LGBT History Lessons in CA Schools Starting in 2nd Grade

New lessons for elementary, middle and high school students recognizing the contributions of minorities including “lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans,” were recently approved by the California Board of Education.  The updates are part of a broader overhaul of CA’s history and social science curriculum.

CBS reported that CA students in 2nd-grade will learn about families with 2-moms or 2-dads.  Two years later, while studying how immigrants have shaped the Golden State, they will hear how New York native Harvey Milk became a pioneering gay politician in San Francisco.

California State Superintendent Tom Torlakson said the new initiative is called the History-Social Science Framework, and that it will update and upgrade history and social science instruction in the state.  “This is a big win for our students,” said Torlakson.  “This document will improve the teaching and learning of history and social science.  It will give our students access to the latest historical research and help them learn about the diversity of our state and the contributions of people and groups who may not have received the appropriate recognition in the past.”

On the CA Department of Education Facebook page, Jamie Oliver posted it would be interesting to see what would happen if the state’s education leaders decided that the Bible should be taught in school.  “You can bet that the gay agenda would be out in full force protesting against it.  But we are all supposed to just sit back and accept that our children are indoctrinated with the gay lifestyle?”  Oliver went on to say, “And if we don’t want our second graders learning about it, we are suddenly homophobes?  Maybe I don’t want our second graders or any elementary students talking about sex at all in school.”

During four hours of public testimony, dozens of speakers criticized the way the Framework discusses Muslims, Hindus, Jews and Japan’s use of “comfort women” during World War II, but no one objected to the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights.

Opponents remain concerned the guidelines de-emphasize important historical figures and events to make room for LGBT icons of lesser or disputed note, said Pacific Justice Institute senior staff attorney Matthew McReynolds, whose Sacramento legal defense organization was involved in the repeal efforts.

All this to say: Herein is yet another reason for School Choice … remembering that parents have the Biblical mandate to educate their children – not the government.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel