Mount Si Parents

Mount Si loses a great teacher

2008-08-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

We have official word that Kit McCormick has accepted a position at Garfield High School.

Congrats Garfield and Kit!

And curses upon Randy Taylor and the SVSD!

As if the education in the valley was not in enough trouble, now you have pushed away another great teacher!

It's high time for some NEW leadership at Mount Si!

Our best wishes to Kit in her new adventures. I'm sure she'll run into far more open minds at Garfield than our backwards little community here!

I hope you religous zealots are happy!

If only ignorance was painful!

Will there be a teachers strike this year?

2008-08-18T11:41:00.001-07:00

We have not seen any news on an agreement between the SVSD and the teachers union.

Will we see a strike in the fall?

If you have any news, information or comments please share them here.

-MSP

SVSD Board Member Kathryn Lerner decides to send her daughter to Mercer Island High

2008-07-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

From the Snoqualmie Valley Record

More than 100 Valley families choose to send their children to public schools outside the Snoqualmie Valley School District.

This fall, Snoqualmie Valley School District board director Kathryn Lerner's family will be among them.

Lerner's daughter, who graduated from Chief Kanim Middle School in June, will enter Mercer Island High School this fall.

Lerner said her family's decision was not an easy one to make, but was based on programming options. Her daughter plans to participate in marching band and study Mandarin Chinese, and neither program is available at Mount Si High School.

Lerner said that while the district needs improvement in budgeting, facility planning and long-range planning, her family's decision was based solely on her daughter's needs.

Read the story here

Mount Si activity fees may see a hike due to high fuel prices

2008-07-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

The SnoValley Star reports that fees will be rising this fall at Mount Si.

July 24, 2008

By Laura Geggel
Mount Si High School plans to increase its student activity fees to keep up with the rising price of fuel. The fees, which are currently $75 per sport, would increase to $100 if the school board approves them before the beginning of the fall sports season.

If approved, there would be a cap on how much each student would have to pay. Students participating in more than one sport would not have to pay more than $150 per year, while families with multiple children playing school sports would not have to pay more than $225 per year.

Waivers for free or reduced fees can be obtained from the school.

Mount Si was one of the last high schools in the area to require an activity fee for extracurricular athletics. Greg Hart, associate principal and athletic director at Mount Si High School, said he and the school board were initially hesitant to implement fees for fear of a drop in athletic participation.

Read the entire story

Homophobia deCoDEd

2008-07-10T05:32:00.000-07:00

What happened to CoDE?

Well it's been nearly 3 months now since the DoS at MSHS. We've been watching the CoDE web site since then to see what they were doing to end the 'indoctrination' in our schools. What a big surprise, they have done nothing!

Since the DoS they have updated their web site once and that was to remove their comments about how they having nothing to do with Hutch.

Of course it's only a coincidence that Le Ann Shaw was President of CoDE during this assault on our students, who she claimed "Is not affiliated with Ken Hutcherson" and yet;

Todd Shaw, a member of Hutcherson's church, said he'll be at the protest Friday with a sign that reads "Education Not Indoctrination."

It would seem that their interest in 'indoctrination' is limited to the GSA and the DoS they fought so dilligently against. There seems to be nothing new happening over at the Ministry of Vice and Truth.

In fact, some of their 'Communications' have been removed from their site including the threatening letter they sent to the students of the Mt Si GSA. This letter included veiled threats of "unstable people" turning to "extreme acts of violence" including "school shootings". They close the letter with;

"Please choose to not spread anger this year and do not request the Day of Silence during the school day."

If there was any doubt as to the motives of this group, that doubt is gone. They are nothing more than a band of homophobic reprobates trying to push their personal religous agendas down the throats of our children.

CoDE has done NOTHING to help our schools or our students. Their site claims;

"Mount Si High School and the Snoqualmie Valley School District have recently had their reputation damaged and have been in the national news due to the actions of a small number of teachers."

It is NOT the teachers at Mount Si that have tarnished our reputation, it is these religous zealots who have brought national attention and ridicule to the valley as being percieved as a bunch of back woods nutjobs that hate gays!

Well to the rest of the world, rest assured that rational minds outnumber these simple minded reprobates in the valley by a wide margin.

It is fairly obvious that CoDE and it's members are more interested in compelling our secular education system to embrace the homophobia and other medieval superstitions that they cherish in favor of the system of law we currently have.

Equal Justice and Protection under the law! It works, even for the simple minded bigots who are protected by the same!

Please CoDE, keep your religion where it belongs, in your temples and churches.

Hate has no place in our schools, but you are welcome to embrace your hatred in your churches as the Antioch members do.

Updated to clarify the position Le Ann Shaw held at CoDE.

Lies, Lies and more Lies!

2008-07-07T12:24:00.000-07:00

From OneNewsNow.com

"Pastor Ken Hutcherson is still pursuing action against the teacher at Mt. Si High School in Snoqualmie, Washington, who interrupted his Martin Luther King Day speech to voice his opposition to Hutcherson's Christian views on marriage and sexuality."

Lie #1
Dr. Potratz did not interrupt the assembly to voice his opinion, he simply booed the blowhard when he was introduced. It was Kit McCormick who asked the question, AFTER his "speech". And for booing the guest, he was reprimanded.

Lie #2
"Teacher George Potratz later compared Hutcherson's support for the biblical condemnation of homosexual behavior with advocacy for slavery."

This is a well established falsehood. What Dr. Potratz said, and I was there is;

"Hutcherson has a right to his views...just as someone who believes in reinstating slavery has a right to theirs."

And went on to say;

"just because someone has the right to these ideas, it does not make them acceptable in a public school"

Dr. Potratz NEVER advocated a return to slavery, that was Hutcherson's own deluded interpretation of the comments.

Lie #3
"She said to me, 'Well, if you were the pastor of a black church, that would have much more impact than being the black pastor over there with a white church, and you're the one that has chosen,' basically, 'to live over there with those people,'" Hutcherson details.

Hutcherson was asked who Jenkins was referring to as "those people?" "White people," he answered.

Now Ms. Jenkins has been libeled in the spirit of Hutch's "Christianity".

Jenkins disputes Hutcherson's account of the conversation. "That's not exactly what I said. What I said was that, from the perspective of the Commission on African American Affairs, when there is an issue that's involving a church congregation and maybe a political work that that church may be doing, that it's a little different kind of role and a little different positioning for us to be able to get involved when the congregation of the church is...a black church or a black denomination," she contends.

UPDATED 7/8/2008 From the PI

"It is not what I said, it is what he heard," Jenkins said.

This seems to be a pattern with Hutch, he has a built in BS translator that makes him hear what he wants to hear, which is basically that he is a victim in all of this.

This blow hard reprobate named Ken Hutcherson has to manufacture events to appease the inner turmoil of his dark and sinister mind.

Looking for the face of evil, look no further. Ken Hutcherson is an evil man!

It's time for legal action to put this buffoon in his place!

Monday, 07 July 2008

Thank you so much for praying about the article in One News Now about the State of Washington's Commission on African American Affairs. It is out and linked below.

Pray that God will use this article. Let's make changes in the State of Washington.

Pastor Hutch

I hear God is going to DIGG this article. Oh yes she is!

God will be glorified, Oh yes she will!

2008-06-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

Monday, 30 June 2008

I asked you to pray about the situation with the State of Washington Commission on African American Affairs. Thank you - your prayers were answered!

OneNewsNow.com, the widely disseminated online news division of the American Family News Network will be running a very long article on this subject sometime during the coming weekend. Please watch for it and pray that God will be glorified as the truth about the State of Washington is revealed.

Pastor Hutch

Hutch was "Discriminated" against at the Mount Si MLK Assembly?

2008-06-24T19:16:00.001-07:00

Help! Help! I'm being repressed!

You heard right. Our favorite nutjob is still at it!

Apparently the NAACP is controlled by Governor Gregoire and the "White Powers" in Washington.

Get this guy into an asylum before he hurts someone!

Tuesday, 24 June 2008

I’m back!

Put on your knee pads and start praying!

This past Sunday I was preaching on Romans 2:11 which says God is no respecter of persons. I was informed last week that this is not true of Governor Christine Gregoire and the State of Washington. There is extreme favoritism in this state.

I was informed by Rosalund Jenkins, head of the Commission on African American Affairs for the State of Washington, that if I was the black pastor of a black church instead of a black pastor of a white church, I would have more clout to say I was discriminated against at Mt. Si High School at the Martin Luther King Day Assembly.

I was informed that a homosexual is part of the Commission on African American Affairs so I can forget about fighting the issues of racism and homosexuality.

I was informed that even though she is head of the Commission on African American Affairs for the state of Washington she does not work for black people. She works for Governor Chris Gregoire because hers is not an elected position, she is a gubernatorial appointee.

I was informed that if I continue to go down the road of racism and homosexuality, I’m fighting against the white power structure of the State of Washington and I don’t have a chance of winning.

As I was talking to her, it dawned on me that the NAACP must be controlled and owned by the white power structure of the State of Washington as well.

I filed a grievance with the NAACP and now I know why James Bible, President of the local chapter doesn’t return my phone calls. The only member of the NAACP who has any intestinal fortitude is Rev. Phyllis Beaumonte. She has constantly said that they are supposed to investigate any complaint brought by a member, yet the President has put this off week after week after week.

Pray for Rev. Beaumonte. She is trying to get the NAACP to do the right thing.

Continue to pray for me as I stand on Biblical Truth and the Word. I was informed by the head of the Commission on African American Affairs for the State of Washington that Gov. Gregoire has established a special place for homosexuals in her administration and the State of Washington.

This will be an uphill battle but I am willing to fight trusting in God until we attain victory.

Pastor Hutch

"This past Sunday I was preaching on Romans 2:11 which says God is no respecter of persons."

Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God.

How does "no respecter of persons" translate from an impartial God?

Does he have any idea what he's preaching or does he just make this crap up as he goes along?

delusion

Main Entry: de·lu·sion
Pronunciation: \di-ˈlü-zhən, dē-\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin delusion-, delusio, from deludere
Date: 15th century
1: the act of deluding : the state of being deluded
2 a: something that is falsely or delusively believed or propagated b: a persistent false psychotic belief regarding the self or persons or objects outside the self that is maintained despite indisputable evidence to the contrary; also : the abnormal state marked by such beliefs

— de·lu·sion·al \-ˈlüzh-nəl, -ˈlü-zhə-nəl\ adjective
— de·lu·sion·ary \-zhə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

Can you hear me now?

2008-06-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

Bomb was just a phone

From the Snoqualmie Valley Star By Laura Geggel

A handmade telephone intended as a friendly gift caused a bomb scare at Mount Si High School June 16.

Mount Si High School evacuated its students to the football stadium at about 11:10 a.m. after the main office opened a suspicious looking package - really an upside down telephone - addressed to a student.

According to Snoqualmie Police Public Information Officer Rebecca Munson, the school’s front office received the package June 13, but the student was absent. On Monday, the main office called the student to the office, where she informed them she was not expecting a package.

They opened the package upside-down and, when they noticed wires, called the police and evacuated the school to the neighboring stadium.

“We had an officer respond and he saw wires, so he called a bomb squad,” Munson said.

Read the whole story

MSHS bomb threat a hoax; School is open

2008-06-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

Today, Tuesday, June 17, school will resume at the regularly scheduled time. Students will begin their day by reporting to their 4th period class - to retrieve any materials left yesterday - then continue with their previously-planned finals schedule.

On Monday, June 16, Mount Si High School students were evacuated to the stadium around 11:35am as a precaution and remained outside until school was dismissed or a parent picked them up. This was in response to a suspicious looking package that was delivered to the school's office. A police bomb squad confirmed that the package was a very well-built hoax device. The building was re-opened around 4:00 pm Monday.

For those concerned about finals, Principal Randy Taylor confirmed that the incident will be taken into consideration with the administration of their exams today.

If you have any information that could help with the investigation of this crime, please contact the City of Snoqualmie Police department at 425-888-3333

SVSD

J.K. Rowling delivers commencement address at Harvard

2008-06-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

In looking for commencement addresses to share, I thought what better speaker than an author who was part of many of your lives throughout your school life.

Congrats Class of 2008!

President Faust, members of the Harvard Corporation and the Board of Overseers, members of the faculty, proud parents, and, above all, graduates.

The first thing I would like to say is ‘thank you.’ Not only has Harvard given me an extraordinary honour, but the weeks of fear and nausea I’ve experienced at the thought of giving this commencement address have made me lose weight. A win-win situation! Now all I have to do is take deep breaths, squint at the red banners and fool myself into believing I am at the world’s best-educated Harry Potter convention.

Delivering a commencement address is a great responsibility; or so I thought until I cast my mind back to my own graduation. The commencement speaker that day was the distinguished British philosopher Baroness Mary Warnock. Reflecting on her speech has helped me enormously in writing this one, because it turns out that I can’t remember a single word she said. This liberating discovery enables me to proceed without any fear that I might inadvertently influence you to abandon promising careers in business, law or politics for the giddy delights of becoming a gay wizard.

You see? If all you remember in years to come is the ‘gay wizard’ joke, I’ve still come out ahead of Baroness Mary Warnock. Achievable goals: the first step towards personal improvement.
Actually, I have wracked my mind and heart for what I ought to say to you today. I have asked myself what I wish I had known at my own graduation, and what important lessons I have learned in the 21 years that has expired between that day and this.

I have come up with two answers. On this wonderful day when we are gathered together to celebrate your academic success, I have decided to talk to you about the benefits of failure. And as you stand on the threshold of what is sometimes called ‘real life’, I want to extol the crucial importance of imagination.

These might seem quixotic or paradoxical choices, but please bear with me.
Looking back at the 21-year-old that I was at graduation, is a slightly uncomfortable experience for the 42-year-old that she has become. Half my lifetime ago, I was striking an uneasy balance between the ambition I had for myself, and what those closest to me expected of me.
I was convinced that the only thing I wanted to do, ever, was to write novels. However, my parents, both of whom came from impoverished backgrounds and neither of whom had been to college, took the view that my overactive imagination was an amusing personal quirk that could never pay a mortgage, or secure a pension.

They had hoped that I would take a vocational degree; I wanted to study English Literature. A compromise was reached that in retrospect satisfied nobody, and I went up to study Modern Languages. Hardly had my parents’ car rounded the corner at the end of the road than I ditched German and scuttled off down the Classics corridor.

I cannot remember telling my parents that I was studying Classics; they might well have found out for the first time on graduation day. Of all subjects on this planet, I think they would have been hard put to name one less useful than Greek mythology when it came to securing the keys to an executive bathroom.

I would like to make it clear, in parenthesis, that I do not blame my parents for their point of view. There is an expiry date on blaming your parents for steering you in the wrong direction; the moment you are old enough to take the wheel, responsibility lies with you. What is more, I cannot criticise my parents for hoping that I would never experience poverty. They had been poor themselves, and I have since been poor, and I quite agree with them that it is not an ennobling experience. Poverty entails fear, and stress, and sometimes depression; it means a thousand petty humiliations and hardships. Climbing out of poverty by your own efforts, that is indeed something on which to pride yourself, but poverty itself is romanticised only by fools.
What I feared most for myself at your age was not poverty, but failure.

At your age, in spite of a distinct lack of motivation at university, where I had spent far too long in the coffee bar writing stories, and far too little time at lectures, I had a knack for passing examinations, and that, for years, had been the measure of success in my life and that of my peers.

I am not dull enough to suppose that because you are young, gifted and well-educated, you have never known hardship or heartbreak. Talent and intelligence never yet inoculated anyone against the caprice of the Fates, and I do not for a moment suppose that everyone here has enjoyed an existence of unruffled privilege and contentment.

However, the fact that you are graduating from Harvard suggests that you are not very well-acquainted with failure. You might be driven by a fear of failure quite as much as a desire for success. Indeed, your conception of failure might not be too far from the average person’s idea of success, so high have you already flown academically.

Ultimately, we all have to decide for ourselves what constitutes failure, but the world is quite eager to give you a set of criteria if you let it. So I think it fair to say that by any conventional measure, a mere seven years after my graduation day, I had failed on an epic scale. An exceptionally short-lived marriage had imploded, and I was jobless, a lone parent, and as poor as it is possible to be in modern Britain, without being homeless. The fears my parents had had for me, and that I had had for myself, had both come to pass, and by every usual standard, I was the biggest failure I knew.

Now, I am not going to stand here and tell you that failure is fun. That period of my life was a dark one, and I had no idea that there was going to be what the press has since represented as a kind of fairy tale resolution. I had no idea how far the tunnel extended, and for a long time, any light at the end of it was a hope rather than a reality.

So why do I talk about the benefits of failure? Simply because failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was, and began to direct all my energy into finishing the only work that mattered to me. Had I really succeeded at anything else, I might never have found the determination to succeed in the one arena I believed I truly belonged. I was set free, because my greatest fear had already been realised, and I was still alive, and I still had a daughter whom I adored, and I had an old typewriter and a big idea. And so rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.

You might never fail on the scale I did, but some failure in life is inevitable. It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all - in which case, you fail by default.

Failure gave me an inner security that I had never attained by passing examinations. Failure taught me things about myself that I could have learned no other way. I discovered that I had a strong will, and more discipline than I had suspected; I also found out that I had friends whose value was truly above rubies.

The knowledge that you have emerged wiser and stronger from setbacks means that you are, ever after, secure in your ability to survive. You will never truly know yourself, or the strength of your relationships, until both have been tested by adversity. Such knowledge is a true gift, for all that it is painfully won, and it has been worth more to me than any qualification I ever earned.

Given a time machine or a Time Turner, I would tell my 21-year-old self that personal happiness lies in knowing that life is not a check-list of acquisition or achievement. Your qualifications, your CV, are not your life, though you will meet many people of my age and older who confuse the two. Life is difficult, and complicated, and beyond anyone’s total control, and the humility to know that will enable you to survive its vicissitudes.

You might think that I chose my second theme, the importance of imagination, because of the part it played in rebuilding my life, but that is not wholly so. Though I will defend the value of bedtime stories to my last gasp, I have learned to value imagination in a much broader sense. Imagination is not only the uniquely human capacity to envision that which is not, and therefore the fount of all invention and innovation. In its arguably most transformative and revelatory capacity, it is the power that enables us to empathise with humans whose experiences we have never shared.

One of the greatest formative experiences of my life preceded Harry Potter, though it informed much of what I subsequently wrote in those books. This revelation came in the form of one of my earliest day jobs. Though I was sloping off to write stories during my lunch hours, I paid the rent in my early 20s by working in the research department at Amnesty International’s headquarters in London.

There in my little office I read hastily scribbled letters smuggled out of totalitarian regimes by men and women who were risking imprisonment to inform the outside world of what was happening to them. I saw photographs of those who had disappeared without trace, sent to Amnesty by their desperate families and friends. I read the testimony of torture victims and saw pictures of their injuries. I opened handwritten, eye-witness accounts of summary trials and executions, of kidnappings and rapes.

Many of my co-workers were ex-political prisoners, people who had been displaced from their homes, or fled into exile, because they had the temerity to think independently of their government. Visitors to our office included those who had come to give information, or to try and find out what had happened to those they had been forced to leave behind.

I shall never forget the African torture victim, a young man no older than I was at the time, who had become mentally ill after all he had endured in his homeland. He trembled uncontrollably as he spoke into a video camera about the brutality inflicted upon him. He was a foot taller than I was, and seemed as fragile as a child. I was given the job of escorting him to the Underground Station afterwards, and this man whose life had been shattered by cruelty took my hand with exquisite courtesy, and wished me future happiness.

And as long as I live I shall remember walking along an empty corridor and suddenly hearing, from behind a closed door, a scream of pain and horror such as I have never heard since. The door opened, and the researcher poked out her head and told me to run and make a hot drink for the young man sitting with her. She had just given him the news that in retaliation for his own outspokenness against his country’s regime, his mother had been seized and executed.
Every day of my working week in my early 20s I was reminded how incredibly fortunate I was, to live in a country with a democratically elected government, where legal representation and a public trial were the rights of everyone.

Every day, I saw more evidence about the evils humankind will inflict on their fellow humans, to gain or maintain power. I began to have nightmares, literal nightmares, about some of the things I saw, heard and read.

And yet I also learned more about human goodness at Amnesty International than I had ever known before.

Amnesty mobilises thousands of people who have never been tortured or imprisoned for their beliefs to act on behalf of those who have. The power of human empathy, leading to collective action, saves lives, and frees prisoners. Ordinary people, whose personal well-being and security are assured, join together in huge numbers to save people they do not know, and will never meet. My small participation in that process was one of the most humbling and inspiring experiences of my life.

Unlike any other creature on this planet, humans can learn and understand, without having experienced. They can think themselves into other people’s minds, imagine themselves into other people’s places.

Of course, this is a power, like my brand of fictional magic, that is morally neutral. One might use such an ability to manipulate, or control, just as much as to understand or sympathise.
And many prefer not to exercise their imaginations at all. They choose to remain comfortably within the bounds of their own experience, never troubling to wonder how it would feel to have been born other than they are. They can refuse to hear screams or to peer inside cages; they can close their minds and hearts to any suffering that does not touch them personally; they can refuse to know.

I might be tempted to envy people who can live that way, except that I do not think they have any fewer nightmares than I do. Choosing to live in narrow spaces can lead to a form of mental agoraphobia, and that brings its own terrors. I think the wilfully unimaginative see more monsters. They are often more afraid.

What is more, those who choose not to empathise may enable real monsters. For without ever committing an act of outright evil ourselves, we collude with it, through our own apathy.
One of the many things I learned at the end of that Classics corridor down which I ventured at the age of 18, in search of something I could not then define, was this, written by the Greek author Plutarch: What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.

That is an astonishing statement and yet proven a thousand times every day of our lives. It expresses, in part, our inescapable connection with the outside world, the fact that we touch other people’s lives simply by existing.

But how much more are you, Harvard graduates of 2008, likely to touch other people’s lives? Your intelligence, your capacity for hard work, the education you have earned and received, give you unique status, and unique responsibilities. Even your nationality sets you apart. The great majority of you belong to the world’s only remaining superpower. The way you vote, the way you live, the way you protest, the pressure you bring to bear on your government, has an impact way beyond your borders. That is your privilege, and your burden.

If you choose to use your status and influence to raise your voice on behalf of those who have no voice; if you choose to identify not only with the powerful, but with the powerless; if you retain the ability to imagine yourself into the lives of those who do not have your advantages, then it will not only be your proud families who celebrate your existence, but thousands and millions of people whose reality you have helped transform for the better. We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.

I am nearly finished. I have one last hope for you, which is something that I already had at 21. The friends with whom I sat on graduation day have been my friends for life. They are my children’s godparents, the people to whom I’ve been able to turn in times of trouble, friends who have been kind enough not to sue me when I’ve used their names for Death Eaters. At our graduation we were bound by enormous affection, by our shared experience of a time that could never come again, and, of course, by the knowledge that we held certain photographic evidence that would be exceptionally valuable if any of us ran for Prime Minister.

So today, I can wish you nothing better than similar friendships. And tomorrow, I hope that even if you remember not a single word of mine, you remember those of Seneca, another of those old Romans I met when I fled down the Classics corridor, in retreat from career ladders, in search of ancient wisdom:As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.I wish you all very good lives.

Thank you very much.

Mount Si GSA honored

2008-05-28T21:01:00.001-07:00

From the Friends of GSA;

This past Friday, May 23rd, the annual Washington State Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Banquet and Recognition Ceremony was held at the Lakeside School. The event is co-sponsored by the Washington Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). Speakers and presenters included State Senator Ed Murray, City Council member Sally Clark, WA State Human Rights Commissioner Rev. Dr. Jerry Hebert and State Representative Jamie Pederson, as well as many other community leaders. Senator Patty Murray and Mayor Greg Nickels also wrote letters of support and appreciation.

This was a significant and high profile event, and the efforts and struggles of our local Mt Si High School GSA did not go unnoticed. Of the eight awards presented for the Washington GSA’s, they took home the following awards:

Most Inspirational GSA Member: Jacqueline Ferland
Advisor of the Year: Eric Goldhammer
GSA of the Year: Mount Si High School
Rob Goldsworthy Outstanding Educator of the Year: Kit McCormick

Washington state has approximately 175 GSAs. Please join us in congratulating our local chapter in the recognition of their efforts.

Thank you

Friends of GSA

Day of Respect Scheduled for May 29

2008-05-27T15:49:00.000-07:00

From MSHS;

On Thursday, May 29 during a morning assembly, we will present the second year in a series called Rachel's Challenge. Rachel Scott was the first student killed in the Columbine High School shooting on April 20, 1999. Her father started a non-religious, non political and non-profit organization with the goal of inspiring chain reactions of kindness and compassion that are reflected in 5 challenges:

1. Eliminate prejudice by looking for the best in others.
2. Dare to Dream, write down goals and keep a journal.
3. Choose positive influences.
4. Kind words and acts of kindness have a huge impact.
5. Start a chain reaction of kindness with friends and family.

These 5 challenges are the core values of the presentation and will be emphasized again in this year's presentation. The title of this year's program is Rachel's Legacy. Through a series of video clips and messages from the speaker, students will learn about Rachel's life and her message of compassion and respect for others. This assembly will be our program for Day of Respect. You may recall from last year that an evening presentation for parents is included. This format is being followed again this year. The program will begin at 7:00 pm in a yet to be determined location. Please follow the signage that evening. We hope to see you there for this insightful and inspiring evening.

More information regarding the program can be found at www.rachelschallenge.com

Eliminate prejudice?...

One can dream.

Reaction to Irmo Principal Resigning

2008-05-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

Slain man's mother denounces principal who resigned in protest of gay-straight alliance.

Sean's Last Wish today denounced the resignation announcement of Irmo High School Principal Eddie Walker because of his opposition to the formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance. The organization also criticized his explanation for opposing GSA's.

"Principal Walker's problematic statement, 'I feel the formation of a Gay/Straight Alliance Club at Irmo High School implies that students joining the club will have chosen to or will choose to engage in sexual activity with members of the same sex, opposite sex, or members of both sexes,' is completely ludicrous and unfounded," said Sean's Last Wish Founder, Elke Kennedy, whose son Sean (pictured) was murdered last year in Greenville in an anti-gay hate-crime. "GSA's give students who are gay bi and straight, a safe place to support each other, talk about issues and work to end homophobia. Many GSAs function as a support group and provide safety and confidentiality to students who are struggling with their identity."

Read the story

Group demands immediate termination of Irmo Principal

IRMO, SC (WIS) - Irmo High School Principal Eddie Walker's has announced he'll resign effective June 2009 over the creation of a Gay/Straight Alliance club at the school.

But for one group, June 2009 isn't soon enough.

South Carolina Equality is demanding that either Walker's resignation be effective immediately, or he be terminated.

"This Principal has emphatically and publicly stated that he does not support a significant portion of his student body. He has created an atmosphere where intolerance is considered a principled stand," says SCE Executive Director C. Ray Drew.

The group says research shows 80% of gay students do not know a single supportive adult at their school, 38% of gay students face hostility and violence, and 18% of gay students experience physical assault.

"Eddie Walker has created a liability problem for the school. If a gay student is harmed, the District could be held accountable for creating a hostile school environment," says Drew. "Every day that this Principal remains at Irmo High, students will continue to live in fear for their safety. These unsafe and dangerous conditions for gay students are intolerable. "

Read the story

High School Principal resigns over allowing GSA club in school

2008-05-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

Principal Eddie Walker

IRMO, SC (WIS) - The principal of Irmo High School will announce his resignation Wednesday after being asked to allow the creation of a Gay-Straight Alliance club at the school.

Principal Eddie Walker confirmed to WIS News 10 he intends to announce his resignation over the intercom Wednesday morning. The resignation won't take effect until June, 2009 - the end of the 2008-2009 school year.

...

"Allowing the formation of this club on our campus conflicts with my professional beliefs and religious convictions. "

Read the story

Good riddance! Who needs homophobes teaching our kids?

And what a great example he sets in respecting diversity!

putz!

Hutcherson vows future anti-gay protests and disruptions at Mount Si

2008-05-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

May 14, 2008

From The Snoqualmie Valley Star
By Laura Geggel

At a May 8 school board meeting, the Rev. Ken Hutcherson vowed to continue to protest the Day of Silence in coming years if the Mount Si High School Gay Straight Alliance holds it during school hours.

In fact, Hutcherson, who led about 100 protestors during the annual event late last month, vowed an even larger presence in the future.

“As parents, next year, if you let this happen when school is happening, I’m going to have to organize well enough there will be no kids coming to school,” he said at the meeting.

District administrators, who are still discussing the future of the day at Mount Si, had no formal response to Hutcherson’s statement.

“I can’t control what Dr. Hutcherson does,” said Principal Randy Taylor. “We’re still assessing this year’s Day of Silence and looking to see how successful it was on campus. I’m a little disappointed with the level of absenteeism, but some of that could have been addressed through the concern of parents about adult protestors being near the school.”

...

In the same public statement at the May 8 school board meeting, Hutcherson said he took offense to a statement made at the Feb. 7 school board meeting by Potratz, an American literature and film studies teacher at the high school.

At the February meeting, Potratz said he was “the one, sole person who booed Mr. Hutcherson” at the Martin Luther King Day Assembly.

Three weeks after the assembly, Potratz said the school disciplined him with a letter of reprimand in his personnel file.

In an interview, Potratz said he “thought that the choice of the leading opponent of equal rights for homosexuals in Washington state was the most inappropriate possible choice for a speaker for the day which celebrates equality in our country.”

In his February statement, Potratz said he would try to combat prejudice and “stop those who, because of hate or ignorance, would hurt anyone or violate their civil rights.” He then went on to say that, as he understood it, Hutcherson and his supporters wanted to reverse the 2006 state Anderson-Murray Law, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.

“They have their right to advocate that,” Potratz said in his statement. “People at our school have the right to advocate reinstituting slavery if they want. But our school system does not regard discrimination against homosexuals as an equally valid opinion with the opinion that everyone has equal rights under the law.”
Hutcherson said he found the statement akin to wanting to reinstate slavery. He said he has notified the Washington State Department and the NAACP. Neither organization could be reached to confirm the complaints at time of deadline.

Hutcherson said he wanted Potratz and McCormick removed from the classroom.

“You need to do something about teachers you have in your rooms with my daughter and students passing by them every day knowing that you made a comment about reinstating slavery,” Hutcherson said.
Taylor said the school had disciplined Potratz.

Read the complete story

Look who's preaching hate on Mothers Day?

2008-05-11T01:05:00.000-07:00

Ken Hutcherson with Scott Lively who claims that the Nazi Party, World War II and the Holocaust were the products of a vast gay conspiracy, and Latvian megachurch pastor Alexey Ledyaev who claims that “Homosexuality is a … dangerous and contagious disease."

Sunday, 11 May 2008

Please keep praying for a great turnout for this Sunday's services for two reasons:

1.) It's Mother's Day! We want to honor all of our mothers.

2.) This Sunday will be the first of a two part series on why homosexuality is still a sin.Pray that many lives will be changed.

Pastor Hutch

"[Slavery] was established by decree of Almighty God...it is sanctioned in the Bible, in both Testaments, from Genesis to Revelation...it has existed in all ages, has been found among the people of the highest civilization, and in nations of the highest proficiency in the arts."
-Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America

"The doom of Ham has been branded on the form and features of his African descendants. The hand of fate has united his color and destiny. Man cannot separate what God hath joined."
-United States Senator James Henry Hammond.

"There is not one verse in the Bible inhibiting slavery, but many regulating it. It is not then, we conclude, immoral."
-Rev. Alexander Campbell

"The right of holding slaves is clearly established in the Holy Scriptures, both by precept and example."
-Rev. R. Furman, D.D., Baptist, of South Carolina

Leviticus 25:44-46:
"Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. You may also buy some of the temporary residents living among you and members of their clans born in your country, and they will become your property. You can will them to your children as inherited property and can make them slaves for life, but you must not rule over your fellow Israelites ruthlessly."

1 Timothy 6:1-3
"Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;"

The quotation by Jefferson Davis, listed above, reflected the beliefs of many Americans in the 19th century. Slavery was seen as having been "sanctioned in the Bible." They argued that:

-Biblical passages recognized, controlled, and regulated the practice.

-The Bible permitted owners to beat their slaves severely, even to the point of killing them. However, as long as the slave lingered longer than 24 hours before dying of the abuse, the owner was not regarded as having committed a crime, because after all -- the slave was his property.

-Paul had every opportunity to write in one of his Epistles that human slavery -- the owning of one person as a piece of property by another -- is profoundly evil. His letter to Philemon would have been an ideal opportunity to vilify slavery. But he wrote not one word of criticism.

-Jesus could have condemned the practice. He might have done so. But there is no record of him having said anything negative about the institution.

Hutch, using the bible to justify evil today is no different than it was yesterday!

The same books of the Bible you justify your disgust of homosexuals with are the same books that kept your ancestors enslaved! Why not embrace it all brother?

Why must you preach evil, and on Mothers day no less?

You should be ashamed!

May God have mercy on your dark and twisted soul.

These thoughts are for you Hutch...

"Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of truth and knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods."
-Albert Einstein

"You know that you have created God in your image when God hates the same people that you do."
-Fr. John Weston

Christian Students Pledge Golden Rule on DoS

2008-05-02T18:34:00.000-07:00

I want to share one very early report of efforts on the Day of Silence from Jordyne Krumroy, a student at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. Jordyne was an early supporter of the Golden Rule Pledge and as you will see, used it as a springboard to mobilize Christian groups on her campus for outreach. Here is her report.

Yesterday was the Day of Silence. A national event where students on their campuses are silent for the entire day to bring awareness to the silencing of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) students. This community has been daily silenced by the name-calling, bullying, and harassment simply because of their sexuality. Many Christians are confused about how to respond to this day because they do not agree with homosexuality, but they do agree that hatred based on it is not acceptable.

This year I decided to get involved. I went to Campus Crusade for Christ as well as Intervarsity Fellowship to present the idea of participating. They both said they wanted to participate but I was absolutely astonished when Campus Crusade said that not only did they want to support it as individuals, but as a ministry. When I heard this, my heart was pounding- it was a prayer come true.
I can’t give you a count of how many students from the ministries actually participated. It might have been one, or many. But to me, it was their sincere desire to do something that really hit me hard. I have long been frustrated with the Christian community’s response to the GLBT group. When Crusade called me, a little piece of anger towards the church was cast away.

Students at our school chose to participate by duct taping their mouths shut in complete silence, and when people asked why, handing them a slip of paper that explained. While I was more than fine with doing this, I wanted to do more. I wanted to make it clear that not only do I love them, but Christ does also. So I made my own slips, not to preach, but to break down the walls between the Christian and LGBT communities. The slips I made said this:

“Today I am pledging to be silent to bring attention to the name-calling, bullying and harassment experienced by LGBT students.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Luke 6:31

As a follower of Christ, I believe that all people are created in the image of God and therefore deserve love and respect.”

Read the entire story

Behold, I say unto you, there are true christians among us.

Mount Si inspires participation in the DoS

2008-05-01T22:28:00.000-07:00

Hutch's bodyguard looks on as former students
and community members disrupt their proselytizing.

Day of Silence speaks volumes

By MARGO HOFFMAN The Mirror

Apr 30 2008

Sometimes silence speaks quite loudly.

Students at Federal Way High School, as well as more than 200 high schools throughout the state, participated in the National Day of Silence event on April 25.

Both homosexual and heterosexual students banded together to raise awareness of the bullying and harassment that gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual students often face. They made their statement by going all day without speaking, instead signing their names to a list of supporters and passing out cards describing their cause.

At lunchtime on Friday, 84 students had already signed up as supporters. More students continued to sign up throughout the day.

“It’s a great demonstration,” said Paul Cantu, a senior at Federal Way and the ASB president. “Everybody’s very supportive.”

Gay and lesbian students at Federal Way are sometimes subject to derogatory language, Cantu said.

“As with anything, there’s going to be a little bit of bullying for people that are different,” he said.

Cantu said he suspects that in several years, people will look back in awe and disgust over the discrimination and harassment that gays and lesbians often face.

Extra participation at Federal Way’s Day of Silence this year was fueled partly because of news of anti-gay protests at a similar event at Snoqualmie Valley’s Mount Si High School, Cantu said. Students at Federal Way were inspired to come forward in support of their school’s diversity.

Read the entire story

...Awesome! Mount Si, setting the standard!

In a related story from World Nuts Daily, they are reporting fabrications worthy of CoDE and Hutch himself!

"Take the Seattle area's Mount Si High School for instance. Out of 1,410 students, nearly half (638) reportedly walked out of school on DOS with a unified voice saying, "No! We're here to learn. We refuse to be subject to radical homosexual indoctrination at school or anywhere else!"

The Rev. Ken Hutcherson, a former pro-football player, current pro-family champion and pastor of Antioch Bible Church, led the charge in defense of God's moral standard at Mount Si. He organized a prayer rally outside the school – which his daughter attends – and was joined by hundreds of parents, children and community members."

Once again, the actual number was 495 out of 1,410. Of those, many were kept home to avoid the protesters (Hutch) not the DoS.

And Hutcherson joined by "HUNDREDS" of parents? There were less than a hundred, as in singular.

These nuts are either delusional or bald faced liars!

“Christian…..and Gay?”

2008-05-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

Statistically, one of these kids will be gay.
Which one of them will earn your comtempt?

What is diversity? The simple fact is DNA recombination,

the shuffling of genes received from both parents into a

genome for one's offspring, underlies human variation,

including gender identity.

That being said. We have received the following press release;

The Tolt Congregational United Church of Christ in Carnation invites the community to a presentation on May 7, 2008, to hear a progressive Christian voice on this topic. Pastor Stephen Haddan, who received his Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in Minnesota, will discuss “Who We Are, What We Believe, and How We Use the Bible.” Tolt’s position as a church which welcomes and affirms all people regardless of race, gender, economic status or sexual identity will also be explained.

Church youth leader Cindy Sattler notes that this presentation is especially timely with the recent valley discussions regarding the work of the Gay-Straight Alliance at Mt Si High School. “I’ve noticed that many who oppose the GSA do so by claiming the word “Christian” to describe themselves, as if being Christian explains the foundation upon which a person stakes their case. It alarms me that so many find the words “gay” and “Christian” to be mutually exclusive,” she says.

Tolt Congregational, founded in 1894, belongs to the United Church of Christ, a denomination that dates back to the Mayflower. Eleven signers of the Declaration of Independence were members of UCC predecessor bodies. The UCC was the first mainline church to ordain an African-American (1785), a woman (1853) and an openly gay pastor (1972).

The presentation will begin at 7 PM and a social time with refreshments will follow. The church is located at Hwy 203 and Morrison Street.

Note to readers.

As a non-christian, I'm not in the habit of posting faith based meetings. However, in the spirit of cooperation and goodwill, I'm encouraging those of you of faith to open a meaningful dialog with each other that might foster a broader and unconditional acceptance of our children.

In the words of the UCC ...God Is Still Talking...

And in the words of Stephen Hawkings...

All we have to do, is keep on talking!

Mormonism and Christiantity, what's all the fuss?

2008-05-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Over the past several months there has been alot of outrage coming from our christian and mormon neighbors over the GSA and the DoS event.

Many fundamentalist christians, like Hutch, bring a very narrow and cherry picked set of 'biblical laws' they use to persecute the gay community. Most christians that I know don't seem so hell bent on the validity of the OT. (pun intended)

These christians find greater value in living their lives as Jesus taught, rather than honoring outdated dogma that they find un-christian. These are great folks!

I, as many others, were a bit mystified by the strong reaction of our mormon neighbors so we set out to learn a bit more about mormanism and where their doctrine intersects with their christian counterparts. What we found was interesting to say the least.

Mormon doctrine is quite different from the mainstream christian perspective. The doctrine seems a bit more supernatural than even the events in the bible, and definitely diverges from the basic christian beliefs. In fact, many of the assertions would be considered heretical by the catholic church.

In trying to find a short documentary on the subject, we came across an animated feature that was supposedly banned by the mormon church. The claims made in the video were actually checked against published mormon doctrine and seem accurate.

Warning, some of these ideas might shock you!

Now this is not an attack on mormons, but it's good to know where you folks are coming from.

What is unclear is the value the Bible holds within the Mormon church. Is the OT considered the word of God?

I'd love to hear the mormon perspective here. Are the claims in this video accurate? Is it true that mormons strive to be gods? Is it really a belief that Jesus and Lucifer were brothers? And the whole business with the black folks, what's up with that? When I think about it, I can't say that I have ever met a black or asian mormon, do they exist?

I think most of us who were raised as christians have no clue about the mormon faith. To many of us it sounds a bit like scientology.

Perhaps a greater understanding could lead to a more open dialog about the diversity of faiths within our school and community. In the end, we are all equally human and no one can deny that, the rest is just superfluous!

A local student, claiming to be Mormon sent this link. It is interesting.

Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation raises more than $85,000 for our kids!

2008-04-30T21:22:00.000-07:00

April 30, 2008

By Laura Geggel, Snoqualmie Valley Star

The Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation raised more than $85,000 at its seventh annual fundraising breakfast March 28.

Last year, the foundation breakfast raised about $82,000. But Carolyn Simpson, vice president of the Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation, put the number in perspective by pointing out the additional $20,000 the foundation collected at the Monster Mash costume party fundraiser in September. This was the first time the foundation held a large fundraiser in both the fall and spring.

“We’re very pleased with the amount, considering the economy,” said Simpson.

Read the entire story

Is Hutch trying to instigate more controversy at Mount Si?

2008-04-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, 29 April 2008

Praise for the Day of Silence outcome!

Whether they blame me or credit me, the fact of the matter is over 600 students, almost half the student body at Mt. Si were kept home by their parents on the Day of Silence. The school officials must realize they have some very unhappy parents.

Last night I met with the NAACP. Please pray for wisdom for them as they discuss what their move will be in response to the Mt. Si MLK Day debacle.

Please pray for me as I travel to Southern California today and as I return home on Saturday.

Pastor Hutch

Further deception from Hutch. The attendence at Mount Si was well reported by multiple news sources. He claims "over 600 students, almost half the student body", chose not to attend.

Actually 495 out of 1410 did not attend. That's 35%

So 65% of the students and their parents are open minded! That's a good thing.

Now I don't expect Hutch to understand math, after all math is one of those evil tools that science uses to kill God.

And does he really think that the NAACP is going to get on his crazy train?

Good luck with that Kenny!

So what's next?

2008-04-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

Having suffered their inevitable defeat on their mission from God against the abhorrent lifestyle of our gay students and community, what's coming next from Hutch and his disciples at CoDE?

We took a peek at the CoDE web site to see if we can discern the next attack from this group.

So just what are the CoDE parents concerned about?

A parent says:
"I am especially concerned about the prevalence of witchcraft and anti Christian attitudes and actions at MSHS."

A parent says:
"SVSD is allowing the agendas of certain interest groups have a foothold in Snoqualmie Valley schools. Those agendas are in direct conflict with traditional family values and what my families believes to be morally right."

A community member says:
"Unequal representation. The GSA has taken over the school and all efforts to create a bible study group has been met with extreme resistence.(sp)"

A parent says:
"I believe that I, as a parent, should be the first and foremost teacher of our child, especially in the area of life's values. It disturbs me that teachers, who have so much influence in our children's lives, can undermine what we teach at home in areas that have nothing to do with basic education."

It sounds like resolving their religious beliefs and the curriculum in public schools is presenting a challenge to these parents. Surely if they believe in the Old Testament, a conflict with evolution is not far off.

Can we expect CoDE to assault our science programs because they conflict with their fundamental beliefs? Is an attempt at introducing “Intelligent Design” coming our way next?

The assault on science and reason has been underway for years now by the religious right. If CoDE gets this flustered by gay kids, what do they have in store for science?

In case any of you have forgotten, there is a difference between biblical science and real science. Here is a great video that clarifies the differences and contributions both have made to society.

We'll be ready!

Circus Coverage

2008-04-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

From KOMO

From some COMBAT JOURNALIST

GREAT SUCCESS!

2008-04-25T23:49:00.000-07:00

Congrats to the GSA and Students of Mount Si that made the DoS a great day despite the antics of the adults outside!

Great thanks to the community for showing their support!

Good story on the event.

Jaqueline Ferland, president of the GSA, said there was definitely a range of opinions, and T-shirts with everything from Bible quotes to her own, which said on the back, "Listen."

"We've started," she said. "There's diversity at this school and there's now a recognition of that."

You Kids Rock!

Larry King on Lawrence King and the DoS

2008-04-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

2008-04-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

SNOQUALMIE, Wash., April 25, 2008 -- A press conference will be held at the Snoqualmie Library (7824 Center Blvd SE, Snoqualmie, WA) on Friday, April 25, at 11 a.m. to address misconceptions being perpetuated regarding the annual Day of Silence, which seeks to bring attention to anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools.

Community members, some of whom plan to show solidarity with participating students outside the school before school starts, will join a panel of local Snoqualmie Valley residents, including clergy, parents, and current and former high school students, and representatives from the Washington State chapter of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN).

The panelists include:

Stephen Hadden is the pastor of Tolt United Church of Christ. His church purchased a full-page advertisement in this week's Snoqualmie Valley Record in support of the Day of Silence and the Mt. Si High School Gay-Straight Alliance. Nearly half of high-school-age youth at his church go to Mt Si High School.

Jane Storrs is a nurse and mother of three teenage children. Her daughter attends Mt. Si High School. She will talk about how the Day of Silence will be a benefit to the students of Mt. Si High School. Neil Lequia, a former Mt. Si High School student who experienced anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment at the hands of his peers, will share his experiences and discuss why the Day of Silence is important.

GLSEN, the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students, is the official organizational sponsor for the event. A record 7,000 schools nationwide and 223 in Washington are expected to participate.

"The Day of Silence helps bring us closer to making anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and name-calling unacceptable in America's schools," said Robert Raketty, executive director of GLSEN Washington State. "The sad truth remains that anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and name-calling continues to be the rule - not the exception - in Washington State schools."

This year's event will be held in memory of Lawrence King, a 15-year-old from Oxnard, Calif., who was shot and killed in school on Feb. 12 because of his sexual orientation and gender expression.

"For the majority of students, the Day of Silence is a chance to see things from another's perspective and develop tolerance and empathy,"Storrs explains. "For youth struggling to fit in, the Day of Silence offers a chance to be acknowledged by their peers. For everyone, the Day of Silence opens doors to reflection about bullying, tolerance, and compassion.

"As a nurse I've seen kids with an alternate sexual orientation or gender identity suffer isolation, depression, and suicide. Spending a day in silence allows students a safe place to consider a different perspective and the challenges faced by a minority group. In a world often lacking compassion this might be a rare opportunity for our high school students to develop important character traits. It also gives them practice honoring diversity."

Four out of five LGBT students are harassed every year because of their sexual orientation, according to GLSEN's 2005 National School Climate Survey. Additionally, 64% of students said they feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation and 40% because of their gender expression.

About GLSEN Washington State
GLSEN Washington State is a chapter of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, the nation's leading education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. For more information, call 206-330-2099 or visit www.glsenwa.org.

Fred Phelps step aside, there's a new nut in town!

2008-04-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

Pastor Ken Hutcherson, and his 'prayer warriors', will actually be PROTESTING the DoS outside of MSHS on Friday!

Do these misguided individuals have nothing better to do with their time than harass our children?

Here's hoping the darkness can be lifted from these narrow minds.

UPDATED:

From the Seattle Times article;

Todd Shaw, a member of Hutcherson's church, said he'll be at the protest Friday with a sign that reads "Education Not Indoctrination."

Could not be related to LeAnn Shaw, President of CoDE?

MEDIA:

Hutch Speaks

Click Schrammie to get his take on this.

Why does CoDE encourage students to break the law?

2008-04-20T16:29:00.000-07:00

From the CoDE web site;

An officer of a student club recorded his club's after-school, public meeting, and a teacher took the machine and erased the recording. (4/2/08)

RCW 9.73.030 clearly states that is is unlawful to record a conversation, public or private, without consent of all parties.

We understand the student in question is the child of a CoDE member.

LGBT groups urge prosecutors to try Lawrence King's killer as a juvenile

2008-04-15T14:33:00.000-07:00

In a joint statement, 27 LGBT activist groups, including Lambda Legal, The National Center for Lesbian Rights, GLSEN, and The Transgender Law Center, now urges the DA to try McInerney in juvenile court:

"We are saddened and outraged by the murder of junior high school student Lawrence King. At the same time, we call on prosecutors not to compound this tragedy with another wrong, we call on them to treat the suspect as a juvenile, not as an adult.

"The facts in this matter seem clear: one boy killed another in a climate of intolerance and fear about sexual orientation and gender expression. The alleged perpetrator, who turned 14 years old less than three weeks before the shooting, should be held accountable for his actions.

"But we support the principles underlying our juvenile justice system that treat children differently than adults and provide greater hope and opportunity for rehabilitation. California law does not require District Attorneys to prosecute 14 year-olds as adults, even in circumstances such as these, and we oppose them doing so.

Read the entire story

Seeds of Compassion gets underway

2008-04-12T13:40:00.000-07:00

His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama speaks about compassion.

See webcasts of the Seeds of Compassion

An open letter we received...

2008-04-10T20:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Mount Si Parents,

Thank you for posting the message from CoDE concerning Snoqualmie Valley School District policy in regards to the upcoming Day of Silence.

This lawyeresque analysis of SVSD policy governing demonstrations must have been written by a CoDE member who either is not a parent of a Mount Si High School student, or if s/he is a parent, then either did not bother to discuss the matter with her/his child or, if such a discussion did occur, completely missed the element of high school culture to which the Day of Silence truly belongs.

The Day of Silence is not a demonstration, but an act of solidarity. If any parallels are to be drawn between the Day of Silence and other school activities, they properly belong among those, for instance, held during Spirit Week and on other special occasions. For those readers unfamiliar with our school’s culture, a brief explanation of Spirit Week will suffice, followed by an example of another type of activity that sometimes takes place at Mount Si.

Each day leading up to the homecoming game in October is filled with activities designed to rally school spirit. Monday, for example, is p.j. day – yep, students and staff alike are encouraged to wear their pajamas to school. Are they required to? No. Are signs about p.j. day posted around school so students can know what’s happening and when? Yes. Everyone knows this is a voluntary activity, the purpose of which is simply to declare your school spirit.

The days following p.j. day are assigned any number of themes by student organizers and the week usually ends with class color day – freshmen wear white, sophomores red, juniors grey and seniors black or camo colors. Is everyone required to wear their colors? Again, no. The choice about participating is left to each individual: you may abstain entirely; participate only in those activities with which you feel comfortable; or go whole-hog and vie to outdo everybody else in an outlandish show of school spirit. And, what is school spirit, but a show of solidarity with past, present and future generations of Mount Si students.

Let’s now take a look at another example of school solidarity from the opposite end of the emotional spectrum.

Two years ago, MSHS student Tess Sollitto drowned in the Snoqualmie River shortly before the start of the school year. Some of her classmates decided to help raise funds for a scholarship in her honor and did so by selling plastic pink wristbands (pink being Tess’s favorite color). Were students and staff required to purchase these wristbands? No, of course not. Those who did, however, did so to contribute monetarily to the scholarship fund, but also – and perhaps more importantly – as a show of caring and support for Tess’s family and friends who had suffered a terribly tragic loss.

Were people who did not purchase and/or wear one of these wristbands regarded by those who did as uncompassionate or heartless? Of course not. The absence of a pink band meant nothing – there was no judgment cast, no ostracism, no ill will. At the same time no one at the school did anything to oppose this solidarity activity. Had a student, for instance, worn a t-shirt ridiculing the pink wristbands or made mean spirited remarks to one of Tess’s friends, few would have had much sympathy if the provocative act elicited harsh words or even a slap.

Solidarity – this is what the Day of Silence is all about – like wearing a red-white-and-blue necktie on the 4th of July or a Mariners cap to Safeco Field. Participation in acts of solidarity are completely voluntary and always welcome; non-participation doesn’t usually register on anybody’s radar screen; and oppositional participation, depending on the degree of hostility, is either ignored or responded to (preferably in a constructive manner).

The oppositional activity of CoDE to the Day of Silence is, simply put, heartless and hostile – heartless toward those gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students who fear being open about who they are, and hostile toward those GLBT students and their friends who simply want to make MSHS a safe and supportive place for each and every student.

I have much faith in the goodness of people, and sincerely hope that CoDE will support the Gay/Straight Alliance and use its influence to help make the Day of Silence at Mount Si on April 25th a day of goodwill between participants and non-participants alike.

In solidarity,

Elaine Harger

9 April 2008

Birds of a feather...

2008-04-10T14:47:00.000-07:00

Thursday, 10 April 2008

Please continue to pray for me as we deal with the Day of Silence scheduled for April 25 and for CoDE (Coalition to Defend Education) which is the parent group that is working on making sure the right policies are followed concerning the Day of Silence.

Pastor Hutch

What is this unholy alliance CoDE has made?

If their motives where ever in doubt before, they are clear now.

The Zealots are at it again!

2008-04-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, it's been a while since I've posted. Seemed like reason had won the day, but alas the crazies will not give up.

Here is the latest attempt by CoDE to end the Day Of Silence...

To: Randy Taylor, Beth Castle, Greg Hart, Cindy Wilson, Joel Aune, Rudy Edwards, Caroline Loudenback, Kathryn Lerner, Marci Busby, Kristy Sullivan

In reviewing Snoqualmie Valley School District policies that relate to the Day of Silence, policy #3223: FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY struck us forcefully: Individual students and student organizations may meet in school rooms or auditoriums, or at outdoor locations on school grounds, to there discuss, pass resolutions, and take other lawful action respecting any matter which directly or indirectly concerns or affects them, whether or not it relates to school.

Such activities shall not be permitted to interfere with the normal operation of the school. Peaceful demonstrations are permissible, though they are to be held in designated places where they will present no hazards to persons or property and at designated times that will not disrupt classes or other school activities.

The Day of Silence (DOS) is not an “assembly” in any sense of the word – there is no coherent meeting of students for the purpose of being silent or any other reason. The DOS is clearly a “demonstration” and is subject to the restrictions of the second paragraph. Please note that the policy states that all demonstrations must have a designated place and time in order to prevent hazards and disruptions. The policy does not define certain types of demonstrations that are free of these restrictions. The policy does not exempt certain demonstrations that are somehow “deemed” to be non-hazardous or non-disruptive based on expectations or past experience. If there is any question about whether the DOS is a “demonstration,” consider the following:

1) The definition of “demonstration” is “group display of opinion: a public show as a group for or against an issue, cause, or person.” (Encarta World English Dictionary, 2007.)

2) The DOS is a coordinated action in which more than two hundred students make the same statement about the same controversial issue over the same period of time in the same way. A demonstration does not require picket lines, placards, or chanted slogans. Demonstrations can involve holding a candle in the dark, a group standing in one place, or being silent and wearing an armband.

3) The national organizers of the DOS describe it as “an action” and “a movement” whose purpose is “to protest.” Consider the following from www.dayofsilence.org (emphasis added): What is the Day of Silence? Founded in 1996 by students at the University of Virginia, and currently officially sponsored in K-12 schools by GLSEN, the Day of Silence is the largest student-led action to protest the bullying and harassment of LGBT people and their allies ever. (Day of Silence Organizing Manual, page 2, http://www.dayofsilence.org/downloads/Manual%20Draft%20Final.pdf)

Students will hand out "Speaking Cards" which say: - "Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the Day of Silence, a national youth movement protesting the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies…" (About Day of Silence web page, http://www.dayofsilence.org/content/getinformation.html)

We cannot see any interpretation of district policy that would allow the DOS demonstration to occupy the entire school grounds for an entire school day. The Coalition to Defend Education has repeatedly suggested that the DOS should take place as a rally or gathering before or after school, which would allow the students their First Amendment right of free expression while conforming to the spirit and letter of this policy.

If the district continues to allow the DOS demonstration, it must allow any school-day demonstration, such as a Day of Prayer, Global Warming Awareness Day, or Young Republicans for McCain. For the last two years, activities around the DOS have demonstrably violated the school’s “zero tolerance” policy against bullying and have arguably disrupted classes. To be fair and consistent, all future demonstrations must be accorded the same level of tolerance for bullying and disruption around those events. We expect Mount Si High School to conform to all SVSD policies, including #3223: FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY.

We strongly believe that the Mount Si High School administration must
1) explain how previous Days of Silence were allowed to break district policy and

2) make a prompt and clear statement about the upcoming Day of Silence that upholds all district policies.

We request a prompt decision with respect to the appropriateness of the DOS because the scheduled day for this demonstration is quickly approaching. This would also be a courtesy to the Gay/Straight Alliance club, so that they can redirect their planning efforts to organize their protest so that it fully complies with all SVSD policies. We request a response in writing. Thank you for your consideration.

Coalition to Defend Education

When will these religious zealots figure out that the courts have already decided this issue. The district knows that if they cancel the DoS they will face litigation and will lose.

Keep your religion where it belongs, IN YOUR HOME!

We encourage all of you reasonable individuals to contact the District and the MSHS administration to remind them of their legal obligations.

And you folks at CoDE, if you don't like the laws that protect the civil rights of individuals in our secular democracy, we encourage you to seek a theocracy that is more to your liking!

Coercion will get you nowhere, haven't you figured that out yet?

"Millions of innocent men, women, and children, since the introduction of Christianity, have been burnt, tortured, fined, and imprisoned; yet we have not advanced one inch toward uniformity. What has been the effect of coercion? To make one-half the world fools and the other half hypocrites. To support roguery and error all over the earth."

~ Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia, 1781-82

CoDE sent an “open letter” warning GSA members that they should cancel their plans to participate in the nationally recognized Day of Silence or else face “more persecution of gay students” (emphasis in original) based on what they claimed would be a building “resentment” that would “spill[] out in ugly ways,” where “problems experienced will occur again.” Of great alarm, this letter referenced “unstable people [who] sometimes turn their frustration to extreme acts of violence,” including “[s]chool shootings.”

Perhaps they should have their attorneys review the following;

Washington
RCW 9A.36.080 Malicious harassment--Definition and criminal penalty.

(1) A person is guilty of malicious harassment if he or she maliciously and intentionally commits one of the following acts because of his or her perception of the victim's race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or mental, physical, or sensory handicap:

Causes physical injury to the victim or another person;

Causes physical damage to or destruction of the property of the victim or another person; or

Threatens a specific person or group of persons and places that person, or members of the specific group of persons, in reasonable fear of harm to person or property. The fear must be a fear that a reasonable person would have under all the circumstances.For purposes of this section, a "reasonable person" is a reasonable person who is a member of the victim's race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation, or who has the same mental, physical, or sensory handicap as the victim. Words alone do not constitute malicious harassment unless the context or circumstances surrounding the words indicate the words are a threat.

"The notion that an outside group of adults may make direct appeals to students to refrain from participating in school activities is deeply distressing for these students, many of whom feel targeted and intimidated by this effort. Moreover, the letter makes plain that CoDE misunderstands the nature and purpose of the Day of Silence, and shows why that and similar activities are essential for LGBT students and their supporters at Mount Si. These students selected the Day of Silence activity precisely because it is educational, calm and non-confrontational. It is a low-key way for them to help their fellow students understand that they exist within the school community, though many of them are invisible much of the time. By its very nature, this silent activity avoids confrontation. And, as the CoDE letter acknowledges, only a small percentage of the student body participates. Yet, even with limited participation, this educational exercise encourages the non-participants to recognize errors in their assumptions about others’ identities and/or attitudes about LGBT people.Because members of the GSA now feel targeted and pressured not to engage in the educational activities of their school club, we call on each of you to make clear the school administration’s commitment to allowing students to participate in their club and other free speech activities, free from outside adult warnings of dire consequences or coercion."

-Lambda Legal

Student speaks out against CoDE over Day of Silence

2008-03-19T21:42:00.000-07:00

Snoqualmie Valley Record
March 19, 2008

By: Sarah Desroche

"I'm currently a student at Mount Si High School and I'm not quite sure what the Coalition to Defend Education, or CoDE, is talking about when they say that teachers are supposedly "touting personal agendas in class" or have "stated their opinion on controversial subjects."

"Last year I chose not to participate in Day of Silence and was never harassed by anyone that day. I don't ever remember classes being disrupted. I do agree, however, with Mrs. McCormick on that Day of Silence isn't supposed to be political at all. I see Day of Silence as a day of respect to all the students at Mount Si who are gay, or lesbian, or bisexual, or transgendered who are afraid to say that they are gay because of what other students might do or say, rather than a day of the school's gay community commanding attention to themselves."

Read the entire letter

New Public Service Announcement in Honour of Lawrence King

2008-03-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

By Natalie Kalow
Executive Producer
Published Mar 13, 2008

In what seems to be the straw that broke the camel’s back, the homophobic attack that lead to Lawrence King’s death has sparked more action from celebrities in the US.

The 15-year-old was shot in the head at the E.O. Green School in Oxnard, California on February 12 - reportedly for being a homosexual.

Just days after her partner Ellen DeGeneres tearfully honored the gay teen on her show, actress Portia De Rossi has recently signed up to pay tribute to King in a new public service announcement TV ad.

De Rossi appears in a new PSA, which debuted on America's gay TV network Logo on Monday. De Rossi says during the announcement, "Imagine if wearing make-up and a dress could get you killed. For 15-year-old Lawrence King, that's just what happened."

She joins other celebrities on the 60 second PSA, such as Grey's Anatomy star T.R. Knight, Janet Jackson, Andre 3000 and Ashanti.

Hutcherson's Watchmen on the Walls named as a Hate Group

2008-03-14T14:46:00.000-07:00

Active U.S. Hate Groups

The Southern Poverty Law Center counted 888 active hate groups in the United States in 2007. Only organizations and their chapters known to be active during 2007 are included.

All hate groups have beliefs or practices that attack or malign an entire class of people, typically for their immutable characteristics.

This list was compiled using hate group publications and websites, citizen and law enforcement reports, field sources and news reports.

Hate group activities can include criminal acts, marches, rallies, speeches, meetings, leafleting or publishing. Websites appearing to be merely the work of a single individual, rather than the publication of a group, are not included in this list. Listing here does not imply a group advocates or engages in violence or other criminal activity.

The Southern Law Poverty Center has added Ken Hutcherson's Watchmen on The Walls cult to their list of "Hate Groups"

That is quite a distinguished honor for Hutch! He shares his spotlight with the likes of the Aryan Nation, the Ku Klux Klan, skinheads and of course the Neo-Nazi's

CoDE should be proud to have such a high profile member on it's roster.

Here is the list of identified Hate Groups in Washington State...Beware of these nuts!

Watchmen on the Walls
Volksfront
United Realms of America Knights of the Ku Klux Klan
St. Michael's Parish/Mount St. Michael
Sigrdrifa White Nationalist
Seattle Creators Assembly
Northwest Hammerskins
National Vanguard
National Socilaists of Washington State
National Socialist Movement - NSM
National Knights of the Ku Klux Klan
Kinsman Redeemer Ministries
Hypatia Publishing
Eastern Washington Skinheads
Aryan Nations
American National Socialist Workers' Party

The Black Knight always triumphs, I'm invincible!

2008-03-14T12:43:00.000-07:00

You're a looney!

WARRIOR RANT

Friday, 14 March 2008

It's Pastor Hutch calling and it's time to be praying again...I will not be satisfied with any compromise with regard to the Day of Silence in schools. My desire is that there be no Day of Silence recognition during the school day. This activity can take place before or after school just like Christian activities. They already have a Day of Respect, why do they need a Day of Silence?

Look Pastor Hutch! You have failed to impose your bigoted views on our schools. And you will continue to fail for one very simple reason. The LAW is on the side of our LGBT youth and their allies. The LAW is against narrow minded bigots like yourself that try to impose your medieval beliefs on sane and reasonable people.

You and your CoDE cohorts are fighting a losing battle to suppress the rights of free expression our students are guaranteed under the constitution. If you are not happy with this reality, perhaps you and your cohorts should seek a theocracy that is more to your liking than our secular democracy.

In my view, you embody the concept of the evil in men. You have the audacity to say that "God hates soft men". I think Jesus might take offense to that statement, not that you are familiar with his teachings! Your entire being revolves around the dark side.

You are what's wrong with this planet. The hate and bigotry you exude smells as bad as your failed football career did! You hurt people you don't even know every day.

I urge you and your cohorts at CoDE to cease this reprehensible activity before the courts MAKE you cease it!

-MSP

P.S. Since God hasn't answered your prayers in the past on this matter, perhaps you should take it as a sign that God wants equality for the LGBT students instead of the discrimination that you seek.

Ken Hutcherson threatens local high school librarian for defending the school's "Sex Club"

2008-03-13T13:02:00.000-07:00

Snoqualmie Valley Record

March 12, 2008

The Snoqualmie Valley School District Board of Directors heard more about the perception of bias at Mount Si High School at its March 6 regular meeting.

Mount Si librarian Elaine Harger said she had received an e-mail from Rev. Ken Hutcherson that referred to Mount Si's Gay-Straight Alliance as a "sex club" and asked if Harger wanted to be added to the list of Mount Si teachers he was pushing to have fired."What had I done to justify that he would try to get me fired from my job? This is intimidation, pure and simple," said Harger.

Complete Story

UPDATED Election Results

2008-03-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

Special Election
KING COUNTY
3/11/2008 11:22:32 PM
Election Night Final
March 11, 2008

SCHOOL DISTRICTS
SNOQUALMIE VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 410

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters:
6578/19965 - 32.95%

Poll Precincts Counted/Total Poll Precincts:
46/46 - 100.00%

Prop. No. 1 - General Obligation Bonds - $189,600,000

UPDATED 3/17/2008 6:00:58 PM

APPROVED
4435 - 58.46%

REJECTED
3152 - 41.54%

After two unsuccessful attempts to pass the levy last year, the district appeared to have failed Tuesday to meet the supermajority requirements of 60 percent approval and a minimum turnout of 3,477 voters.

Now 117 votes short of passing, some absentee's are still out...

District - SNOQUALMIE VALLEY SCH DST 410
Total Absentee Ballots Issued - 12185
Absentee Ballots Received* Today - 0
Cumulative Absentee Ballots Received* To Date - 6349
% Absentee Ballots Received* - 52.11

King County will update results at 4:30 p 3/17/08

Hutcherson and the Legacy of MLK

2008-03-10T21:42:00.000-07:00

It appears as if Ken Hutcherson's crusade against his daughter's school continues. As we noted previously, Hutcherson was invited to speak at his daughter's high school on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which did not sit too well with some staff because of his anti-gay views. The school apologized for the controversy but Hutcherson was having none of it and demanded that the teachers involved lose their jobs.

And that was the last we had heard of it until Hutcherson showed up on the Wallbuilders Live radio program today to discuss his on-going feud with the school, which has now broadened to include attempts to shut down the school's Gay-Straight Alliance and end the school's participation in The Day of Silence.

On and on Hutcherson and host Rick Green went, complaining about supposed double standards and anti-Christian bigotry, leading Hutcherson to declare that the teachers at the school who oppose his anti-gay views and activism ought to thank their lucky stars that he has found Christ and is no longer violent:

"What it shows is the power of God to control his son. Before I became a Christian, if a white guy looked at me wrong, he was beat up. That's the reason I went out for football, so I could hurt white people legally there in Alabama. I was a much better baseball player than football, but you hit someone with the baseball while they're running to first base, people didn't like that. But you could hit them on the football field and knock them out and they patted you on the back."

But those days are past - supposedly:

"If they don't fire these teachers, I'm going to sue 'em and I'm going to ask them for their dreams. And then they're going to mess around and laugh and I'm going to take their tongue out."

Considering that Hutcherson is the sort to threaten to tear out tongues and rip the arm off of any man who dares to hold the door open for him and "beat him with the wet end," it is a bit of a mystery as to why anyone would think he would be a good choice to discuss Martin Luther King and his legacy of non-violence.

Original Story

For the Bible Tells Me So

2008-03-08T12:30:00.001-08:00

Rep. Dick Gephardt and family

Can the love between two people ever be an abomination? Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity too wide to cross? Is the Bible an excuse to hate?

Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families -- including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson -- we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard's Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.

2007 Sundance Film Festival
NOMINEE, GRAND JURY PRIZE

Seattle International Film Festival
AUDIENCE AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY

Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
KATHLEEN BRYAN EDWARDS AWARD FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Provincetown International Film Festival
HBO AUDIENCE AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY

Outfest Los Angeles
AUDIENCE AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY

Milwaukee International Film Festival
AUDIENCE AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY
BEST DIRECTOR FOR DOCUMENTARY

Image Out: The Rochester Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
AUDIENCE AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY

Reel Pride: Fresno Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
AUDIENCE AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY

Tampa international Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
GRAND JURY PRIZE FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY

View the trailer...

The GSA should screen this film.

Would you Endorse the School Bond?

2008-03-08T11:18:00.000-08:00

We encourage all community members to support our local school bond measure next Tuesday. Be sure to get out and VOTE.

If you would like to add your endorsement of the bond measure, visit the VVFE Site

Bond detail:
Construct and Equip a Second High School
Construct and Equip a New Elementary School
Purchase and develop land (preferably in North Bend area)
Essential Repairs and Renovations to existing schools and transportation facility
Add Temporary Capacity to Mount Si High School

Bond Amount – $189.6 million.

Send VVFE your endorsement by clicking here: School Bond Endorsement Please include your name and address. Thank you!

Principal Randy Taylor offers complete support to the GSA and the DoS

2008-03-07T00:06:00.000-08:00

The School Board meeting went very well last night. Principal Randy Taylor delivered a report to the board relating to the Day of Silence. Taylor embraced the DoS as a positive and important learning experience and vowed to support the GSA in having a safe and well informed event.

We can sleep well tonight.

Great thanks to all of our neighbors, near and far, who cared enough to stand with our LGBT students including, but certainly not limited to;

Tara Borelli of Lambda Legal who came all the way from Los Angeles!
Our GSA friends from Auburn
PFLAG
The American Civil Liberties Union
GLSEN

And many more I am no doubt forgetting.

Parent and student engage the wheels of justice to defend the GSA and the DoS

2008-03-06T09:39:00.000-08:00

Submitted by one of our parents...

March 6, 2008

VIA EMAIL AND FACSIMILE (425-831-8040)

Snoqualmie Valley School District
Mr. G. Joel Aune, Superintendent
Mr. Randy Taylor, Principal
Mr. Rudy Edwards, Snoqualmie Valley School District Boardmember
Ms. Caroline Loudenback, Snoqualmie Valley School District Boardmember
Ms. Kathryn Lerner, Snoqualmie Valley School District Boardmember
Ms. Marci Busby, Snoqualmie Valley School District Boardmember
Ms. Kristy Sullivan, Snoqualmie Valley School District Boardmember
8001 Silva Ave S.E., P.O. Box 400
Snoqualmie, WA 98065

Dear Superintendent Aune, Principal Taylor, and Members of the School District Board of Directors,

I write at the request of Daniel Ferland, a Mount Si High School parent, and his daughter, Jacqueline Ferland, a Mount Si High senior who is President of the school’s Gay Straight Alliance, to express their significant concerns about recent efforts by outside groups to pressure members of the Mount Si Gay Straight Alliance (“GSA”) to refrain from exercising their rights to freedom of expression at the school. This letter aims to provide the School Board with information about its obligations to ensure safe and equal educational opportunities for all students and to invite any questions you may have on this matter.

Initially, I’d like to provide a brief introduction of my organization. Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest legal organization in the country dedicated to advancing the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender individuals (“LGBT people”) as well as those with HIV. Lambda Legal’s work on behalf of students in schools has included securing the first-ever federal court rulings that schools must protect gay students from violence and harassment; a first-of-its-kind federal court ruling and settlement recognizing the constitutional right of lesbian and gay youth to be “out” about their sexual orientation at school; and recognition that gay-straight alliances must be allowed to meet under the same rules as other student groups.1

Schools occupy an important public trust in our society, which both constitutional law and Washington law define to include the safeguarding of students’ full and equal participation in school regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.2 A school’s obligation to teach respect for the basic dignity of all students is a particularly critical element of this trust because of each school’s important role in training our nation’s future leaders, a role that the courts have long recognized depends on exposure to a robust exchange of ideas. We understand that Mount Si has come under increasing pressure to circumscribe this exchange of ideas ― particularly those relating to LGBT students ― through calls for a taskforce about the teaching of “controversial” subjects, and most recently a distressing “open letter” from an outside group warning GSA members that they should cancel their plans to participate in the nationally recognized Day of Silence or else face “more persecution of gay students” (emphasis in original) based on what they claimed would be a building “resentment” that would “spill[] out in ugly ways,” where “problems experienced will occur again.” Of great alarm, this letter referenced “unstable people [who] sometimes turn their frustration to extreme acts of violence,” including “[s]chool shootings.”

While schools across the nation implement policies on the teaching of controversial subjects in their role as responsible educators, schools may not adopt policies in which the indicia of controversy are discriminatory based on sexual orientation, gender identity or other personal traits placed off limits by anti-discrimination laws. Though some community members have expressed a view that discussion of LGBT people necessarily is controversial by definition, public entities such as schools may not give effect to such private biases by lending those views the imprimatur of school policies. See Palmore v. Sidoti, 466 U.S. 429, 433 (1984) (“Private biases may be outside the reach of the law, but the law cannot, directly or indirectly, give them effect.”) LGBT students and their supporters exist, and have a right to exist, at Mount Si. They are to be governed by, and protected by, the same rules as apply to all other students, including the rules defining what is “controversial.”

Mr. Ferland, his daughter Jacqueline, and other students in the GSA are particularly troubled by the “open letter” dated February 27, 2008 addressed directly to the GSA members by a group calling itself the Coalition to Defend Education (“CoDE”). The notion that an outside group of adults may make direct appeals to students to refrain from participating in school activities is deeply distressing for these students, many of whom feel targeted and intimidated by this effort. Moreover, the letter makes plain that CoDE misunderstands the nature and purpose of the Day of Silence, and shows why that and similar activities are essential for LGBT students and their supporters at Mount Si. These students selected the Day of Silence activity precisely because it is educational, calm and non-confrontational. It is a low-key way for them to help their fellow students understand that they exist within the school community, though many of them are invisible much of the time. By its very nature, this silent activity avoids confrontation. And, as the CoDE letter acknowledges, only a small percentage of the student body participates. Yet, even with limited participation, this educational exercise encourages the non-participants to recognize errors in their assumptions about others’ identities and/or attitudes about LGBT people.

Because members of the GSA now feel targeted and pressured not to engage in the educational activities of their school club, we call on each of you to make clear the school administration’s commitment to allowing students to participate in their club and other free speech activities, free from outside adult warnings of dire consequences or coercion.

The parent and student on whose behalf we write are deeply concerned that CoDE’s outside pressure, applied with the admitted goal of censoring and rendering invisible LGBT students and their supporters, is quickly and seriously eroding the environment for all students at the school. From our work in this area, we know how important it is for school officials to take prompt, proactive steps to ensure that all students are able to attend and participate in school free from intimidation, harassment and fear for their safety. Leadership from the School District Board of Directors and Mount Si High School administration on these issues is urgently needed. At the behest of Daniel Ferland and Jacqueline Ferland, we urge the administration to communicate clearly its support for all students regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, its expectation that all students will be treated with respect in the school environment, and its firm refusal to allow students to be pressured or dissuaded by outside parties from engaging in visible, educational activities within their school environment.

Sincerely,

Tara L. Borelli
Staff Attorney
Lambda Legal
3325 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1300
Los Angeles, CA 90010
http://www.lambdalegal.org/

1. See, e.g., Nabozny v. Podlesny, 92 F.3d 446 (7th Cir. 1996) (first judicial opinion in the nation’s history finding that public schools and their individual agents can be held accountable for not stopping antigay abuse; culminated in nearly $1 million settlement for student); Henkle v. Gregory, 150 F.Supp.2d 1067 (2001) (ruling resulting in settlement recognizing the constitutional right of gay and lesbian youth to be open and honest about their sexual orientation in schools and $451,000 payment to student); Colín v. Orange Unified School District, 83 F.Supp.2d 1135 (2000) (granting preliminary injunction against school district that prohibited gay-straight alliance from meeting and participating in same school privileges as other school clubs).

2. Indeed, Washington’s Legislature has recognized that eliminating discrimination based on these classifications is a matter of state concern, and forms the foundation of a free democratic state. (R.C.W. 49.60.010.)

Obama Confronts African American Crowd on Gay Rights

2008-03-03T18:33:00.001-08:00

From The Stranger
Posted By Dan Savage, February 29, 2008 at 9:11 am

Obama’s rally in Beaumont today was the highest-energy of this Texas swing, with a crowd that was about three-quarters black cheering at almost every turn.

An interesting moment came when he was asked a question about LGBT rights and delivered an answer that seemed to suit the questioner, listing the various attributes—race, gender, etc.—that shouldn’t trigger discrimination, to successive cheers. When he came to saying that gays and lesbians deserve equality, though, the crowd fell silent.

So he took a different tack:

“Now I’m a Christian, and I praise Jesus every Sunday,” he said, to a sudden wave of noisy applause and cheers. “I hear people saying things that I don’t think are very Christian with respect to people who are gay and lesbian,” he said, and the crowd seemed to come along with him this time.

Read the complete story

Proper teaching could change hearts, save lives

2008-03-02T15:01:00.000-08:00

LESLIE CRISS, Daily Journal
3/2/2008 10:06:19 AM

Hatred ever kills, love never dies. Such is the vast difference between the two. What is obtained by love is retained for all time. What is obtained by hatred proves a burden in reality for it increases hatred."
- Mohandas K. Gandhi

Two days before Valentine's Day, Lawrence King was shot in the head.

The day after Valentine's Day he was taken off life support and died.

He was 15 years old. An eighth-grader at E.O. Green School in Oxnard, Calif.

He was comfortable, at an early age, being himself, which included being gay.

He had lots of friends. There were also some who developed a great disdain for him because he was different.

"You've got to be taught to hate and fear, you've got to be taught from year to year;
It's got to be drummed in your dear little ear; you've got to be carefully taught."

Brandon McInerney had been noticed bullying Lawrence on occasion. Brandon was a classmate. He's 14.

And on February 12, shortly after the bells had summoned students to school, Brandon walked into a classroom, pulled out a gun and fired a shot into Lawrence's head.

Some say he'll be tried as an adult. That could mean he'll spend the next half century in prison.

Some say he's the second victim in this tragedy - a victim of homophobia and hatred.

I guess I'd have to agree.

"You've got to be taught to be afraid of people whose eyes are oddly made,
And people whose skin is a different shade, You've got to be carefully taught."

Read the complete story...

Coalition calls for an end to the Day of Silence at Mount Si High School:

2008-02-29T11:04:00.000-08:00

February 27, 2008

An open letter to the Gay/Straight Alliance at Mount Si High School:

The Coalition to Defend Education is a group of parents, students, and community members that are working to ensure that our schools are safe, that they provide an excellent education in academic subjects, and that the learning environment is free of bias.

We feel strongly that the Day of Silence works against the GSA’s goals of acceptance and inclusion. We appeal to you to not request the Day of Silence at MSHS. Please know that we are not trying to silence you or minimize your experiences. We just don’t believe that the Day of Silence helps your cause.

The basic problem is that the Day of Silence doesn’t have a positive message, only a message of protest. We expected the goal to be acceptance, but the stated purpose is “to bring attention to anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and discrimination in schools.” The Day is motivated by anger at unfair treatment. It excites strong emotions and heightens resentment for all students, with no positive resolution for those feelings. The end result is increased tension, and ultimately more persecution of gay students.

We know you are angry at real prejudice and mistreatment. We know it is emotionally satisfying to vent your anger. If your true goal, however, is understanding and acceptance for the long term, not just feeling better for a day, you should abandon the Day of Silence as it is currently planned. Gordon Hinckley wrote “A wise leader starves the problems and feeds the opportunities.” The Day of Silence is a clear case of feeding the problems. It focuses 100% on problems and 0% on opportunities. One thing that separates adults from children is the maturity to give up what feels good when it isn’t in your best interests, and the Day of Silence is not in your best interests.

Coalition members have had students at MSHS for many, many years. We have never seen tension as high as it is today. It is very clear that tension has steadily increased since the first Day of Silence two years ago. As it is based on anger, the Day of Silence fosters a culture of anger that highlights differences between students and sets friend against friend.

On the Day of Silence, each student must choose from three possible actions: 1) to join with you, wear an armband, and be silent; 2) to oppose you, not wear an armband and not be silent; or 3) to not participate at all, not wear an armband, and not be silent. Over 80% of students chose #3 last year. How do you (and your supporters) tell the difference between opponents and the vast majority of neutral students? You can’t, and you don’t. Every student is judged to be “pro-gay” or “anti-gay” in the angry climate of the Day. Neutral students tried staying home, only to be harassed as “anti-gay” the next day. Of course, emotions run hot when the theme of the day is anger. If you don’t believe this happens, consider this girl’s experience: She wanted to be neutral, but was severely criticized by her close friends (your supporters) for days after the Day of Silence because they saw her non-participation as “anti-gay.” Hers is not an isolated case; we know many other students with similar stories.

When persecuted, do you feel sympathetic to your tormentors? Are you surprised that students aren’t sympathetic to you when bullied on your day of protest? Many students are afraid to say anything against the Day (not against gays, but against the event) for fear of being branded homophobic or anti-gay. Neutral students can’t opt out, and they can’t say they don’t like it. Resentment builds and then spills out in ugly ways, such as the “Adam and Steve” skit and more private harassment of gay students.

Please note that we do not in any way defend or justify the abuse of gay students. This sort of anti-gay behavior is inexcusable. The administration must prevent it and to punish anyone who does it. Period.

We have heard GSA members will be trained to respect non-participants. This will have minor impact, at best. Acting kindly while protesting is difficult, and the GSA has no control over the scores of participants and the hundreds of neutral students who have been through two years of frustration. The Day of Silence is a high-tension event. Emotions will run high, and the problems experienced will occur again.

To understand what the Day of Silence is like for most students, imagine a day of protest for religious persecution. Students would have to choose whether to be “pro-religion” when they came through the school door and then wear a sign all day declaring their choice. Not wearing a sign or staying home would be considered “anti-religion” and hostile to people of faith. The “pro” and “anti” groups would call names, push each other in the hallways, and hold grudges. Other than the subject, the events, feelings, and results are not fundamentally different than the Day of Silence.

We believe that you want to be accepted, to be respected as individuals, and to have happy high school years. Anger will not help achieve any of your real goals. There are many ways that you can work for change without polarizing the students. Look for opportunities to build connections. Look for ways to reach out, not to vent. You can’t fight anger and prejudice by giving out anger and prejudice.

There is great danger these days in provoking tension and resentment. Sadly, we live in a world in which unstable people sometimes turn their frustration to extreme acts of violence. School shootings continue to be in the news. We hope and pray that Snoqualmie Valley will never see anything like that, but there has never been a greater need for calm, rational thought and for a united and respectful student body.

Please choose to not spread anger this year and do not request the Day of Silence during the school day.

Coalition to Defend Education

Our Reaction...

BOO! BOO!

We strongly disagree with this request.

Indeed, I personally find it vile and repugnant!

What you suggest is that the LGBT community and their supporters remain silent. That is unacceptable. If there is a problem at Mt Si with bigotry and bias it should be addressed and NOT ignored.

What's next? Should we get rid of black history month to appease the racists?

We strongly encourage the GSA to go forward with the Day of Silence and hold the memory of Lawrence King close to your hearts on that day.

And I encourage the Coalition to Defend Education (CoDE) to seek a more appropriate name.

Perhaps... the Coalition Ranting Against Poofer's

"Please choose to not spread anger this year and do not request the Day of Silence during the school day."

HOW DARE YOU! YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED!

It is not the GSA that brings the anger, it is the angry minded who choose ambivalence over the pursuit of equality and justice.

Just how many Catholics are bullied on Ash Wednesday for sporting ashes on their forehead? Do the Atheists wear 'I Love Catholics ... Dead!' t-shirts?

Do we see skits openly denegrating christians for their belief in Genesis and creation? Are classes in biology, physics and astronomy not openly challenging the validity of Genesis with facts and reason?

There is a good reason religion is not allowed in school. If your anger is fueled by your religion, perhaps you should seek another, more peaceful one.

-MSP

Tolo chaperones needed for Mount Si

2008-02-26T17:56:00.000-08:00

Hello Mount Si Parents,

Tolo is next weekend – Saturday March 8th at Mount Si High School.

Chaperones are always needed in order to ensure a safe, fun event.
Perhaps a request for Chaperones could be placed on the MtSiParents Blog? Sure!

I think parents and community members who are accepting of all students would be the perfect chaperones and help our students feel safe.

The duties of a chaperone are simple – and as varied as the interest of the adult. Some adults prefer to be on the perimeter, “guarding” so to speak, the various exits.

This is a fairly low key way to be involved. When students approach, just turn them around. If they persist, tell them you’ve been instructed by Ms. Castle and they’ll need to bring Ms. Castle over with them if they want to pass through.

Then there’s the bathrooms to periodically walk through and the front door to monitor. These roles are a bit more interactive.

For those very comfortable in the high school arena, there’s the area closer to the dance floor; which does take a little more active individual to monitor. A simple headshake with a smile will tell most teens that their behavior is pushing the boundaries. They don’t want to be publicly embarrassed, or insulted . . . and really don’t need that sort of active monitoring. Mostly, the presence of adults provides the checks and balances needed just to maintain the type of behavior that the students already know is appropriate. On that rare occasion that you may suspect a student looks or smells like they’ve had a controlled substance, there are school administrators and local police officers on hand to talk to the students personally.

Folks interested may email class adviser, Elaine Harger at hargere@svsd410.org

Thanks,
Cindy Sattler

Clinton and Obama Speak About Lawrence King

2008-02-25T14:30:00.000-08:00

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have released statements regarding hate-crime slain Lawrence King. King was murdered in his Oxnard junior high classroom for being openly gay. All of the country has been outraged over the incident, and the two Democratic presidential candidates have finally spoken about the atrocity.

From Senator Hillary Clinton:

"I was deeply saddened by the recent death of 15-year-old Lawrence King who was killed at his school in Oxnard, CA. No one should face intimidation or violence, particularly at school, because of their sexual orientation or the way they express their gender identity. We must finally enact a federal hate crimes law to ensure that gay, lesbian and transgender Americans are protected against violent, bias-motivated crimes. We must send a unified message that hate-based crime will not be tolerated."

From Senator Barack Obama:

"It was heartbreaking to learn about Lawrence King’s death, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. King’s senseless death is a tragic example of the corrosive effect that bigotry and fear can have in our society. It’s also an urgent reminder that we need to do more in our schools to foster tolerance and an acceptance of diversity; that we must enact a federal hate crimes law that protects all LGBT Americans; and that we must recommit ourselves to becoming active and engaged parents, citizens and neighbors, so that bias and bigotry cannot take hold in the first place. We all have a responsibility to help this nation live up to its founding promise of equality for all."

"God hates effeminate men."

2008-02-22T20:17:00.000-08:00

Articles of Faith: Getting men involved in church doesn't require gay bashing

By ANTHONY B. ROBINSON
GUEST COLUMNIST Seattle PI

...

But Hutcherson goes beyond reasonable, at least to judge by the report of Seattle psychologist Valerie Tarico. Tarico, a former staffer at Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, was raised in a fundamentalist church. In recent months, she has made it her business to attend services at many of the large, conservative churches in the Seattle area, including Hutcherson's, to see what's going on.

On a Sunday when Tarico was present, Hutcherson was preaching on gender roles. During his sermon, Hutcherson stated, "God hates soft men" and "God hates effeminate men." Hutcherson went on to say, "If I was in a drugstore and some guy opened the door for me, I'd rip his arm off and beat him with the wet end."

"That was a joke," Hutcherson said Friday, when I asked him about the comment. But it's not really funny, is it?

What it sounds like are the kind of words that have paved the way for atrocities in such places as Serbia, Kosovo and Rwanda. You have to dehumanize somebody before you beat them up. Labeling some men as "soft" and "effeminate" and saying "God hates them" does that.

...

See Complete Story

Oxnard Shooting Sparks Call For Changes

2008-02-20T21:05:00.000-08:00

By Catherine Saillant, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

February 20, 2008

Hundreds of parents filled an Oxnard gymnasium Tuesday night to ask hard questions about why school officials didn't intervene more aggressively in an escalating feud between two students, which ended last week with the shooting death of 15-year-old student Lawrence King.

In orderly fashion, one parent after another asked for metal detectors on campus, more programs dealing with bullying and for stricter enforcement of the district's uniform policy.

"There were probably weeks of this student being subjected to harassment," said Joe Gonzales, parent of a student at E.O. Green Junior High in Oxnard, where King was killed Feb. 12. "We need to know what was done, or not done, so we can prevent something like this from happening again instead of reacting to it."

Details about events the days before the shooting also trickled out as a panel that included school officials, mental health counselors and Oxnard Police Chief John Crombach responded to questions.

One parent said her daughter told her that several students exchanged text messages the day before the shooting that talked about what the suspect planned to do.

Crombach acknowledged that several students told police they heard about "comments, statements and threats" that were made but that they didn't take the chatter seriously and that there was no evidence that it was reported to school officials.

The police chief said the alleged shooter, Brian McInerney, 14, has refused to talk to investigators so it is unclear why King was shot.

His actions that morning, however, made it clear he planned an attack, Crombach said. The classroom teacher had little time to react, he said.

"It's pretty clear our suspect was focused on his victim and what he planned to do," the chief said. He later said that the suspect apparently got the small-caliber handgun from his home.

Crombach and school officials told parents that they are reviewing safety procedures and considering installing metal detectors.

A school assembly is planned next month to talk to students about bullying and what they should do if they see it on campus.

The killing last week has sparked anguish not only in Oxnard but across the nation as worried parents and gay rights advocates ask whether school officials should respond more aggressively to schoolyard bullying.

King's classmates said he had proclaimed himself gay in recent weeks and began wearing feminine accessories with his school uniform.

The boy endured frequent taunting but appeared to be holding his own, students said, refusing to change his appearance.

Prosecutors have charged McInerney with premeditated murder and added an allegation that it was a hate crime. Witnesses said McInerney pulled out a handgun in class and shot King in the head before fleeing.

He was apprehended by police a few blocks away from the school, and is being held in Juvenile Hall. Prosecutors are trying him as an adult.

On Saturday, 1,000 students marched through downtown Oxnard to plea for peace and tolerance on their school campuses.

At least a dozen candlelight vigils and memorials are scheduled this week for King, including events in San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento and Ukiah, Calif., and in Massachusetts, New York and South Carolina.

A memorial service for King is scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday at Westminster Presbyterian Church of Hueneme, 755 Bard Road in Port Hueneme. King's family said they scheduled an after-school time so that students may attend.

A private burial will also be held Friday, according to Camino del Sol Memorial Center and Funeral Home in Oxnard, which is handling the arrangements.

catherine.saillant

@latimes.com

Times staff writer Gregory W. Griggs contributed to this report

SEEDS OF COMPASSION APRIL 11–15, 2008, SEATTLE, WA

2008-02-19T20:22:00.000-08:00

From one of our community members;

Dear Friends:

Due to the reactions among students, teachers and parents caused by an incident occurring during the recent Martin Luther King Assembly at Mt. Si High School, many people feel aggrieved, including people with very different perceptions of what happened that day. Such people include teachers, students, parents, persons who were present, persons who were not present, and even the speaker himself.

Sometimes, we learn more from our failures than from our successes. I would like to suggest a process and an event, which might help bring healing to all involved in this incident. For five days in April, 11th through 15th there is an once-in-a-lifetime event coming to our Puget Sound area. “Seeds of Compassion,” an event sponsored by the Kirlin Institute, is bringing the Dalai Lama and other leaders in education, business and youth leadership to ask the question: “What does it look like to lead a compassionate life?” Events during these days are for everyone, but with a special emphasis on youth and their parents. The events will take place at Quest Field, at Seattle Center and on the University of Washington campus. All events are free, but one must obtain tickets. The organizers are especially reaching out to schools, community youth organizations and church youth groups. Another aspect of these days is a Youth Initiative, in which youth will develop and carry out environmental care events, which will occur over the following Earth Day weekend, April 19th-20th.

Leading up to this event, youth from 4th graders through high school are enjoyed to submit photographs, stories, films, drawings, illustrating specify acts of compassion. Such works can be submitted to Seeds of Compassion organizers and many will be displayed on their web-site, www.seedsofcompassion.org. My question to the students, parents, and teachers of this Valley, is this: “What would a compassionate resolution of this recent controversy at Mt Si High School look like? What would deep, compassionate listening by all involved result in? What if, youth from the GSA group and other groups/clubs at Mt Si sat down together and truly listened to one another in a non-judgmental, safe environment? What if, despite their differing viewpoints, these youth went out together to restore and heal some place in our Valley or region as part of the Youth Initiative on Earth Day weekend? I am sure many of you could suggest other excellent ideas to bring healing to those involved in this recent incident. Leading a compassionate life means bringing compassion into the bad as well as the good times of our relationships. Especially during the difficult times!

Rev. Mary Brown
North Bend resident and retired United Methodist minister

P.S. Singer Dave Matthews is doing a concert at the Key Arena in April as a fundraiser for the Seeds of Compassion events.

