Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (May 2, 2003)
Z 2003» rTîTîTTTWnTïnews ortland residents will elect four new directors to the city’s seven-member hoard of education May 20. W ith multiple priorities com pet ing for lim ited resources, sexual m inority interests— such as anti-bullying efforts, safe-sex education and the encourage m ent o f Gay Straight Alliances— may become truant issues. Regardless, queer voters have good reason to take notice of the people vying for these positions: Two years ago, hoard member Derry Jackson created an uproar when he called homosexuality a “behavior” and attem pted to reinstate military recruiters in high schools. To learn more about the candidates, Just Out invited them to briefly describe their expe rience with, or position on, issues of concern to gay, lesbian, hi, trans and questioning youth and educators. Two candidates did not respond: John Lekas, a friend o f anti-gay shock jock Lars Larson, and James Laidler. Z one 1 Jim Davis: 1 am the only proven progressive in this race. I sponsored the Amazon Dragon Boat team. I supported the first “safe sex” pro gram in schools as hoard member and was cru cified by M abon-ites. For too many the military is their only out, hut I will make “opt out" info available. N ot interested in schools? Would you rather he robbed by an Enron exec with an MBA or a high school dropout with a gun? Jim H anna: Children want to learn and con tribute and have a right to recognition and acceptance. I’ll work to create safe, efficient schools that promote trust and bonding, allowing all students and school employees to experience R ole C all Candidates for Portland's school board speak out on queer issues by Timothy Krause success. Safe schools will emerge when policies are based on positive human relations. We can change attitudes and policies of organizations such as the military and Boy Scouts by exposing their discriminatory practices to others through constructive engagement rather than exclusion. John Liljegren: I have had no involvement in [sexual minority] issues. Under my plan to decen tralize authority to boards of directors at each school, decisions about these issues would be made by those boards, not dictated by the district board. If I were making the decision, I would sup port use of campuses by military recruiters and the Boy Scouts. Generally, I’d want to keep sexuality issues out of K-12 educational programs. Eamon Molloy: I support programs that address discriminatory behaviors such as bullying and sexual harassment and that promote safe schools. Safer-sex education is vital for every high Is there another D erry Jackson among the school student. I don’t condone the use of cam latest crop of school board candidates? puses by any group that discriminates. However, also consider the ability of candidates to suc the N o Child Left Behind Act forces the district cessfully carry this agenda forward through to allow military recruiters into the schools or lose their public service leadership experience and federal Rinding. I am a former Boy Scout but expertise in providing policy oversight of large, haven’t enrolled my sons because of its policies. complex organizations like Portland Public Douglas M organ: I have always opposed all Schtx)ls. discriminatory policies and practices based on Terry O lson: As a teacher, I helped devel gender and sexual preferences. 1 have done this op integrated curricular projects on the themes through my membership in the A C LU and the of tolerance and respect for others. I am a H um an Rights Campaign. In addition to my staunch supporter of sex education in the formal position on these issues, I hope you will schools and the formation of Gay Straight A member of the community that you can trust Alliances. Since current military policy vio lates the civil rights of a substantial segment of our society, I would support a resolution re affirming the district’s opposition to military recruiting in the schools. R on Stull: Kids have the right to a good, quality education no m atter their race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. A ny effort to breach this right cannot be tolerated. Providing a safe place to receive an education by address ing bullying or discriminating tactics is a prior ity for all of us, no t just those serving on a school board. I would be on the side of uphold ing the law for access to any organization that is protected. Z one 2 M artin G onzalez: Since 1987, I have worked for A m erican Friends Service C om m it tee, which has a long history of advocating for the rights of LGBT people. I organized to defeat anti-gay ballot measures in Oregon. I strongly support the Safe Schools C oalition’s mission: where every family can belong, where every educator can teach and where every child can learn, regardless of gender identity or sexu al orientation. C ount on me to address the con cerns of LGBT community. Rion Lyle: I am 20 years old and probably know more about what is actually going on in Portland Public Schools than any of my oppo nents. I am also very experienced with solving issues facing LG BTQ youth. I am running to ensure all students have an empowering envi ronm ent that fosters understanding, accep- G mtinued on Page 2 1 Injured? ...Call me LGBT Pride is a celebration of community, and community is all about trust. Call a community-owned investment team for service that you can rely on. 9 I | www.griffonfinancial.com Hala Gores, P.C. M M IUV I Experienced Reliable Trusted ZACH NEWMAN Real Estate Broker Multi-Million Dollar Producer Down-to-earth style, no sales pressure, just the best advice and representation you can get. When buying or selling a home, call Zach for a free, private, no obligation consultation. 503 - 282-5164 ZachNewman@aol.com Prudential NW Properties 1730 NE 10th Ave. Portland Objective information not driven by commissions or proprietary products. • We can help you get back on track to meeting your financial goals. <>^0ur team has over 35 years combined experience in the investment busings. Access to individual stocks, bonds and over 6,000 mutual funds.% GRIFFÖN F in a n c i a l G r o u p , LLC Financial and hstate Planning Services Attorney at Law Free Consultation No Fee Unless You Recover 503/ 295-1940 12th Floor 621 SW Morrison Portland Proudly serving our community since 1 9 8 9 in personal injury claims including • Auto & Motorcyle Accidents • Bicycle & Pedestrian • Medical Malpractice • Wrongful Death • Defective Products • Insurance Claims You Deserve Full Compensation for • Pain & Suffering • Medical Expenses • Lost Farmngs • Properly Dam age • Car Rental Antoinette's Direct Line: 503.528.2800 Toll Free: 888.434.5552 • 503.203.8585 5440 SW Westgate Drive, Suite 110 Portland, OR 97221 Securities and financial planning offered exclusively through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member NASD/SIPC Integrity, Experience oR esults 19
