your own money!

If you think America is going south now, wait until the Congress no longer opens with prayer and the IN GOD WE TRUST is removed from our coinage. We won't last long without God. "

True savior wrote on Nov 4, 2009 11:54 AM:

" Lol....You are all so stupid!
If you are a true christian your kids would not be attending a government
run school like Corunna anyway!
If they are, GET THEM OUT!!! "

Durand wrote on Nov 4, 2009 11:21 AM:

" @ Constitutional Law:

I'm well aware of the many ways the Constitution has been MIS-interpreted and RE-interpreted as relates to religion and public places.

I think you completely missed my point.
Gay people are gay and that's how they live and what they are about and believe in and THAT'S FINE.

I don't think there's really all that many people who have a problem with that to be honest, just a very vocal minority.

BUT>>>children who attend public schools who are all those same things listed above, except instead of gay, they are Christian, are NOT allowed to display their beliefs, etc.

I'm not a Christian, and I'm not Gay, so this really doesn't matter to me one way or the other, except to point out that the "Rights' Of some "Special" groups in this country get consideration in the public forums, while the "rights" of other "special" groups are not.

P.S. the "separations" clause was NEVER>>NEVER written nor intended to keep religion, any religion or moral code OUT of the PUBLIC DOMAIN. It was written and intended to keep the GOVERNMENT from establishing a STATE RELIGION.

For someone who calls themselves "constitutional law" I thought you would have known that.... "

You hippocrites wrote on Nov 4, 2009 9:55 AM:

" 27He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'[c]; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[d]"

28"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."

29But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

30In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

36"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

37The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." "

Keeping God out of School wrote on Nov 4, 2009 9:02 AM:

" Keeping God out of school is just pure stupidity! You want us to have compassion and patients with each other, but guess what you can’t have those fruits without God, they only come from Him. Some people really need to get some education. The statement that says" separation of church and state" doesn’t mean to take God out of government; it means the government can't run the church. If you don't know what you’re talking about don't open your mouth. "

Constitutional Law wrote on Nov 4, 2009 9:00 AM:

" Durand: Good luck with that considering the only violation was what Corunna Public Schools did in relation to the First Amendment. You are clearly showing your ignorance in response to the situation. You have no standing as Corunna "Public" School is Public, and as long as it remains public, the U.S. Supreme Court had established that there will not be prayer in school as it is violates the "Seperation of church and State" contained in the Constitution. "

Anne wrote on Nov 4, 2009 8:52 AM:

" Students can express religious beliefs, even post it as part of extracurricular activities, as the Diversity Club did.

Separation of church and state forbids school boards, etc. from doing so. Those of you complaining have merely failed to check why it has been banned and upheld by the courts.

Perhaps the Diversity Club's next project could be on all world religions... though I suspect you all will whine anyway, because it doesn't only represent the ONE you are for...

There was no special group involved in this, only children with more foresight into the real world then their parents. "

all christians sit down and shut up wrote on Nov 4, 2009 8:48 AM:

" I think that is what all these people in support of this would like to say to us. But GUESS WHAT we will not sit down and shut up. Corunna schools, you sold out, what a shame. I really was believing Corunna was different.

Homosexuality does not send you to hell; it’s not excepting Christ as your Lord and savior that does not allow you to enter into eternal life. But I just can’t see how doing something that God destroyed a whole city for and serving Jesus Christ "the only way to heaven" coincide.

And remember Christians, we are to love the sinner and hate the sin because sin is robbing and killing the deceived. Please pray that their eyes are opened to the truth. The truth of Jesus Christ and how much he loves all of us. For God so loved the world He gave His only son that who so ever believes in Him "Jesus" would be saved. "

shiataxpayer wrote on Nov 4, 2009 7:55 AM:

" Bill wrote on Nov 3, 2009 4:23 PM:
" The Bible calls homosexuality what it is - sinful. The Bible also clearly states that murderers, adulteres and homosexuals are not going to go to heaven. Quit trying to make a sinful act seem normal and quit telling innocent young children that a sinfull lifestyle is ok. Stay in your closet and quit ruining my life! "

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bill,

My Bible clearly states that ALL can ask forgiveness of ANY sin and go to Heaven. You forgot to mention that part in your post. "

Buttons wrote on Nov 4, 2009 7:51 AM:

" It's all really a matter of beliefs. Why should one group be allowed to display it's beliefs and another not. A lot of people seem to be fighting mad about homosexuality being allowed in the school but God not being allowed... you are mistaken, for Corunna Schools does still allow God. So stop your belly aching! As far as you threatening to sue the school for disrupting your kids education, get a life! It's just a showcase, with nothing offensive in it... most of the kids in the school have never even noticed it! If your kid is disrupted by something so small then they need to see a psychiatrist, and your parenting skills should be called into question! "

Mr. Whooooooping Crane wrote on Nov 4, 2009 7:48 AM:

" This is a great time to be in America. Let's end discrimination!

I have 2 things to say to all people who wanted the poster banned:

1- If homosexuality is a choice (like most of you claim) you have nothing to worry about, your kids can just choose not to be that way.

2- If homosexuality is not a choice and comes from some other born-in traits. Then you have nothing to worry about because you cannot change anything.

Life is too short to waste it on hating people because they are different form yourself. "

GoodNews wrote on Nov 4, 2009 7:44 AM:

" It's great time to be in America! Great job school board. While you may not have changed your minds personally at least you are upholding the Constitution! "

cavs mom wrote on Nov 4, 2009 7:34 AM:

" That poster doesnt show to same sex couples making out or anything close to that so i dont understand why anyone would be so intolerant of this poster! If your not ignorant and intolerant then you wont have a problem with this poster. Glad they decided to put it back up. I dont have a gay/lezbian child but i would be ok with it if they were becuase everyone needs to learn to accept everyone for who they are....good decision Mr. Miller...proud to be a cavalier mom! "

former residnet wrote on Nov 4, 2009 3:07 AM:

" Apparently the Corunna School Board that voted in favor of the display are not the Christians they profess to be. I cannot imagine the shame they will bring to their families in the community, it is totally disgusting. Get back to teaching reading, writing, and math, and leave these kind of issues alone, it is NOT right to have this in our schools. Shame on every one of you Board members, you are a disgrace, and God is weeping over your total faith in His Word. Good luck. "

Amen wrote on Nov 4, 2009 1:19 AM:

" Amen "Bill!" The Libs are on the side of the Devil. I'd like to think that with what the Left is trying to do to this country perhaps in 2012 we will be blessed with a president of the likes of Reagan. GOD knows we can't sustain this path!..........I know, I know, and to you Libs that say, "well Jesus loves those people too!" I say you are absolutely correct! However, he CAN'T STAND THEIR SINFUL LIFESTYLE!!!!!! "

JT wrote on Nov 3, 2009 11:50 PM:

" What I'm hearing from many commenters: "Oh, help, help, I'm white, christian, straight, and in the majority and in power and have been for generations. Someone is trying to live a life that is different from what I know, and I can see it. Oh, someone save me from these people who are trying to live their lives while we still keep all the power!"

Nice to see you demonstrating exactly how much hate actually makes up the christian mindset. You want to pretend that gays and lesbians and transgendered people don't exist? How about pretending gravity doesn't exist? Or people who speak another language than English? The Diversity Club exists specifically because people like you could use some education.

As for the sin part, explain how many faiths, including christian denominations, don't view it as sin? Who is right? I find it curious that "god's word" so often perfectly matches your own prejudices. Grow up, get a thicker skin, and learn to make the world a better place instead of filling it with your hateful rhetoric. "

Joe Bowen wrote on Nov 3, 2009 11:39 PM:

" In response to The World Today, you say that the gay display is ok to be posted because it is not preaching that you should be gay, that it is just raising awareness that it is ok to be gay. Well, it should be the same thing for being able to post the 10 Commandments or a photo of Jesus in the hallways of a public school. Posting these two things is not preaching either, it is just raising awareness that it is ok to be a Christian. What goes for one thing should go for another. "

Mike Cortez wrote on Nov 3, 2009 11:02 PM:

" I think the parents have to band together and hold this Board of Education to a standard that we beleive is good for our children. They obviously have no idea what is appropiate for the young impressionable minds of our high school students. What about the civil rights of the parents who don't want their children exposed to such a deviant life style? The Board had it right the first time when they said it is not an appropriate display to have in the high school. The next thing you know this diversity club is going to want to promote pedophiles or bestiality as something that has to be accepted. This is a slippery slope we are treading on we need to walk carefully. Once again I state that the Board had no right to do this without notifying the parents of this special meeting. "

Mike Cortez wrote on Nov 3, 2009 10:42 PM:

" I am truely offended by the fact that sexual preference is being discussed and/or displayed in the school at all. It does not belong there and should be removed. Once again the Board did an end run around the parents of this district and called a special meeting without notice to any parent. Take the display down or give me my tax dollars back.

