This really pisses me off and I'm once again disturbed that Congress is supposedly a representational body: fifty-three House Republicans have signed on to a letter asking the Obama administration to fire Kevin Jennings, Assistant Deputy Secretary at the Department of Education for the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools. Why? Because Jennings founded GLSEN and has been a longtime advocate for queer youth.
"As the founder of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, Mr. Jennings has played an integral role in promoting homosexuality and pushing a pro-homosexual agenda in America's schools -- an agenda that runs counter to the values that many parents desire to instill in their children," the lawmakers write.
As GLSEN's own research shows queer and trans youth experience incredibly high rates of harassment in school. These young people need advocates and role models in positions of power, and Jennings is both. The campaign to fire Jennings, which has been going on for a while now and includes the typical drudging up of old and miss-reported information, demonstrates complete disregard for the physical and mental health and safety of LGBT youth.
By sending the Obama administration this letter the fifty-three House Republicans are saying the experiences of these young people don't matter, that they don't deserve respect and support. This campaign isn't just an attack on Jennings but on all the young people he represents. It's an extension of the bullying Jennings fights against.
The full text of the letter can be read here and the list of Representatives who signed on to the letter can be found here.
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Perhaps this is a dangerous thing to say -- but I don't love Jennings. I've heard him speak and thought he said a few things that were racially insensitive about his southern mother's "old-timey" views.
That said, this anti-Jennings campaign is, of course, absurd. It's BS. It's homophobia masquerading as some sort of legitimate concern.
I only hope that in fighting against the smear campaign, we don't have to pretend that Jennings is perfect, flawless, that the whole LGBT commmunity stands behind him without question.
Also, should have proofread my comment.
Jeez. Yeah, I don't really care about Jennings, in fact, I have a lot of problems with the whole "safe and drug free" schools crap that ends up with girls being stripped searched for advils - but these republicans are assinine
I really wonder what Obama's reaction will be. I see this as proactive spite. Do republicans sense a repeal of DADT coming? And is this thier usual spiteful child behavior? Or maybe it's some sort of scapegoat/red herring to get the attention off of the DADT stuff, and onto Jennings. Then Obama would get to denounce the anti-gay letter while still not actually doing anything for gay rights.
fucking politics.
Ugh @ "homosexual agenda." Why are people still believing it exists.
I can't speak for people in general but I believe in the gay agenda mostly because of gay lobbying organizations like HRC.
The homosexual agenda
8:00 - Networking reception and mingling with straight people. Coffee and pastries will be provided.
8:30 - Welcome and opeing remarks
9:00 - Initiation of America's youth into Teh Gay
10:15 - Break. Oppurtunity for lusting after straight people in sex-segrated bathrooms.
10:30 - Workshop: Using anti-discrimination laws for your advantage
11:30 - Destroying the sanctity of marriage
12:00 - Lunch and awards reception. Recognition for converting others.
1:00 - Workshop: How to make children ask their parents uncomfortable questions
2:00 - Marriage cermonies involving polygamy, incest, under age children, and/or animals. Because, hey, once you allow same sex marriage, the sky's the limit.
3:00 - Break
3:15 - Workshop: Flaunting your homosexuality
4:00 - Workshop: How to raise your children to be gay, too
5:15 - Cocktail reception
If you don't mind, I want to post this everywhere. With credit, of course.
Go for it. Neat. I've never had anything I wrote reposted anywhere.
I think we might need a copy of the feminist agenda, as well.
Go for it. Neat. I've never had anything I wrote reposted anywhere.
I think we might need a copy of the feminist agenda, as well.
So much win!
I wonder what would happen if someone pointed out to these folks that their values aren't the only values in the world and that indeed their values "run counter to the values that many parents desire to instill in their children." I don't think I"ll ever have kids, but if I somehow change my mind and do, this fear of the "homosexual agenda" isn't a value I'll be passing on, thanks.
I'm sincerely hoping their campaign doesn't get very far past this stage...
This sounds like an illegal reason to fire somebody.
Also, when will they acknowledge that openly gay people are here to stay and they should be treated like anyone else.
Or just maybe it is because Jennings did not report a case of pedophilia? Or that he praised the founder of NAMBLA, the founder of an organization promoting sex with boys? Seems like a good reason to ask for his resignation.