Re: MPLS-ISSUES digest 804
We have not had the opportunity to discuss this as a Board issue of yet, however I have always held the opinion that discrimination hurts and intolerance is unacceptable. The Boy Scouts are a private organization and are not subject to the same scrutiny as publicly funded organizations. I do recognize that the Boy Scouts help some boys. But they do not help everyone or anyone who wishes to participate. They have the right to run things as they see fit and they are determined enough to take such a position to the Supreme Court. We have the obligation to adhere to our philosophy in the School District of inclusiveness. I would not continue to support any organization that promotes discrimination and intolerance. As a child I wanted to join the Boy Scouts because the Girl Scout troop in my area was not well run. I was told I was crazy for even thinking such a thing, they didn't want "girls" messing up their club. Since then, I have been very aware of such non-inclusive rules in organizations and have spoken up against them. Audrey Johnson, 10th Ward School Board Member And what about it school board members? You ask gay people >for support on your referendum, but your silence on this issue is deafening. > >Allan Spear > >Ward 10 > > > >
Re: MPLS-ISSUES digest 804
Good for you Catherine! I too admire the good work done by the Boy Scouts. But, as Sen. Allan Spear pointed out in response to Mr. Chandler's post, we certainly would not tolerate a public subsidy to a Nazi youth group in the name of "diversity," regardless of the number of "at risk" children that it connected with "safe" adults in order to work on projects of benefit to the community. I was thrilled to read in the Star/Tribune this morning that Rabbi Joseph Edelheit is calling his congregation to work for change in the Scout's policy of excluding openly gay leaders. I hope other people of faith in Minneapolis will join with Rabbi Edelheit. I also hope that other Minneapolis school board members will join with Ms. Shreves in opposing continued distribution or use of Minneapolis Public School facilities until the Boy Scout policy changes. Scott Benson Ward 11 Page In a message dated 9/30/00 7:55:32 AM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << I don't know if you posted your piece before you read my posting of Carol Johnson's speech to the Boy Scouts, Allan, in which Carol registered the district's concern about the BSA's non-inclusive policies. The Minneapolis Public Schools is in the process of reviewing the criteria used to approve flyers and promotional material for the schools. We do have non-discrimination policies, and while no decision has yet been made, it is unlikely that we will continue to distribute Boy Scout and Cub Scout materials through the schools until the organization changes its position to include all individuals as scout leaders. Both of my boys have participated in scouting, and my family has felt that scouting has reinforced many of our values. But, in spite of this, I and my family disagree with the non-inclusive policy on scout leaders that the scouts have adopted. While I am only one board member and so I cannot speak for the board as a whole, I will not support continued distribution or use of Minneapolis Public School facilities until the Boy Scout policy changes. Catherine Shreves Minneapolis School Board >>
Re: MPLS-ISSUES digest 804
"Sen.Allan Spear" wrote: > And what about it school board members? You ask gay people > for support on your referendum, but your silence on this issue is deafening. > I don't know if you posted your piece before you read my posting of Carol Johnson's speech to the Boy Scouts, Allan, in which Carol registered the district's concern about the BSA's non-inclusive policies. The Minneapolis Public Schools is in the process of reviewing the criteria used to approve flyers and promotional material for the schools. We do have non-discrimination policies, and while no decision has yet been made, it is unlikely that we will continue to distribute Boy Scout and Cub Scout materials through the schools until the organization changes its position to include all individuals as scout leaders. Both of my boys have participated in scouting, and my family has felt that scouting has reinforced many of our values. But, in spite of this, I and my family disagree with the non-inclusive policy on scout leaders that the scouts have adopted. While I am only one board member and so I cannot speak for the board as a whole, I will not support continued distribution or use of Minneapolis Public School facilities until the Boy Scout policy changes. Catherine Shreves Minneapolis School Board
Re: MPLS-ISSUES digest 804
0100,0100,0100The argument that efforts to withhold funding from the Boy Scouts reflect a disrespect for diversity is simply ludicrous. Does diversity require a tolerance for bigotry? Would the Minneapolis school system be required to provide facilities for a white supremacist group or a Nazi group? The basis of the Boy Scouts case before the Supreme Court was that their anti-gay policies were part of their organizational philosophy. If so, than they are a bigoted group and institutions with non-discriminatory policies should not work with them - whatever good that may do with "at risk" kids. Eva and Dana are absolutely right. It is very disappointing to see the Burnsville School District and the Duluth United Way and Medtronics take principled stands on this issue, while we hear nothing from the Minneapolis School District or the Minneapolis United Way. (Yes, I know that the Minneapolis United Way is allowing contributors to designate that their money not go to the Boy Scouts. But that is meaningless if they just shift funds around and give the Boy Scouts the same amount they would otherwise have received.) And what about it school board members? You ask gay people for support on your referendum, but your silence on this issue is deafening. Allan Spear Ward 10
