ABSTRACT
Reformers must indeed meet with parents and other community people for constructive dialogue to limit the influence of the radical Right on public education policy. Some have tried to diminish parental opposition by giving them the option of keeping their children out of class when homosexuality is discussed. This chapter examines some of the advancements and recent battles over heterosexism in education. The prominent inclusion of gay and lesbian concerns by Teaching Tolerance, a curriculum project of the Southern Poverty Law Center, is atypical. Erasure is more common in mainstream diversity forums and mass-produced curricula. Adult behavior should be governed by two of the highest virtues of a democracy: pluralism is not weakness and a commitment to diversity can actually bring people together. The Freedom Forum First Amendment Center recommends constructive dialogue to resolve the conflict between parents' rights and education for democratic living.
