My son's middle school is having an assembly on respect for homosexuality. What do you recommend I do? Sadly, we are seeing an increasing number of schools jump onto the "safe schools" bandwagon and promote acceptance of homosexuality. School officials' actions have ranged from the subtle (adding sexual orientation to the anti-discrimination policy) to the ridiculous (the San Francisco School District designating May as "Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Questioning Pride Month"). Here's what I recommend you do regarding the planned assembly. First, excuse your son from the assembly. If that might be awkward for him, excuse him from school for the day. Second, talk to other parents about your opposition to the assembly. See if you can get a few parents to go with you when you visit with the principal. Finally, when you meet with the principal to voice your concern, focus on the issue of having values imposed on the students. Remember to stay calm, asking questions rather than accusing. Proponents of pro-homosexual education might be momentarily stunned to discover that they are trying to impose their values on others. For years, when conservative parents opposed certain school books or curriculum, liberals have said, "Stop trying to impose your values on others." You don't hear much of that from the left any more, however, because it is unarguably they who are doing the imposing these days. The principal may argue that he is using the pro-homosexual school program to promote respect. Everyone deserves respect, right? As a Christian, I teach my children to respect people, to be considerate of everyone, and not to call anyone a derogatory name. This is a virtue. However, school programs that want children to view homosexuality without a moral judgment are trying to do more than teach respect. They are trying to impose a moral view regarding a particular sin. I would also be outraged if the school had an assembly promoting the idea that cheating on your spouse is morally neutral, or that co-habitation outside of marriage is no morally different than being married. Certainly, in every school there must be families in which a spouse is cheating or in which the parents are not married. But, this doesn't mean the school should sponsor assemblies celebrating these arrangements just so the children in these homes don't feel left out. There is a difference between teaching respect and imposing a controversial moral dogma on children. School officials need to understand the difference. © 2002, Gateways to Better Education Questions? If you have a question for Gateways to Better Education, we offer two options: If you have an urgent issue that needs an immediate response, we recommend that you call our Advisory Line at (949) 586-KIDS (5437), Send us an email containing your question.