Ypsilanti schools OK policy changes to protect all sexual orientations and gender identities
The Ypsilanti school board unanimously approved changes to district policy to add protections for all students and staff regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity Monday.
Trustees voted unanimously to update several policies to ensure all members of any sexual orientation or gender identity were included. Trustee Kira Berman, one of the main promoters of updating the policies, said the vote would help move the district forward.
“The change in these policies is very important for this district and realizing that it can only make the professional experience for staff and the learning environment for students greater,” Berman said.
The three policies that were updated were the nondiscrimination and access to equal educational opportunity policy and the nondiscrimination and equal employment opportunity policies for both support and professional staff.
The nondiscrimination and access to equal educational opportunity policy now reads:
Kira Berman
The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or age and/or any other legally protected characteristic. Further it is the policy of this District to provide an equal opportunity for all students regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, place of residence within the boundaries of the district, or social or economic status, and/or any other legally protected characteristic, to learn through the curriculum offered in this district.
The nondiscrimination and equal employment opportunity for both professional staff and support staff now reads:
The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected characteristic, in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The policy for professional and support staff already included sexual orientation.
The Ypsilanti school board is one of a few local school boards to tackle the issue in recent memory. The Ann Arbor school board approved a similar change in district policy in 2010, while the Saline school board voted down a similar change to district policy.
Lisa Lava-Keller, a fifth grade teacher at Estabrook Elementary School, urged the board to approve the changes to the policies before the vote took place.
She said one of the best things about working in Ypsilanti Public Schools is the diversity of staff and students alike and trustees should recognize those characteristics.
“All the staff and students in the district need to know they are valued,” Lava-Keller said, adding that the change would “recognize the values of all staff in the Ypsilanti Public Schools.”
Kyle Feldscher covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
genetracy
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 2:48 a.m.
So what happens when a Muslim student shows bigotry toward a gay student?
David Briegel
Thu, May 26, 2011 : 12:45 a.m.
It's as stupid and silly as the guy that says he is just following HIS interpretation of the Old Testament! You religous text does NOT permit you to violate the law!
genetracy
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 10:24 p.m.
What if the Muslim says he is only following the Koran?
Another Michael
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 7:01 p.m.
A Muslim or employee who "shows bigotry toward" a gay student or employee acts in violation of the policy. Likewise, a gay student or employee who sexually harasses another student or employee is in violation of school policy. What consequences follow would doubtless depend on the nature of the incident. Nondiscrimination policies exist to reduce incidences of unfair treatment. Their implementation does not allow protected persons to violate the rights of others.
jjc155
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 4:19 p.m.
thats like dividing by zero.........the world will implode on its self, LOL
pseudo
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 9:43 p.m.
whoops - the last sentence of my post above didn't make it... The Ypsilanti Board of Education was simply reflecting the will of its community with this update to its policy.
pseudo
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 9:39 p.m.
Ypsilanti has a long history of being a stellar community in this regard. I applaud this move by the board of Education and Mrs. Berman for her efforts. Public schools should reflect the public attitudes in their districts. That is what local control is all about. Ypsilanti has a long, solid history of believing in and voting for equality and equal treatment in public. Certainly the city has been put through the ringer by Thomas Monaghan and his minions over this issue and it has never been more unified in practice and at the ballot box than in supporting equality for all.
David Briegel
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 8:19 p.m.
jjc, your answer is right in these posts. Some believe their interpretation of what their god might think gives them the right to discriminate. Just read what was said! The Ypsilanti School Board is correct in this action. We don't need more victims of one person's chosen mythology!
jjc155
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 7:55 p.m.
never understood why it has to be anything more that " we will not discriminate against anyone for any reason" and that it has to be spelled out. Why is it nessecary to spell out every conceivable variation that a person can take in life? Just curious??
moodyone
Sat, May 28, 2011 : 2:20 a.m.
Clearly because you need to distinguish between characteristics that are protected by law or policy, such as religion, race and sexual orientation, and those that aren't. How else do you know when you are "discriminating" versus making a legitimate decision to treat some people differently than others?
Kyle Feldscher
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 6:22 p.m.
A misspelling in this story has been corrected.
Moonmaiden
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 6:16 p.m.
While it wasn't necessary to update the policy, it's a proactive move to make sure everyone is included. Not sure why the Bible has become such a hot topic here, but some of the posters need to turn off the computer and spend more time reading it if they are going to reference it accurately. . .
