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So what's next? A "friendly" high school for every group that traditionally get picked on? Why don't we just do what has worked for decades...send the bullies to continuation school until they clean up their act. Pretty simple.

Paul @ 3:14 PM PDT, Oct 20, 2008

Proposing a "gay friendly" high school is not the same as a high school just for gay kids, but it's pretty close. The proposal of such a school sends a powerful message: gay people are still being harassed, discriminated against and treated unfairly under the law. We've already decided that racial segregation is a bad thing, so how could separating gay kids do anything to teach us tolerance on this issue?

Andrea @ 2:06 PM PDT, Oct 20, 2008

an alternate take on this issue: http://www.pushback.org/2008/10/20/in-defense-of-chicagos-gay-school/#more-2610

misspronounced @ 9:42 AM PDT, Oct 20, 2008

I was bullied for being gay every day at school. I would have loved to have gone to a safe, accepting high school. Back then, the students were homophobic and the teachers and administrators, also homophobic, looked the other way, as if I must have done something to deserve the bullying. I'm far more concerned about gay students, than overworked teachers and administrators who don't have the time or energy or willingness to get invovled when they witness anti-gay bullying. If this lets teachers and administrators off the hook, that's unfortunate. But that's not a reason to subject gay teenagers to verbal abuse and physical harm/

Dan W. @ 9:34 AM PDT, Oct 20, 2008

Absolutely right! EVERY school should be "gay-friendly".

Jenny @ 8:42 AM PDT, Oct 20, 2008

This will send shockwaves through the community that does more than a principle merely cracking down on misbehaved students....it can potentially change that misbehaved student's mind. Tolerance is important in the outside community, but of utmost importance is encouraging self-tolerance within LBGT students. I'm glad that Chicago has realized there is a problem with the school system, and is taking appropriate, and ground breaking steps to right current wrongs.

curryADD @ 7:54 AM PDT, Oct 20, 2008

I know many gay teens, and so I am intimately acquainted with the self-doubt, struggle, and hatred which comes from a childhood spent in an environmnent that subtly and overtly insults the LBGT community. These students will have an amazing opportunity to present an incredibly positive image to their community; through outreach, art, and school projects.

curryADD @ 7:54 AM PDT, Oct 20, 2008

I disagree that this will allow a culture of bullying in "normal" schools. Instead, I think it will send larger, more tolerant messages throughout the community. What better opportunity as an LBGT student would you have than go to a school that fosters self-confidence and self-acceptance?

curryADD @ 7:53 AM PDT, Oct 20, 2008

Don't worry the thought police are here to help!

Aviking @ 7:51 AM PDT, Oct 20, 2008

Gay kids will need to make their way in the bigger world, and need to learn "survival" and coping skills and experience acceptance by adults who teach them by example to embrace themselves and others as unique. Kids who condemn others different from themselves need to be re-taught it is unacceptable to hurt, insult and marginalize others who are not like them. It reflects limited intelligence and social skills, and carries unpleasant penalties enforced under school policy. We must help young people never to feel they must segregate themselves because they are "different," and to accept and celebrate the fact that we are all unique.

John-Manuel Andriote @ 6:05 AM PDT, Oct 20, 2008

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