OCTOBER 13, 1995 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE 15

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Your job: Find the stealth school board candidate-It's easy!

by Bill Henderson

You probably saw it first on TV at the 1992 Republican National Convention in Houston. Dan Quayle, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell and Patrick Buchanan proclaimed a "Culture War" to retake America for their ultra-conservative, religious right-wing supporters. Three years later you need to see that “ground zero” is now your own neighborhood.

On November 7 voters across Ohio in more than 600 districts will elect school board members. In Cuyahoga County, there are 32 local neighborhood races. In Franklin County there are 17 races, and in Hamilton County there are 23.

These elections are ther only chance largely uninformed

cate individuality, diversity, or acknowledge cultural values different from their own. They uniformly oppose comprehensive sex education, even when it is requested by parent groups or mandated by the state. They do not want neighborhood kids taught that natural sexual response includes masturbation or that genetic makeup contributes to sexual orientation.

In short, they want students to be taught that the only "acceptable" sexual behavior is between married persons of opposite genders. As a homosexual or bisexual you are

OUTVoice

voters have to determine who sets curriculum policy, allocates public funds, and defines the standards be which the neighborhood kids are schooled. Right wing political groups know most voters skip these ballot items and have targeted suburban systems. That means groups like the Christian Coalition, Citizens for Excellence in Education, and Focus on the Family, who have caused havoc in some California, Texas, Iowa, Maine, and New Hampshire school districts, are hoping to do the same in Ohio. They have targeted schools in Mentor, Hudson, North Olmsted, Fairview Park, Brooklyn, Mayfield Heights, in south and western Columbus suburbs, and in north and western Cincinnati suburbs this year.

Why should you care? Right wing candidates oppose curriculum materials that advo-

clearly to be viewed

as unnatural, immoral, and unaccepted by future generations if right wing candidates have their way on Ohio school boards.

What can you do? First, read lo-

cal newspaper stories and candidate endorsements. Look for candidate quotes such as "We need to return to basics and traditional values," or "We need to reassert parents' rights to decide what children should be taught," or "Schools should not be teaching children how to have safe sex." These are clearly red flags calling for you to ask candidates open-ended questions such as, "What changes do you feel should be made in sex education?" or "How should we teach the origins of Earth?"

Second, search out in person, by phone, or by mail, the school board candidates in your district. Your county board of elections will provide you with candidate addresses and possibly their phone numbers. Local school board offices should also have this information. Contact the candidates directly, or at a

candidate forum if you know one is planned. Most candidates will be open and share their ideas. Be most concerned about those who avoid questions or who put you off.

Third, share what you learn with us and as many neighbors and friends as you can. Share good news as well as bad. The hidden strength of the religious right wing is their ability to get out the votes of conservatives who attend their churches. In your neighborhood you will have to be gathering others to vote with you as well!

Ohioans Against Discrimination and Out Voice in Cleveland, 216-651-2341; or Columbus, 614-876-9953; and Stonewall

Cincinnati, 513-541-8778, can give you addresses for your local candidates if you live in those cities. They will also share what has been learned good or bad, about each to help you spread the word.

The right wing organizations are convinced you, like must voters, won't bother to stop them. Time is very short. Get on this today. It is an easy task!

To support Out Voice, send any size donation to 1263 West Blvd., Cleveland 44102. To support candidates who like you just as you are send any size donation to Ohioans Against Discrimination, Susan Bader, Treasurer, 1263 West Blvd., Cleveland, 44102.

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