Dog Guy
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 4:49 p.m.
Condemning individuals disliking those who disapprove of discrimination against persons having moral aversion to people identical to themselves, I join other homophobophobophobophobes in viewing correctly the Ypsilanti school policy.
Moonmaiden
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 6:17 p.m.
Huh?
Terri
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 3:53 p.m.
Terry, you say that "good old-fashioned reading...of the Bible" is why you disagree with YSD's decision. I'm curious as to which version you're reading--mine says nothing about homosexuality one way or the other. It DOES say quite a bit about loving your neighbor, not judging lest ye be judged, and offering open-hearted hospitality to all. As the rep in MN said, how many gay people have to show up before people understand that God WANTS us here? To me, the action that the YSD board took is radically "Christian." I don't understand how it can be read as wrong.
Terri
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 7:15 p.m.
Here's the thing, though, Terry. What you claim to be "clearly stated in scripture" simply is not there. My "lifestyle" is normal. My wife and I are raising two fantastic kids. We are active in the community and our church. I would appreciate it very much if you'd refrain from rhapsodizing about who God favors.
Terry
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 4:58 p.m.
The bible is not why i disagree with YSD's decision. It is where I believe we are shown His take on homosexuality, but like I said in an earlier post homosexuality is not the debate here. Love your neighbor is great, the greatest commandment is to love. How many times do I have to say I have no ill wishes for people of any lifestyle. In fact I love them just as much as I love anybody as we all should. I disagree with their choice of lifestyle which I am perfectly able to do. My concern with the schools decision is we are teaching our children that it is a perfectly normal lifestyle and making them feel as if they are wrong for not viewing it that way to begin with. I am not trying to debate what is clearly stated in scripture. Every relationship viewed favorably by God was between a man and a woman. The only instance I am aware of where it was not a man and woman did not end well.
Kelly Davenport
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 3:35 p.m.
A comment was removed because it contained a personal attack. Please keep the conversation focused on the subject matter at hand.
Another Michael
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 3:09 p.m.
One may hold whatever opinion they like about whether a particular sexuality or gender identity is "moral." One may share this with anyone who will listen. But when one tries to use this opinion to deny a class of people civil rights and equal protections, this is where a private ethic turns to bigotry. The board's decision was an excellent step for social progress.
Moonmaiden
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 6:19 p.m.
Sometimes, people who argue morality ignore what is legal.
Terry
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 2:44 p.m.
Our schools are expected to prepare our children for life, for real life. Not create an atmosphere where everything is accepted and being different isn't only ok, but encouraged. I read and hear news stories of these kids who commit suicide because they were teased for their differences. I don't think anybody would disagree that this is an horrible scary epidemic, however it seems to be a growing epidemic as of late. I personally attribute this to the virtual bubble we put our kids in to "protect" them. Kids need to understand that their differences will at times make them targets of intolerant people. Kids will be kids. When i was growing up it was unheard of for a classmate to even entertain the idea of suicide because they were teased or picked on. I do not condone these actions, but I fear forcing even more political correctness and false cohesiveness is going to lead to our children becoming less and less capable of dealing with the reality of life.
moon crab
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 5:15 p.m.
As a side note, since anti-discrimination policies are now expected as the norm, the alternative is to demonstrate to kids that abusing others is okay. What kind of message does that send, and what kind of un-Christian monsters will it spawn? Finally, this teaches kids about the reality of the modern workplace, where they would likely be disciplined, fired, and/or sued for such behavior.
moon crab
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.
@Terry, re: your thread-starting comment above: You state that you're for preparing kids for the hardships they'll experience in life, while mentioning above that you're one of those hardships (since you'd openly hold a "don't ask / don't tell"-type policy when hiring for your workplace). It just doesn't make sense. The "reality of life" that you assume is the norm is people like you deliberately discriminating against these children when they grow up, as you've described in other comments. But in real life, people care more about your experience and training than whether you have a boyfriend or a girlfriend.
aamom
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 6:53 p.m.
@Terry We just plain disagree on whether or not sexuality is a choice. To me your last sentence could have read, "Whether it be sports, grades, or height of the child everything is ok and nobody is allowed to comment on any disparity." I just think it's not cool for anyone to harass the tall kids when they had no choice how they would turn out. Same for sexual identity - no choice, no harrassment. I'm with you on the sports and grades though.
Terry
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 5:10 p.m.
AAMOM, thank you soooooo much!!! My wife and i just had this discussion about the trophies and I could not agree with you more! To me this is just an extension of the school board ruling. No matter what our children do or how good/poorly they do it, we reward them and nobody dare suggest our child isn't on par. Weather it be sports, grades, or sexual preference everything is ok and nobody is allowed to comment on any disparity.
aamom
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 5:01 p.m.
@Terry You said "We are not equipping our children with the mental and emotional capabilities to handle adversion." I actually agree with this part but I don't think the problem is writing down a rule that you can't harrass people is the problem. That's just part of teaching kids to be good citizens (something many parents fail to do these days, thus all the bullying and harrassing). I think the reason kids can't handle aversion is because we as a society have changed to an "everyone wins" society. Everyone gets a trophy on the soccer team every year etc. Young kids receive a lot of accolades that they didn't actually do anything to earn. This teaches them that they don't have to do anything all that great to be acknowledged. .
Terry
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 3:59 p.m.
Mike D. I agree the laws are not the cause, however people seem to put these laws and restrictions in place to protect people when it only strips them of their ability to cope with others opinions and reations. If you go through the first 5, 10, 18 years of your life being told you can be as different as you want and everybody is going to love and accept you, well you are going to be devistated when you first realize that is not the case. We are doing an injustice to our youth by coddeling them.
Mike D.
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 3:46 p.m.
If you think the solution to teen suicide is *not* having anti-discrimination policies, you have some serious soul searching to do. It's gay kids killing themselves, and it isn't because they are upset about laws protecting them.
Terry
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 3:37 p.m.
Steve; you mean to tell me you think bullying, teasing, harrassment, call it what you will, is going to be wiped out? I have to disagree. How do you explain the recent increase in child suicide rates attributed to bullying? I mean if this is the answer we should see a decline in such tradgedies. We are not equipping our children with the mental and emotional capabilities to handle adversion. I shutter at the effect this will inevitabally have on our military if your assumption is correct.
Steve in MI
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 3:23 p.m.
I work for a professional, multinational corporation (top 20 in the Fortune 500). Corporate policy explicitly requires every employee to treat their peers, staff, and leaders respectfully - without regard for their gender identity or sexual orientation. Many universities and most profitable corporations have similar policies, as will the US military by the end of this year. Terry, I mean no disrespect to you personally, but the concern you state is exactly wrong. Setting an expectation of mutual respect is the only way to prepare students for success in the world beyond their high school.
Another Michael
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 3:07 p.m.
So, in your opinion, a policy of non-discrimination against gay people leads to teen suicide? Non sequitur, much?
Terri
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 2:37 p.m.
dogpaddle, that is SPOT ON.
dogpaddle
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 2:30 p.m.
To gyre and to the many others who share your opinion, do keep in mind that sexual orientation includes yours as well. You (or heterosexual students in Ypsilanti schools) now have recourse should a group of angry gay students beat you up just for being straight (can't recall a time that has happened, but you never know) or try to keep you out of a school club or activity for who you naturally are. And to everyone, too, do keep in mind it's still legal in Michigan and most other states to be fired from your job just because of your sexual orientation. Yes, there are businesses and schools who have taken the initiative to include sexual orientation (same gender oriented as well as opposite gender oriented) in their own non-discrimination policies, but should an employer not like it in companies who don't protect it, "buh-bye". I'm proud of AAPS and YPS for leading the way even ahead of our state government.
grye
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 1:23 p.m.
What makes this story interesting is that these groups were not excluded prior to the change. Does this mean that groups that are not specifically mentioned are still excluded? Our society has become one of such meaninless Political Correctness that no one can have a negative opinion of anyone or anything. Well, guess what. I'll still call it like I see it. And if it offends someone, too bad. Other things people say or do offend me but it is their right.
Terri
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 1:09 a.m.
grye, am I reading you correctly, that your suggestion is that those who are bullied and bashed just ought to suck it up and be tougher?
grye
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 3:19 p.m.
Steve: Kids will always harrass one another for most any reason. If you're not as strong as the others, less coordinated, more book smart, hair is not perfect, you wear stripes and plaids together, you are skinny, you are overweight, etc. The options are endless. All the PC in the world sometimes only helps to point out the differences making them a better bullseye. It's just nature. I have 2 cat's. One consistently harrasses the other. I'm not saying it's correct but no matter how much you try to educate, it will still happen to some degree. I was harrassed all through high school. Got tossed into natal plum bushes. Brushed it off and figured someday I'll be better than them. Those being harrassed need to learn thicken their skin and consider the source. The source is usually the guy who will eventually drive the Corvette to compensate for other inadequacies.
