Archive of drama policy material
The panel on the LCPS theatrical presentations policy held last night was very illuminating – kudos to the LEAP program coordinators for pulling it together. There will be a detailed report later below the fold, but to summarize: A climate of fear exists in the high schools, and it is resulting in an unlawful implementation of the policy. This was freely admitted by the panel. Perfectly valid and appropriate plays are being rejected in order to avoid “poking the bear” – stirring up another controversy like we saw a year ago. The plays that are being performed this year are, in the words of one panelist, “Disney crapola.”
What the panelists described is a textbook case of the “heckler’s veto” in action. Ideas and viewpoints are being suppressed because – and only because – they might offend someone and create controversy. The panel also freely acknowledged that what is happening would not withstand a court challenge. It is unlawful viewpoint discrimination.
When the anti-gay right expressed satisfaction with the policy last year, we said that their intention was to bring about exactly this outcome. They no doubt see it as a victory that a good principal described his treatment by them as “some of the worst days of my life,” and that a good teacher affirms that the climate of fear and uncertainty has been detrimental to the kids.
If this is the case, it is a false victory. The other thing that was brilliantly clarified by the panel is that this chain of events has created enormous opportunities (necessities, really) to have conversations with the students about what topics are controversial, why they are controversial, the meaning of “the sensibilities of the community,” and “socially appropriate behavior,” and other issues raised by the policy and the actions of pro-censorship activists in the community.
It’s worth asking here what the bear is and who is poking it.
These conversations can only be a good thing. This “victory” contains the seeds of its own destruction and will ultimately be a positive development for our community. Perhaps we should send flowers to Concerned Women for America and Dick Black.
The panelists were: Jim Person, principal of Stone Bridge High School; Ned Waterhouse, Deputy Superintendent; Carolyn Perry, English Supervisor for the LCPS Department of Curriculum and Instruction; and John Wells, drama teacher and Chair of Fine Arts at Loudoun County High School.
Neither the School Board members nor the Superintendent were present due to a budget hearing.
UPDATE: As promised, a full report below.
Continue reading →
Despite the best Anti-Gay Industry efforts to create a backlash, a poll just released by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press shows that opposition to marriage equality has declined substantially since same sex marriage became the reality in Massachussetts. In particular:
The author takes to task Institute for American Values contributor
Adoption Institute Supports Gay Parents
There’s also an article in the Washington Post.
These are the recommendations of the report, which is available in full here.
This report is the result of an extensive review and analysis of the issues and research over the last several decades. Unlike the tiny sound-alike think tanks (like these) created by the anti-gay right to fabricate “controversy,” this is a legitimate, professional agency that develops policy positions on the basis of sound research and the best interests of children and families.
It’s sad to even have to point it out, but one of the principal findings of the report is this:
Anyone who advocates or votes for such anti-family, anti-child laws and policies is confused and misinformed. If you happen to know of anyone like that, for instance in the Virginia General Assembly, please help to educate them.