Beating Prompts Capistrano Schools Chief to Call for Tolerance

Responding to the nearly fatal beating of a 55-year-old man in Laguna Beach, Capistrano Unified School District Supt. James A. Fleming is calling for a greater effort to “sensitize our young people to the richness of diversity.”

Police say the attack earlier this month against Loc Minh Truong near three gay bars occurred because his assailants believed that he was a homosexual. Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the alleged hate crime. Two of the suspects, 18-year-old Jeff Michael Raines and an unidentified 16-year-old boy, attend San Clemente High School, part of the Capistrano school district.

“As superintendent of the largest school district in south Orange County, and the educational leader for over 30,000 students, I am compelled to take an official stand regarding the horrifying incident of Jan. 9 in Laguna Beach,” Fleming said, reading from a letter addressed to the community. “As civilized people, we cannot, and will not, tolerate such violent acts.

“No one, regardless of his or her personal or religious beliefs about race, religion, politics or sexual orientation, has the right to discriminate against, harass, abuse or inflict harm upon any other human being.”

Fleming’s statement came at the start of a regularly scheduled meeting of the district board Tuesday night. More than 200 people were present, including about 60 top student athletes and their parents, who were gathered for an awards ceremony.

“On behalf of the Capistrano Unified School District, I pledge our commitment to ending intolerance and making south Orange County a place where we can all live, work and play together in harmony,” Fleming said. “The only type of intolerance that will be promoted is intolerance of bigotry, cruelty and injustice in any form.”

At the urging of Trustee Peter J. Espinosa, district officials said they will develop a formal education policy against intolerance.

In just the last two months, Espinosa said, 169 students in the district have been suspended because they caused or attempted injury to another student on school grounds. Such statistics indicate that “the seeds of violence are being sowed within the district,” Espinosa said.

“Violence and intolerance of people who seem different is not acceptable,” he said.

Members of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays also urged district officials to participate in their free speaker’s program, which promotes tolerance toward homosexuals. A similar request was made last week before the Laguna Beach Unified School District.

“What more can we offer to benefit our children?” group member Elena Layland said.

Much of Fleming’s statement was aimed at parents. “Strengthen the control you have of your children,” Fleming said. “If that control has deteriorated, regain and rebuild it.”

Several trustees echoed his sentiments. “If we don’t have the support of the community and parents, we might as well realize we’re fighting a losing battle,” Trustee Annette B. Gude said. “Without us all working together, we’re never going to accept anything.”