Mike Cortez "

dawn wrote on Nov 3, 2009 10:24 PM:

" I am uncertain how I feel about this issue. I have friends that are gay. I am a christian woman. I accept them for who they are. I was under the impression that we are not the ones to judge others. Only god can judge those who go against his word. I don't see anything wrong with displaying the poster for one month for making a point about diversity. If prayer and religion is not allow to be demonstrated in the schools then a gay rights poster should not be allowed either. Thats what is called fair. So after some consideration I believe that it wouldnt be fair to favor one but not the other. And these people out there that want to sue if this becomes a distraction, give me a break there are alot more things in this world that are a bigger distraction than just this. Stop beeing so sue happy. I realize no one has the money they used to have but that doesnt give you a right to go and sue everyone who gets in your way. "

Christine wrote on Nov 3, 2009 10:18 PM:

" I would have to agree that god forgives those, whom ask for forgivness for their sins.
And since when do we give our hard earned tax money to our public schools to teach our children that sinning is acceptable, and that believing in god in schools is not acceptable?
I have an attorney as well, has anyone consulted myself and my attorney about our rights of expression and religion. If so then it would be acceptable to pray in school as it is acceptable to portrait that homosexuality is gloriful enough to display in a showcase, when it is not acceptable to display a nativity scene for Christmas.
Something seems very wrong here!!! "

Durand wrote on Nov 3, 2009 5:42 PM:

" No one cares if people are gay. Who cares? Seriously? It's not an issue. BUT if religious kids can't display their religious preference or pray in the public schools, then how in the hell do other "special" groups get to do it? "

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH wrote on Nov 3, 2009 5:28 PM:

" If my childs education is in any way affected by all of this nonsense. I WILL get an attorney and sue Corunna Public Schools. "

Disgusted with Agendas wrote on Nov 3, 2009 5:11 PM:

" I personally disagree when they say a poster cant change someones mine..Perhaps it wont change their minds...but I do believe it casts doubts in young people. Gay is one thing, that is your life, But i do not believe that Public Schools Systems need to publish Posters and hand out Literature. That should be Left up to someone seeking advice from Physicians, or Therapists. Now we are falling into the AGENDA's of teaching Everything in schools? yet we dont want to Offend anyone by putting up a christmas tree, Calling Christmas parties, Holiday Parties...AND Heaven FORBID, we put up the 10 Commandments..Cuz that will Of course CLASH with the GAY agenda now..
What's next in our High Schools? Ive seen what some kids are graduating out of H.S. that cant even SPELL correctly... Focus on that! "

Bill wrote on Nov 3, 2009 4:23 PM:

" The Bible calls homosexuality what it is - sinful. The Bible also clearly states that murderers, adulteres and homosexuals are not going to go to heaven. Quit trying to make a sinful act seem normal and quit telling innocent young children that a sinfull lifestyle is ok. Stay in your closet and quit ruining my life! "

School wrote on Nov 3, 2009 4:22 PM:

" The real problem here is a lack of school choice. We have a government run monopoly that everyone wants to run according to their own values. What we end up with is an ineffective organization that provides a substandard educational product and has a value system based on relativism. Nihilism may be a better term. The solution is school choice and an end to the forced government monopoly. I should be able to use my money to send my kid to a school that will provide a quality education and reflect my values. Instead I am forced to pay the substandard public system, and if I have enough left over I can pay again to have my child provided a quality education. "

MAD wrote on Nov 3, 2009 3:23 PM:

" I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT THE CORUNNA SCHOOL BOARD CAN COWARD BEHIND THAT DESK LAST NIGHT AND NOT DEFEND WHAT THEY ORGINALLY WENT WITH LAST WEEK. I TRUELY COMMEND MRS WALWORTH ON HER STANDARDS AND NOT BEING AFRAID OF WHAT OTHER THINK AND NOT LETTING THE ATTORNEYS GET IN HER WAY OF WHAT SHE BELIEVES. LOOKS LIKE ANY OF THE CORUNNA STUDENTS AND THERE PARENTS HAVE THE RIGHTS TO PUT WHAT EVER IN THE SHOWCASE THAT THEY WANT RIGHT? CORUNNA YOU HAVE A HIGHER STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE!!!!!!!! "

the world todaty wrote on Nov 3, 2009 3:22 PM:

" We should be teaching our kids compassion, patients, understanding, and forgiveness...not ignorance or hate. Kids are bullied everyday in school for all sorts of reasons, schools should do more to teach tolerance and understanding. You don't have to agree with the way a person is, but you don't have the right to put them down, or hurt them either.

About the display: it was not preaching that you should be gay or distrubing academic time. It was simply raising awareness, that it is ok if you are gay/lesbian...giving support to those that may need it.

Religion should not even be an issue, it is not like the display read "God wants you to be Gay". Let's keep the church and state separate. Your religious beliefs are just that, yours. You do not have the right to infringe your beliefs on others...the display was not doing that to your students. If you want your kids raised in certain beliefs, then that is your right...however you cannot shield them from everything all the time (they will come across it in the media, at the mall, online, etc)...it is a parents job to guide their children in a direction that they see fit. Tolerance should be apart of that no matter what...God would not want you to teach your children to judge and be mean. God wants the opposite...treat others how you want to be treated.

For anyone who believes that this issue wouldn't be in schools if the display/club never exsisted, then you are sadly mistaken. Maybe you need to step into a school today to recognize everything that kids face. Academics are not the only thing on a kids mind, most of the time it is the last thing. They have to deal with how they get treated first..."am I too fat/skinny, does my family make enough money, will I eat tonight, if I wear this will I be made fun off, to play sports or not play sports, should I have these feelings or not, etc. Basic needs have to be met first...if tolerance isn't taught, then how are kids supposed to learn to function in society.

"The highest result of education is tolerance" Helen Keller

"Do not judge a man, unless you have walked a mile in his shoes". "

all figured out wrote on Nov 3, 2009 3:16 PM:

" The challenge now is for a student to put up a 'white pride' poster and if the school takes it down....then just call the ACLU. They will come running, sue and get the school to pay their legal fees. Additionally, if an adult male touches an underage girl, he goes to prison. If an adult female touches an underage girl, she has her hands slapped. If two underage highschool girls touch each other, they are applauded. That just about sums it all up. "

Margo wrote on Nov 3, 2009 3:01 PM:

" It is not a question of whether homosexuality is wrong, it is a question of whether it should be promoted in the schools. I say no. "

CorunnaGrad06 wrote on Nov 3, 2009 2:30 PM:

" What a huge dissapointment how can they cay this ways not a distraction when they had to hold a meeting just to talk about it? Distractions in the school should not be allowed. If they are promoting tolernce for gays whats next tolerance for people that are do drugs or commit other crimes. The school board is doing nothing but taking the first steps on a slippery slope! "

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH wrote on Nov 3, 2009 1:42 PM:

" If this distraction interfers with my childrens education at CHS, I WILL sue everyone of you - Mr Miller and Corunna School Board, YOU DID THE WRONG THING! "

Christian father wrote on Nov 3, 2009 1:41 PM:

" This world is unbelievable, we as Christians are not allowed to show what our beliefs are, in public, government buildings but others are allowed to promote their inappropriate beliefs to our children. They have taken prayer out of schools, and installed the right to display and believe in what ever they want as long as it is something other than god. We as a society need to take a step back and rescind what our values are, and figure out were we are going wrong. Remember our children are our worlds future. "

GrRapids wrote on Nov 3, 2009 1:30 PM:

" Nice, so God has been banned from schools, but a deviant lifestyle is embraced. Gee, does anyone wonder why our country is going the direction it is? We allow the minority to decide everything while the rest of us sit back and watch. Shameful! "