Seeds of Compassion

Slaying of Gay teen prompts diversity education bill

2008-02-19T16:42:00.000-08:00

A 14-year old Ventura County boy has been charged with premeditated murder – with enhancements for the use of a firearm and commission of a hate crime.

By Gregory W. Griggs, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
February 19, 2008

Prompted by the fatal classroom shooting of an Oxnard student that prosecutors allege was a hate crime, a state legislator Monday announced plans to introduce a bill to expand diversity education in California schools.

Assemblyman Mike Eng (D-Monterey Park), chairman of the Assembly Select Committee on Hate Crimes, said his bill would supplement existing criminal statutes regarding crimes against victims based on their race, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

"My bill is focusing on [hate crime] prevention," Eng said after a news conference at his El Monte district office. "We already have bills on the books about proper punishment; mine will focus on dealing with hatred in a school setting."

Eng hopes to create a pilot program by allocating up to $150,000 to establish a diversity and sensitivity curriculum at a few school districts. The pilot program would serve as a model to be used to develop lesson plans statewide.

Prosecutors said Lawrence King, 15, was shot Feb. 12 by classmate Brandon McInerney, 14, in front of other students at E.O. Green Junior High School.

McInerney was charged last week with premeditated murder with a special allegation of a hate crime. He will be tried as an adult. He remains in custody at Ventura County Juvenile Hall and faces up to 50 years to life in prison if convicted.

Prosecutors have declined to discuss the motive in the case. But several students said that King had argued with other boys, including McInerney, the day before the shooting in a dispute concerning King's sexual orientation.

Students said King had recently revealed that he was gay and had begun wearing makeup and feminine accessories with his school uniform.

On Saturday, more than 1,000 students and parents staged a peace march in Oxnard to pay tribute to King.

Supporters of Eng's bill said they hope that the notoriety of the case may help get legislation passed in 2008.

"Race and religion are more readily acknowledged as unacceptable reasons for treating someone in a negative way, but when you talk about sexual orientation it's more commonly seen that there will be fear, harassment and, oftentimes, violence," said Robin Toma, executive director of the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission.

"All students need to feel like they're safe," Toma said.

Eng said his bill would help develop a procedure for teachers and administrators to notify counselors or law enforcement when they learn of student harassment that suggests a potential hate crime.

"We need to look at protocols to make sure that students are protected from violence," Eng said.

"Current law requires teachers, physicians and counselors to report possible sexual impropriety with youth, but we don't have protocols dealing with hate crimes that could possibly result in violence," Eng said.

State Sen. Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica), California's first openly gay legislator, helped pass a state law nine years ago that banned discrimination against and harassment of gay students.

Kuehl, whose district includes Oxnard, said Monday that numerous programs exist to teach faculty and students about celebrating differences among students and embracing tolerance and diversity.

If Eng's bill helps get such programs adopted statewide, then schools may become safer, Kuehl said.

Pastor opposes 'sex club' at daughter's high school

2008-02-18T16:45:00.000-08:00

Follow. But! Follow only if ye be men of valour, for the entrance to this Sex Club is guarded by a creature so foul, so cruel that no man yet has fought with it and lived! Bones of full fifty men lie strewn about its lair. So, brave knights, if you do doubt your courage or your strength, come no further, for death awaits you all with nasty, big, pointy teeth.

Pastor opposes 'sex club' at daughter's high school
Jeff Johnson - OneNewsNow.com - 2/18/2008 11:00:00 AM

...

Ken Hutcherson, a pro-family pastor near Seattle, is objecting to the activities of what he calls a "sex club" in his daughter's public high school -- and to the fact that the club is allotted a whole day on the school calendar to promote its agenda.

...

See Complete Story - WARNING Site includes comments with hate speech.

Open Letter To the Mount Si High School Community

2008-02-18T01:42:00.000-08:00

We have received an open letter from one of our parents;

February 18, 2008

To the Mount Si High School Community

We have more in common than that which separates us.

We all have children in the Snoqualmie Valley school system and want the best possible education for our children.

I trust we can all appreciate the difficulty of being a teacher and respect those who have chosen this as their profession and who work with our children every day.

We need to teach our children respect, we need to teach our children reason, we need to teach our children personal responsibility, and we need to teach our children to think for themselves.

A public school is just that, public. They receive public funds, as we all know, and as such they are bound by laws which seek to create a level playing field and which insist that all children in our society are welcome and are treated equitably. I believe that Mount Si High School as been reasonably successful in meeting this high standard. Obviously there is room for improvement and there clearly exists a diversity of opinion about exactly what sort of improvement is required or what shape or form it should take.

Some of us, including myself, want the school to be respectful and welcoming to those who are questioning their sexual orientation, which it is not. Others are declaring a ‘culture war’ and seeking to stop the ‘indoctrination of our children’ on the basis of a teacher asking a question and the perception that there is an ‘agenda’ being foisted on students.

Our country was founded on the principle that ‘all men [sic] are created equal’. At the time our country was founded this laudable goal did not include people of color, nor did it include women. It pretty much included those who were making the rules. It is to the credit of our country and its people that we have seen fit to change the rules over time, to be inclusive and to respect diversity. In short, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We are now at a time when the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender population has gained some legal protection. As such public institutions, such as Mount Si High School, are legally obligated to not discriminate against members of this community. Like it or not it is the law, just as they can not discriminate against students based on their sex, or race, or religious beliefs.

Clearly this creates a rather challenging environment in which to work and in which to teach.

I would encourage us all to support our teachers, to provide constructive criticism when it is warranted but to also respect the difficulty of the challenge. It is important that we base insights and opinions on the reality that exists. All children are, and should be, challenged to think for themselves, to form opinions, and speak to them. It does not mean they should be indoctrinated by particular political or religious beliefs. Some children are agnostic. I am certain there are times they feel indoctrinated by the majority of students and teachers who are Christian. We need to be tolerant. We need to be supportive. We won’t all agree all of the time but we should remember that we share more in common than that which separates us. I firmly believe we all seek a safe, respectful, engaging, and tolerant environment dedicated to learning and preparing young adults to find their way in the world. It is a world that contains many more challenges, opinions, and diversity than those that exist within Mount Si High School.

Respectfully,

Mark Joselyn
Parent of three students in the Snoqualmie Valley School District, 2 at the high school

Who is responsible for Lawrence King's death?

2008-02-17T12:25:00.000-08:00

And who is responsible for the ruined life of Brandon McInerney? What is the source for the hate and evil that rose in the hand of a 14 year old child? No one is born with hate. Hate is taught. Hate is indoctrinated. It manifests itself in many forms and all too often hides in the guise of morality and family values. Where is this hate taught?

It's time that we stop ignoring the 800 pound Gorilla. We know the source of this hate but we're too polite to say it. Talking about religious fundamentalism in a negative light is always countered with cries of oppression. But who cries for their victims? Who will stand up for those they have destroyed? Who will try to stop them from doing it again?

How can we as a society watch a bully pulpit spew vitriol and intolerance without condemning it in the loudest of voices? How many children must die or have their lives destroyed before we stand up and call upon them to stop?

Stop preaching hate to children! Stop hurting children!

We condemn Islamic fundamentalist indocrination of their children with seeds of hate and violence, yet the fundamentalists among us are allowed to do the same with impunity.

Freedom of speech is one of the greatest rights we all share, but where is the voice of religious moderates to condemn these fundamentalists? If you stand by and do nothing to counter this evil, you are equally complicit in allowing it to spread.

Remember these great words of Martin Luther King, Jr.

"He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it."

"In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

It's time that we demand as a society that these fundamentalist stop spreading their hate, just as we demanded society to acknowledge the KKK as the evil that it was, so must we do with these fundamentalists. This kind of indoctrination is nothing short of child abuse. To take a soul born in the light and twist it towards darkenss is the greatest sin possible in man.

Who is responsible?

A 14 year old child pulled the trigger but bigotry loaded the gun.

-MSP

California Middle School Student Murdered in School Because of Sexual Orientation

2008-02-16T16:23:00.000-08:00

Students pass by a makeshift memorial honoring fifteen-year-old Lawrence King which lies beneath the flagpole at E.O. Green School Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008.

Media Contact:
Daryl Presgraves
646-388-6577
dpresgraves@glsen.org

NEW YORK, Feb. 14, 2008 – Ten years after Wyoming college student Matthew Shepard was brutally murdered because of his sexual orientation, a 15-year-old gay California student is brain dead after a student allegedly shot him because of his sexual orientation and gender expression.

Lawrence King, an eighth-grader at E.O. Green Junior High School in Oxnard, was being kept alive today for organ donation after being shot Tuesday morning in class. The 14-year-old attacker, among a group of students known to bully and harass King because he sometimes wore makeup and jewelry and told classmates he was gay, will be charged with murder and a hate crime.

“This incident of senseless violence is truly horrifying, and our hearts go out to the student’s friends, family and the E.O. Green School community,” said Kevin Jennings, Executive Director of GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. “As a nation, we’ve had our heads in the sand for far too long. We need to do everything we can to prevent something like this from happening again.

“In doing so, it’s absolutely crucial that we name the problem of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment and address it directly to find a solution to the everyday fear that keeps countless youth from feeling safe in school. We must confront the fact that LGBT students are much more likely to be threatened with a weapon and much more likely to feel unsafe at school than other students.”

The 2001-02 California Healthy Kids Survey for the California Department of Education found that California students who were harassed because they are, or are perceived to be, gay or lesbian were more than five times more likely than other students who were not harassed to report being threatened or injured with a weapon (28% to 5%).

“I am deeply saddened by the terrible news about the shooting of Lawrence King. My prayers go out to all of Lawrence's friends and family,” said Judy Shepard, Executive Director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation. “This terrible incident underscores the fact that we cannot let hate go unchecked in our schools and communities. Our young people need our direction and guidance to prevent this type of crime from happening. I urge all parents and teachers to educate their children and students about acceptance, understanding and compassion.”

Two of the top three reasons students say their peers are harassed in school are actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender expression, according to From Teasing to Torment: School Climate in America, a 2005 Harris Interactive report commissioned by GLSEN. The top reason is physical appearance.

As was the case at E.O. Green Junior High, what begins as bullying and harassment too often escalates to violence. In GLSEN’s 2005 National School Climate Survey, nearly a fifth (17.6%) of LGBT students reported being physically assaulted at school in the past school year because of their sexual orientation and over a tenth (11.8%) because of their gender expression.

California is one of only 10 states that protect students from bullying and harassment based on sexual orientation and one of only five that protect students from bullying and harassment based on gender identity/expression.

“Safe schools laws and policies are vitally important, but simply having a law is not enough,” Jennings said. “Schools need to implement staff development and trainings to address anti-LGBT bullying and harassment. Schools also need programs that teach young people respect and tolerance. Every student deserves to feel safe in school. We must take action and take responsibility for our inaction.”

Another crucial intervention to protect students and all Americans is to pass the Matthew Shepard Act as an appropriate and measured response to the unrelenting and under-addressed problem of violent hate crimes committed against individuals based on actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability.

About GLSEN
GLSEN, or the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established nationally in 1995, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. For more information on GLSEN's educational resources, public policy agenda, student organizing programs, research, public education or development initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.

See story in the LA Times

Nearly 1,000 gather to remember Lawrence King

Lorri L. Jean's remarks on the killing of Lawrence King (Must See!)

WAR is declared against LGBT students

2008-02-16T13:22:00.000-08:00

POSTED TO ANTIOCH BIBLE CHURCH WEB SITE;

Saturday, 16 February 2008

This poster is hanging in the window of a classrom at Mt. Si High School!

It's time we wake up and realize we are in a culture WAR!

When teachers are allowed to hang posters like this in our local school, we've got a big problem. It's time to take back our schools.

Pastor Hutch

Parents we must be vigilant. War has real meaning to this man and particularly to his more fanatical followers;

This Is War, Anti-Gay American Preacher Hutcherson Tells Europe

March 28th, 2007 thomas c jackson

LONDON, March 26, 2007 – As news emerged that a new “anti-gay” group had been registered in Latvia, the plot thickened as to the involvement of an American preacher with religious groups in the country who told an American newspaper: “this is a war”, referring to his anti-gay campaign in Europe.

Ken Hutcherson, the former NFL linebacker and now Dr. Hutcherson, the founder and senior pastor of the Antioch Bible Church near Seattle, claimed to have been a special envoy of the White House when he visited Riga earlier this month.

“I come to you representing the White House”, Dr. Hutcherson told the Riga conference, organised by the New Generation Church.

“In my country, people will know how Latvia responded to anti-Christian statements. We need to stand for righteousness not only morally, but also physically and financially. It’s a great battle for righteousness and no one can stop it. I promise to stand with you.”

This was from a speech he gave in Latvia to a group of anti-homosexual fundamentalists associated with his Watchmen on The Wall cult. Joining Mr. Hutcherson on stage was Dr. Scott Lively, co-author of The Pink Swastika: Homosexuals and the Nazi Party.

Dr. Lively claims that that Hitler and other Nazis were secretly homosexuals, and that indeed both the Nazi regime and the Holocaust were products of a homosexual conspiracy.

Four months later members of this cult made headlines;

Sacramento authorities charge two men in killing of Satender Singh

by JewsOnFirst.org, August 8, 2007
The Sacramento District Attorney has charged two men involved in last month's fatal assault on Satender Singh. One of the suspects faces a manslaughter charge and both are charged with committing a hate crime, confirming witness accounts that the assault was motivated by hatred of gays.

This hate group advocates physical violence to further their cause. We cannot underestimate the potential danger of these hateful fanatics.

On a footnote, Mr. Hutcherson's claim as "Special Envoy of the White House" as been denied by the Bush Administration. An FBI complaint was filed against Mr. Hutcherson to investigate his fraudulent claim.

Washington pastor says public school is 'going to pay' for accepting them Gays

2008-02-15T10:06:00.002-08:00

She's a WITCH! BURN HER! BURN HER!

Washington pastor says public school is 'going to pay'
Jeff Johnson - OneNewsNow.com - 2/15/2008 8:00:00 AM

...

However, a letter of reprimand will not satisfy Hutcherson, who is asking that they be fired. The outspoken pastor also met with school officials over alleged harassment his daughter has suffered since the incident. "If it was a homosexual student, every one of you would be calling because you think that the gay community would sue you," Hutcherson says he told school administrators.

...

See Complete Story - WARNING Site includes comments with hate speech.

Letter to Dr. Terry Bergeson, Superintendent of Public Instruction

2008-02-14T14:14:00.001-08:00

We received an open letter from one of our parents;

14 February 2008

Dr. Terry Bergeson
Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Dr. Bergeson,

You may or may not be aware of a situation involving the Snoqualmie Valley School District and Mount Si High School. The school administration invited Rev. Ken Hutcherson to speak at the MLK day assembly last month. This invitation was extended over the objections of faculty and the student GSA due to Mr. Hutcherson's notoriety both nationally and internationally related to his fight against civil rights for the LGBT community. Indeed, the faculty and students were mislead by the administration when they were assured that Mr. Hutcherson would not be invited to speak. This was not the first time Mr. Hutcherson was invited, nor the first time his presence generated controversy and complaints from the faculty, students and parents of Mt Si. He was invited three years ago for a similar event.

On the day of the assembly, many were shocked to see Mr. Hutcherson appear at the podium. One teacher, Kit McCormick who is the faculty advisor to the GSA, asked Mr. Hutcherson a question, with permission and after his speech. That question basically asked how Mr. Hutcherson could reconcile his fight against civil rights for the LGBT community with his presence here to honor Dr. King's fight for civil rights for all. Mr. Hutcherson did not answer and Principal Randy Taylor decided to reprimand the teacher for asking her question while publicly apologizing to Mr. Hutcherson for the incident.

