US Laws & Student Acceptance

Many students and their families don’t realize that their right to privacy, free speech, and equal access are all protected under federal law. This means that any school that accepts federal funds (e.g., public schools and some private schools) must provide the same rights for all students regardless of sexual orientation (ACLU, nd).

Most recently California has announced that the public school systems will be adding LGBT themed books to their recommended reading list that have earned the “Stonewall Book Award” (ALA, 2013). Take some time to read the following article and brief synopsis for some of the new books included on the list:

Andersen, K. (2013). California dept. of education adds dozens of gay, transgender titles to recommended reading list. LifeSiteNews.com. Retrieved from http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/california-dept.-of-education-adds-dozens-of-gay-transgender-titles-to-reco

If your last name is A – M, defend the addition of this controversial topic to the recommended reading list to your class peers using at least one additional citation to support your defense.