4

GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

September 12, 2008

www.GayPeoplesChronicle.com

School district includes LGBTs in anti-bully rules

by Eric Resnick

Brecksville, Ohio-A Cleveland area school district has recognized sexual orientation bias as a problem for its students and wants to do something about it.

The Brecksville-Broadview Heights City School District included LGBT students in its anti-bullying rules in July.

All Ohio school districts are required to enact anti-bullying policies in this school year by House Bill 276, which passed in 2006.

While that measure doesn't spell out the groups that are covered which critics said might lead school officials to believe that LGBT students aren't-school systems can include them in their own rules.

Most are not covering LGBT students,

but Brecksville-Broadview Heights is.

The district added the protection as an administrative guideline that does not need Board of Education approval. It was developed by Superintendent Thomas Diringer.

"A major source of conflict in many schools is the perceived or real problem of bias and unfair treatment of students because of ethnicity, gender, race, social class, religion, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, physical appearance or some other factor," the directive says.

"Students who have been treated unfairly may become scapegoats and/or targets of violence. In some cases, victims may act in aggressive ways."

"Effective schools communicate to students and the greater community that all children are valued and respected. There is

Chiropractic Health Services, Inc.

a deliberate and systematic effort in establishing a climate that demonstrates respect and a sense of belonging," the directive

states.

Robbery

Continued from page 2 could not describe their car.

Makar suffered a concussion, a black eye, and swelling and bruising all over his body.

"Where they jumped up and down on my legs and stomach doesn't feel so good," Makar said.

His top two front teeth were so badly damaged in the assault they later had to be removed. He has lost 13 pounds on his already thin frame due to his inability to eat solid foods.

Anxiety attacks, nightmares, constant headaches and short-term memory loss have all plagued Makar since the attack.

A waiter and bartender, Makar was unable

The school district serves 4,700 students in southwest Cuyahoga County.

to work for nearly a week. His biggest concerns now are his lost wages and dental bills, as well as lasting fear.

The boldness and brutality of the attack, as well as the proximity to Twist and other gay businesses near that corner, mirrors the beating of Jon Brittain in the Ohio City neighborhood on August 2.

In June, police arrested two people for the stabbing death of Kelsey Stanton after he was enticed away from the Hawk.

Police have no suspects in Makar's case, nor in Brittain's.

A town hall meeting co-hosted by the Cleveland LGBT Center and the Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization will be held to discuss the safety of the LGBT community. The event will take place at the Gordon Square Arcade atrium at 6516 Detroit Avenue on Monday, September 29 at 6 p.m.

DAVID A. BUDNY, D.C.

16900 DETROIT AVE LAKEWOOD, OHIO 44107

216-228-6622

Dedicated to your wellness

FUNISTION

The larger, more powerful 2008 Scion xB

Experience the Metro

See or Call

Jim Greenfield New & Used Sales & Leasing

Toyota and Scion Certified

METRO TOYOTA SCION

jimg@metrotoyota.com www.metrotoyota.com

W. 137th & Brookpark Road OFF 1-480

SOCHEM

www.metroscionohio.com

38 Years of Sales & Service Excellence!

216-267-7000

Ohlo City Worker's Cottage

Open Sunday

September 14th

1 4 pm

Michael Rastatter

Completely Renovated

New Mechanicals Wood Floors Thru-out

Gas Fireplace Lofted Area Double Lot

Minutes to Detroit

Shoreway Entertainment

District & Downtown

Newly Reduced to $102,500!

PLUS $7,500

R

1st Time Buyer Tax Credit

Next of kin

Continued from page 1

sex couples are significant, they are also mostly accidental. Of the 22 representatives who sponsored the legislation, only four are Democrats, although some of the Republicans who put their names on the bill are from gay-friendly areas of the state or have supported other pro-gay legislation.

The registry is accessible through the bureau's website at http://bmv.ohio.gov, or forms can be filled out and mailed in. Changes can be made at any time.

A menu on the bureau's web site for "Relationship" includes "Partner” as an option.

mazda

However, Major points out, the registry does not guarantee that a same-sex partner will have the final say in care and disposition of there is a conflict with the biological family.

A power of attorney, drafted by a lawyer, would be required to back up the rights of the partner. Powers of attorney can be recorded with the county recorder, in which case they become public documents. Or, they can simply be carried in case of emergency or kept safe to prove to a hospital, for instance, that the partner has the right to make decisions.

The LGBT statewide group Equality Ohio is recommending that couples that have powers of attorney note this when signing up for the next-of-kin registry, by adding the letters POA to their names.

WE LAUNCHED TT

mazda

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN

216-258-4273

Park

oward anna

Brad Neikirk

http://1781w52nd St.Howard Hanna.com

$MY CRAVER

BIG FUN

VOTED CLEVELAND'S BEST TOYSTORE!

Rock em Sockent

SMALL PRICES!

WE BUY TOYS!!

60's, 70'S & 80S' STUFF!! DORKY COOL UNIFORMS

CRAZY POSTCARDS

BLACK & WHITE PHOTO BOOTH COLLECTIBLES FUNK & JUNK!

1814 COVENTRY RD, CLEVE. HTS. OH 44118

216-371-4FUN (4386)

Test Drive a New Mazda Today! 3363 S. Arlington Rd. Akron, OH 44312 330-645-7275

Park

'You're

Dealing with Family and Friends

Susan M. Weaver

Attorney at Law

•

⚫ Bankruptcy

·

Estate Planning

• DUI

• Injury

"Personalized Solutions for

all Legal Matters"

Free Initial Consultation

Please make a note of our new number (216) 373-2555

Offices in Cleveland & Rocky River