Steve in MI
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 2:40 p.m.
Guys, let's not act ignorant here. The policy has been updated to acknowledge that gay/lesbian/bi students have a current history of being harassed and abused in schools. The YPS has taken a stand - both practically and symbolically - that this form of student harassment is specifically disallowed in the district's schools. Kudos to them for working to provide a quality educational experience for all of their students.
moon crab
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 2:10 p.m.
@grye: I'm with you, by and large. Regarding the last bit, though, it's their right until they start verbally or physically abusing you -- due to sexual preference or anything else...
Kyle Feldscher
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 2:09 p.m.
Grye- As you can see, the changes in policy added "any other legally protected characteristic." I'm not exactly sure what groups that specifically entails, but I believe that would answer your question that groups that aren't specifically mentioned are now protected as well.
grye
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.
I'm not a homophobe. The issue with declaring each specific group is it leaves other unnamed groups out of the picture. Why not just declare that there will be no discrimination of any kind. Covers everything. And I'll still call it like I see it.
Terri
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 1:42 p.m.
grye, call it like you see it, that's fine. The point, here, is LEGAL protection, not forcing you to leave your homophobia behind...though that would be an outstanding bonus development, I think.
David Briegel
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 12:58 p.m.
I think that the Ypsilanti Board of Education should have a Second Class Citizens Parade for all of our fellow citizens who are relegated to that status by the intolerant majority.
Paula Gardner
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 12:47 p.m.
Please direct your comments toward the focus of this story - the action of the Ypsilanti School Board on the new policy.
David Briegel
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 12:24 p.m.
Gee Terry, It makes such perfect sense. To you. Some citizens get up every day and "choose" to become a member of a persecuted minority. Yup, just for the fun of it. Maybe you should examine those "Christian values". Especially since you aren't even aware of the new testament and the love of Christ. Jesus wasn't about pillars of salt! Your son will be "responsible" for the "choices" you make in regards to the old or new. And what on earth do piercings and vulgar language have to do with this debate?
Gramma
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 5:49 p.m.
Even if being gay is a choice, people have the right to make their choices based on their own values, as long as they don't hurt or harass others.
David Briegel
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 1:05 p.m.
Terry, Piercings have nothing to do with anything else in this story! (at least we aren't debating your nonsense about vulgar language) Children are allowed to think for themselves. Is your son allowed that freedom? It was your lack of knowledge about Jesus and the "pillar of salt" that was stunning! I highly recommend you focus on the Jesus loves part!
Terry
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 12:35 p.m.
So to comment on what you said: "get up every day and "choose" to become a member of a persecuted minority. Yup, just for the fun of it." This brings me directly back to the peircings. If you can't admit homosexuallity is a choice surely you can agree peircings is a choice. People are descriminated against for that choice. So yes it appears some people do as you put it, get up every day and chose to become a member of a persecuted minority. As far as your Jesus comments. I agree 100% he is a loving person and he loves everybody regardless of sexual oriantation etc... I don't recall ever saying I don't love or care about anybody. I just happen to disagree with way our youth is not being allowed to think for themselves on an issue that is obviously controversial.
Terry
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 11:32 a.m.
Ann Arbor, now Ypsilanti, why am I not surprised? I agree nobody should be abused verbally or physically, but this is turning into such a mindless society. Nobody is allowed to even voice a disagreement with any lifestyle or action anymore, unless of course it is pointed toward a mainstream majority. It is becoming more and more difficult to teach my son morally correct values when even his school is teaching him true moral christain values are wrong and he is wrong for having these values.
AD
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 9:20 p.m.
Ezekiel 16:48-49 "This is the sin of Sodom; she and her suburbs had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not help or encourage the poor and needy. They were arrogant and this was abominable in God's eyes." The sin of Sodom and Gomorrah was not homosexuality. Please actually read your bible before you start throwing your hate around. Jesus commanded us to love. I pray that someday you find it in your heart to show love to everyone.
Lovaduck
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 2:33 p.m.
So you want to teach your son to DISCRIMINATE, and possibly bully others? What would Jesus say to THAT?
Domey
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 12:49 p.m.
They also make it difficult for me to teach "true moral" Pagan values and won't even allow sacrifices! Notice how our "true moral values" are different? The big difference is we *never* try to foist ours on you and respect your right to have your own values. Just keep them at home like I do.
