In storm over gay books, a principal holds ground

[kweerwolf]

Many parents resented the new rules Joni Jay started when she became principal of Lexington's Joseph Estabrook Elementary School seven years ago.

Parents had to sign in when they entered the school instead of popping into their children's classrooms to drop off forgotten homework or snow gear. Jay, who had worked both in industry and education, came across as a by-the-book administrator, while her predecessor was more laid-back, parents say.

Now, many parents speak of Jay with growing admiration and respect. They like the way she has handled herself and stood her ground during recent controversy. A few weeks ago, a set of parents protested the use of books about gay couples in instruction, making the 50-year-old Jay a target of radio talk-show hosts and Internet blogs for the second time in a year.

Today, two sets of parents plan to file suit in US District Court in Boston against the principal, the superintendent, and other school officials. The suit, according to the parents' attorney, will contend that the school system violated the parents' civil rights because they weren't notified about the books or discussions in class. Jay and other school system officials have maintained that the material was about families, not sexuality. Jay supports the school system policy to discuss same-gender couples as part of lessons on diversity.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/04/27/in_storm_over_gay_books_a_principal_holds_ground/

[William769]

1. I will be more than glad to sit down with them and discuss Civil Rights!

:eyes:

[gator_in_Ontario]

2. Gay always equals sex to some people...

I think if King and King is considered sexual, then so is Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and on and on up to and including Little House on the Prarie. Some straight people have such dirty little minds!