Group Backs Anti-Harassment Program

A task force has recommended curriculum changes and training programs to discourage discrimination based on sexual orientation in schools.

The recommendations this week from the 36-member task force of educators, parents and community representatives to state schools Supt. Delaine Eastin came in response to a recent law that bans such discrimination in schools.

“There was mounting evidence that these children have been [suffering] under enormous harassment, threats of violence and acts of violence for years,” said state Sen. Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica), who brought the bill to the Assembly three times before it was added to California’s Education Code in January 2000.

Among the recommendations:

* Introduce youngsters to images of different types of families.

* Discuss gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people who are historical figures.

* Encourage tolerance toward other students’ appearance and manner of dress.

Kuehl acknowledged that proposals to positively represent people of different sexual orientations are sure to spark controversy.

“Those in opposition see this as a sex education issue. This is not about sex,” Eastin said. “We are trying to avoid harassment and avoid discrimination.”