Tony Dearing
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 5:50 p.m.
We try to give commenters a lot of latitude, but we also need to keep the conversation on topic. This side discussion has strayed off-topic with discussions about what the Bible says about Sodom and Gomorrah. Please direct your comments to the Ypsilanti school policy that this story is about. Thanks.
Gramma
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 5:42 p.m.
Terry, In chapter 19 of Genesis, you will read where the Sodomites (citizens of Sodom) said to Lot, "Bring them out so we can have sex with them." Non-consensual sex is rape. It also tells that Lot offered his 2 virgin daughters in their place, because the strangers "have come under the shelter of my roof." The word homosexuality is nowhere in the chapter. In his exile, Lot then has sex with his daughters to produce heirs. Incest is condemned repeatedly in the Bible.
Gramma
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 5:31 p.m.
The School Board ruling does not prevent anyone's point of view. It does require that all people be treated with respect and dignity. You and your son and all those who think the same way can continue to base your own conduct on your own values. You just can't harass or hurt someone who does not share your values or require otherss to act with accordance to your values. They also have the right to have their values and beliefs protected.
Terry
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 5:26 p.m.
Gamma (and others) I again have to disagree. The story of Soddam and Gammorah is a story of sexual perversion and God's wrath toward the sins commited including a specific reference to homosexuallity. Are you aware this is where the word sodomy came from? Please be an informed debator.
Gramma
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 5:14 p.m.
Yes, the Sodom & Gomorrah story is about the failure to offer hospitality, a lesson that we should treat strangers well. Lot also offered his daughters to the men outside as a substitute for the strangers. Is that a concept you would teach to your son? This story is also a condemnation of rape, not of homosexuality. Rape is, and always has been, an issue of imposing power on another, not a matter of sexuality. Also, the major issue in the entire Bible, both testaments, is social justice.
Terry
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 3:52 p.m.
Dave We are going to disagree on the contents of the bible obviously. This is not the forum to pursue this debate as evident by the moderators. I do not agree with the steps the YPS has taken plain and simple. You agree. We are not going to change each others opinions here. The main thing is the common faith we have and the rest is just details.
David Briegel
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 3:33 p.m.
Terry, since you have injected your bible into this debate you might want to read it with some understanding about the old and new, who wrote each and what they really said in their ancient text. You have misquoted, misunderstood and misinterpreted your chosen text! That requires more than just faith.
Terry
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 3:08 p.m.
Steve, "Lawyering up the bible" ? Its called READING the bible, and believing that the words in it were put there for a reason. I simply read and agree with it. There doesn't appear to be much interpretation needed, just good old fashioned reading. Maybe our schools should focus more on this aspect of learning and leave the issues of political correctness to the parents.
Steve in MI
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 2:37 p.m.
You proudly follow 2000 years of Christian tradition that has been lawyering up the bible, trying to make "love thy neighbor" mean "judge, persecute, and discriminate". If the gender of the person you're dating forms the core of your moral values, you're doing it wrong.
Another Michael
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 1:49 p.m.
How many parents agree with everything their kids learn in school? You're welcome to tell your son that you think this decision is wrong. Obviously, not everyone shares your opinion about what is moral. On another note, the moderators around here should try decaf.
Terri
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 1:37 p.m.
Terry, the Sodom and Gomorrah story is about lack of hospitality toward strangers, and it's part of the Hebrew Bible, not the New Testament.
Rork Kuick
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 1:12 p.m.
Jesus? Sodom and Gomorrah is a story from Genesis I thought. Maybe you could take a look at it. It contains other stories of a rather intolerant god.
Terry
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 12:09 p.m.
Gramma, It appears you missed the story about Saddam and Gammora (sp?). This is the story where Jesus destroyed and entire city for the homosexual lifestyle they chose. He left the city in rubble and if you read on there was a woman who was Jesus told to leave this city and never look back. Guess what she looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt. Sounds pretty "tolerante" huh?
Gramma
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 11:52 a.m.
Jesus never said anything about sexual orientation. He demonstraated tolerance and even broke the religious taboos of his day by treating women as equals. He also hung out with lepers and other people with issues that marginalized them in his society. He was definitely a leader in seeing all people as equal and valuable.
Grant
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 10:50 a.m.
The Ypsilanti Boards of Education did the right thing. I applaud their efforts.
eastsidemom
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 10:46 a.m.
Hurray for the YPS BoE. I am very proud of them for taking this step.