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Dr Moore's letter


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August 27, 2003
Dear Mr. Quigley,
Please know that this district does not discriminate against any student. That includes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students.
Sincerely,
Bob Moore,
Superintendent,
Oklahoma City Public Schools

Oklahoma City Public Schools

Oklahoma State Department of Education

ACLU of Oklahoma

ACLU: American Civil Liberties Union

Human Rights Campaign

PFLAG: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

GLSEN: Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network

Lambda Legal

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The following is an email from Joe Quigley. It was originally on the front page of GayOKC.com for at least a week from the time I first received it from Joe on August 30, and is now posted here on its own page, where it will remain permanently online for reference and archive purposes, as part of GayOKC.com's online version of the documentation of Joe Quigley's situation at NW Classen High School - links to which are provided at the bottom of every page of Joe's postings.
(Posted 9-17-03)

(8-30-03) Got this today (Sat. 08/30/03) post marked (by office stamp machine) August 28, 2003.

August 27, 2003

Dear Mr. Quigley
First, I would like to thank you for taking the time to come and speak at the August 18, 2003 Board of Education meeting. We always appreciate citizens taking the time to come to the Board meetings and express their concerns
During the meeting, you asked Board members whether or not the Oklahoma City Public School District discriminates against gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered students. Please know that this district does not discriminate against any student. That includes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students.
Additionally,you should know that our bullying regulation protects gay, [lesbian], bisexual and transgendered students who may be the victims of name calling and violence because of their sexual orientation. The harassment regulation also protects gay students who are being harassed, on the basis of sex, as defined by law.
Please know that this district is concerned about the safety and welfare of all students and that it has and will continue to put policies, regulations and procedures in place which we believe will provide a safe and conducive learning environment for all students. Again, I thank you for your interest in the District and I hope that this information is helpful to you.

Sincerely
(signature)
Bob Moore, Superintendent
Oklahoma City Public Schools.

You know a copy of this goes up in my classroom!

Finally it is stated, quotable, copiable and distributable. We have it in writing that discrimination is out.
I do think we still need to go to the board on Tuesday, Sept 2, not to demand what we now have in writing, but to thank the district for its bold and brave step in the right direction, and to let them know we are there to help them when it comes to GLBT students.
We can offer relevant books, materials, guest speakers for teacher inservices and our services on District committees to insure that discrimination whether deliberate, or by accident is properly addresssed. And we can make sure that these students are represented on committees as are all other groups of students
We need to start working with the district, not waiting for them to seek us out. They won't. But we need to proactively offer our help and become active with the district.
I am sure there are parents, family members and friends of GLBT Kids in the district and we need to become active GLBT parents, guardians, friends, siblings etc.

This year as students return to school, besides getting their schedules and books, the GLBT Kids get this statement and with it all the protections afforded everyone else if they are discriminated against or reduce to second classcitizens.

Let me know your thoughts

Joe

 

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