We in the valley have been struggling with this issue since the day it happened. We believe the majority of parents in the valley support equal rights for all and are confused and angered by the schools decision to invite Mr. Hutcherson as well as their bad decision to reprimand the teacher for her actions. Put simply, this is unacceptable. We have voiced our concerns to the administration and the school board both in writing and in person at the school board meeting. In fact one student stood up to speak at the last board meeting who is a member of the LGBT students at Mt Si. She was very poignant in illustrating the abuse she has suffered within the school because of her sexual orientation. She was also very clear about how offensive she found the schools actions in subjecting her to listen to a well known bigot during a compulsory assembly.

Meanwhile, with apology in hand, Mr. Hutcherson has mounted a national campaign against two teachers at Mt Si who dared to stand up for their students. Mr. Hutcherson continues to press for the removal of these teachers with the help of national organizations like Focus On The Family as well as his own parishioners.

To date no actions have been taken to apologize to the student body for inviting Mr. Hutcherson in the first place. This invitation, along with last year's senior skit entitled 'Adam and Steve' which completely denigrated the LGBT students in attendance was not only not discouraged, but the skit won first place. In addition to this travesty, on the Day of Silence some students wore hate t-shirts like "I Love Gays – DEAD" while the administration turned a blind eye. In addition, we have testimonials to the effect that when a student complained to Mr. Taylor about verbal and physical harassment on the Day of Silence he responded; "That's just part of the game isn't it?"

As parents we don't like this game. We feel our schools should be safe and accepting of all students in our community. We are not so naïve as to believe all students will embrace equality as they come to school with their own bias and points of view. We do however expect our educators to at least minimize the presence of bias and discrimination in our schools by using good judgment. The school administration in this case has failed repeatedly to protect all of our children.

The School Board and the MSHS administration seem unable or unwilling to find a proper solution to this issue. At this time, I would like to request that your office begin a formal investigation into this matter and provide guidance to the board.

There are many parents that are talking about taking legal action against the district for bias and discrimination, but we are hopeful that the State can step in to help us find a resolution to this matter.

As Senator Murray put it in a letter to Mr. Taylor;

"…, to not disavow Hutcherson's presentation at your school will continue to amount to an endorsement of his views and values – neither of which follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther King."

There is a web site where parents are collaborating in finding a solution to this matter. There is a good deal of background information here, as well as numerous reports in the media surrounding the event. The web site is http://mtsiparents.blogspot.com/

Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.

Dan Ferland, MSHS Parent

Dr. Bergeson can be contacted at Terry.Bergeson@k12.wa.us

-MSP

Who was that gay man who organized the 1963 Civil Rights march on Washington?

2008-02-13T18:11:00.001-08:00

By Nick Gier. Professor Emeritus, University of Idaho

As a politically active black man in 1950s and 1960s, Bayard Rustin had, in addition to his race, three strikes against him: he was a pacifist; he was a Communist; and he was openly homosexual.In 1936 Rustin became a member of the Young Communist League, but he broke with the party when it decided to deemphasize civil rights in favor of supporting the Soviet Union in the war.During World War II he began his long association with the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), a pacifist organization founded in 1914 by an English Quaker and a German Lutheran. His grandmother, who raised him, was a Quaker, but she and her grandson attended a local African Methodist Episcopal Church.From 1944 to 1946 Rustin served 28 months in a federal penitentiary for refusing to report for military service. While in prison he worked diligently to end segregation in the prison dining hall.Rustin was an all-inclusive civil rights worker. He traveled to California to protect the property of Japanese Americans who had been interned during the war. While in prison he established the FOR's Free India Committee, and he later convinced Martin Luther King, Jr. to follow Gandhi’s principle of active nonviolence. In 1947 Rustin led a FOR attempt to integrate the interstate bus system. In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, he and his associates were set upon by a mob, but it was he, rather than his attackers, who served 22 days of hard labor for "inciting" this incident.In 1953 he was arrested for having sex with two other men. Thanks to a recent Supreme Court decision decriminalizing sodomy, no one can be arrested for consensual sex of any sort in today's America. The Texas law that was truck down was particularly discriminatory in that it did not outlaw "unnatural" sex acts between heterosexuals.Because of the gay sex charge, Rustin was fired from the FOR staff. Even though under this dark cloud, King nonetheless took him on as an adviser in 1956. As a seasoned civil rights worker, his experience was crucial to the success of the Montgomery bus boycott.Rustin biographer John D’Emilio writes that Rustin "was the perfect mentor for King at this stage in the young minister’s career. . . and in the ensuing months and years, Rustin left a profound mark on the evolution of King’s role as a national leader."Rustin convinced King that he needed a permanent organization to stabilize his movement, so together they founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). When black Congressman Adam Clayton Powell threatened to expose him as a gay man, Rustin was forced to resign his SCLC leadership position.Working behind the scenes, Rustin was the main organizer for the 1963 March of Washington, the venue for King’s “I have a Dream” speech. The other organizers made sure that Rustin was not given any public credit for this historic event.Supplied with FBI wire tap information and dirt from segregationist legislators, Senator Strom Thurmond gave a speech in the Senate in which he called Rustin a "Communist, draft-dodger, and homosexual." For the very first time someone came to Rustin’s defense. Labor leader A. Philip Randolph attested to Rustin’s integrity, and the fact that Thurmond's attack fizzled produced a glimmer of hope that equal rights for gays and lesbians might be possible.Rustin advised King not to speak out against the Vietnam war, but King did it anyway. Friends were puzzled why this fervent pacifist did not join the anti-war movement. His response was that he was against a precipitous withdrawal of troops because the Communists would set up a brutal dictatorship.Rustin also reminded his supporters where his duty ultimately lay: "To those who have urged me to switch from civil rights to peace, let me say: Someday, God help us, this war will be over, and my job is to help see to it that when the black soldiers come home, they will have something decent to come home to." Rustin preferred to keep his "eyes on the prize."Rustin's last civil rights battle was for his gay brother and sisters: "The barometer of where one is on human rights questions is no longer the black community, it's the gay community, the community which is most easily mistreated."Nick Gier taught philosophy and religion at the University of Idaho for 31 years. Read his other civil rights columns at http://www.class.uidaho.edu/ngier/civil.htm

Valley benefactors step up to help Mt Si students

2008-02-12T22:34:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends,

Want to let you know what is happening with our grant offer in regard to fostering diversity, tolerance and respect at Mount Si particularly among the student body. We met with Principal Taylor last Friday and suggested that he contact the Snoqualmie Valley Community Network about the idea of assessing the students to find out their issues and ideas surrounding inclusion. How do we know what the kids are thinking unless we ask? Gathering data using an effective assessment tool could be very helpful in planning future programs and assemblies based on what the students need and want.

After doing some research about what assistance might be available, we believe that the Network is an excellent community resource and can best work with the student leadership, student representatives and staff and parent representatives to determine the best approach for conducting a student assessment. The Network has also recently helped to reemploy the Natural Helpers program and are familiar with the lay of the land at Mount Si.

We are very encouraged by Principal Taylor's enthusiasm about our suggestion and are hoping that the staff will support this effort with the students as it takes shape. Principal Taylor plans to contact the Network to see if there is interest in working with the students at Mount Si. It is possible that an assessment is not the best approach but we are confident that if the Network offers its assistance, they can engage the students in developing an effective action plan.

Principal Taylor also outlined plans for working with the staff on issues of teaching controversial subjects...another good, positive idea. He was genuinely appreciative of our offering our assistance and ideas. We assured him that a grant from Dane's memorial fund is available if it would be helpful in fostering a more inclusive culture at Mount Si.

It's an awesome responsibility to be a teacher. We believe teaching is the most challenging AND rewarding of all professions. Both of us started out our adult lives as teachers at the secondary level so we know.... We deeply appreciate your good work. Contact us if there is anything else that we as patrons can do to support Mount Si other than vote in favor of the up-comingbond proposal.

Best regards,

Jerry and Charlotte Rempfer

Is Ken Hutcherson on a mission from God or a Witch hunt?

2008-02-11T15:19:00.000-08:00

We found a Witch, may we burn her?

Monday, 11 February 2008

Please get on your knees again!

Please pray for Pat and me as we meet tomorrow morning at 10:30 am with the Principal and two Assistant Principals to ask why those teachers are still in the school.

Pastor Hutch

UPDATED:

Wednesday, 13 February 2008
Praise...

The meeting at Mt. Si High School went extremely well. Pat and I were very truthful, and made our expectations clear. We will now wait to see what the results are, and decide whether or not we will take action.

Another praise...Carl Kelly will be coming on staff as the choir director. He comes to us with much experience, training, and giftedness! Get your voice ready to join the choir!!!

Pastor Hutch

"Take Action"? Hmmm, what could THAT mean?

Remembering Brandon Myers

2008-02-10T13:37:00.000-08:00

Death by bullying

The Associated Press
Kim Myers holds a photograph of her son, Brandon, on Aug. 31, 2007, in Lee’s Summit, Mo. Brandon killed himself in February 2007. For Kim Myers, her son’s death is the result of what she calls incessant bullying that his teachers and other administrators at Voy Spears Elementary School failed to stop.

Feb 09, 2008 @ 12:35 PM
By Alan Scher Zagier
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. -
The bedroom bears the telltale signs of a typical boy on the cusp of his teen years: discarded food wrappers, video game consoles, clothes scattered on the floor.

The disarray hides tragedy inside the suburban Kansas City home. The room is a memorial to 12-year-old Brandon Myers, who killed himself in February 2007.

For Kim Myers, Brandon’s death is the result of what she calls incessant bullying that her son’s teachers and other administrators at Voy Spears Elementary School failed to stop.

“He was teased in class on the day he died for acting depressed,” said Myers, a single parent. “He was screaming for help. If he had got the help he needed, he would still be alive.”

Teen suicide has long been considered one of the greatest risks faced by vulnerable adolescents. But an increasing number of mental health experts are warning that younger children, such as Brandon, are also susceptible.

A nationwide survey of more than 15,000 students in grades six to 10 showed that 30 percent reported experience with bullying — 11 percent as targets, 13 percent as bullies themselves and an additional 6 percent who said they had been both aggressor and victim. The survey was published in 2001.

Nationally, more than 3,000 children ages 10-14 committed suicide from 1995 through 2004, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Missouri, 34 children in that age group took their own lives from 2001 through 2005, state records show.

Many of the details of how Brandon was harassed — and the school’s response — are incomplete. Myers has hired an attorney and said she plans to sue the Blue Springs School District for her son’s wrongful death. She and her ex-husband, Brandon’s father, don’t want to jeopardize the pending lawsuit by discussing it publicly.

A lawyer for the School District said officials would discuss only Brandon’s “educational experience” with The Associated Press, and then only with his parents’ permission.

The case is not without precedent. In 2005, a teenager from Tonganoxie, Kan., who was bullied for years by classmates who believed he was gay was awarded $440,000 in a settlement against his school district. The young man, who said he is not gay, was harassed with homophobic slurs from seventh grade until he quit school his junior year.

Social pressure
The direct effect of bullying on self-inflicted deaths is impossible to determine. But as in the case of Megan Meier — a 13-year-old suburban St. Louis girl who committed suicide after receiving cruel messages on her MySpace page — the social pressures that drive some children to suicide are immense, said bullying expert Hilda Quiroz.
“Schools are social settings,” said Quiroz, a former teacher who now works for the California-based National School Safety Center. “And in social settings, there are kids who wield power.”

Bullying victims direct their anger in two directions, Quiroz said: at themselves or toward others, including their tormentors.

“Children sometimes turn inward and hurt themselves, or they turn outward and bring weapons to school,” she said.

For Brandon, life didn’t come easy. Born with a cleft palate, he endured several corrective surgeries that improved his smile but didn’t get rid of a pronounced speech impediment.

His parents divorced when he was 5. Diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the third grade, and later depression, he took a daily chemical cocktail to combat those impulses and regularly saw a counselor outside school.

In the days and weeks leading up to his suicide, Brandon dropped several hints to classmates and teachers that his troubles may have grown life-threatening, Kim Myers said.

She didn’t learn of those warning signs until it was too late.

The day after Christmas would have been Brandon’s 13th birthday. His absence made the holiday a painful one for his older brother and sister and his parents, too.

“This is the first year he’s not been around,” said his father, Randy Myers. “We’re struggling.”

Suicide note
Down the block from Brandon’s house, a solitary plaque marks his shortened life, a tribute to the passion that drove him to awaken in the pre-dawn darkness each morning so he could fish at the neighborhood lake before school.

“Forever Fishing,” the plaque reads. “Brandon Myers.”

Fishing was an escape for Brandon. He would go fishing with his buddy Trystyn, or with his mother’s boyfriend at nearby Lake Lotawana. Summertime meant bullfrog hunting trips with his grandfather in southwest Missouri.

Inside Trystyn Wagner’s home, toy frogs of all shapes and sizes surround a hallway display of baseball cards, fishing photos and other reminders of his late best friend.

A few days before Brandon’s death, the two friends argued over a girl. They quickly patched up the dispute, but guilt from that encounter and its proximity to Brandon’s suicide hangs over Trystyn, his mother said.

“He said he wanted to be next to Brandon,” said Amy Wagner, who said she has since moved Trystyn and his younger sister to a private school as a result of what she calls her son’s own bullying experience.

“It’s just been a nightmare,” she said.

During an investigation of Brandon’s death, Trystyn told police that Brandon drew a picture of himself hanging from a rope. The drawing was found by another student and turned in to a teacher, according to a police incident report.

Another classmate later shared a note from Brandon that further hinted at his risks of suicide.

I “have had enuf of this crap (p) y life,” the note reads. “I will hang myself tonight so if you have anything to say to me I suggest you tell me before 4:35 p.m. tonight.”

The note, a copy of which was provided to the AP by Kim Myers, asked the unknown classmate to tell other students in Brandon’s class and listed the phone numbers for two students he wished to alert.

Kim Myers said she first learned of the warning note in May, nearly three months after Brandon’s death, from a Lee’s Summit police officer. The note was given to school officials on March 2 by a student’s parent.

The unidentified student’s mother told police and school officials that she found the note folded on a table in her home two days after Brandon’s death, and brought it to school later that week.

Reminders
Brandon’s unkempt bedroom isn’t the only reminder Kim Myers carries of his brief life.

She wears a frog ring on her right hand, a Mother’s Day gift to commemorate her son’s amphibious passion.

She keeps a jar of green BB gun pellets in his honor — tiny memorials that have mysteriously turned up in the most unlikely of places, from the doctor’s office where she works to the beaches of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where she and her mother traveled to seek peace after Brandon’s death.

“As soon as I picked it up the tide came in and washed everything away,” she recalled.
“I think it’s him talking to me ... letting me know he’s around. He’s watching over me.”

Source: Rockford Register Star

KOMO Story Retracted

2008-02-09T12:04:00.001-08:00

I'm not sure if anyone noticed, but KOMO TV was at the School Board meeting. The story they filed was so off target to the message presented that they were pressured to retract their piece. DEAD LINK

I of course saved the piece before it got pulled down, here was their report;

Hutcherson's wife says family is being harassed

Story Published: Feb 7, 2008 at 11:48 PM PST
Story Updated: Feb 7, 2008 at 11:50 PM PST

By KOMO Staff
Watch the story

SNOQUALMIE, Wash. -- The family members of pastor Ken Hutcherson say they have been under attack ever since the pastor made controversial comments during a school assembly.

Hutcherson's wife addressed the school board on Thursday night.

"In the three weeks since the assembly, our life has been anything but back to normal," said Pat Hutcherson.

It was standing room only at the school board meeting as Pat discussed the harassment that has followed the couple and their four children since her husband spoke at an assembly at Mount Si High School on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

"My family is boldly called names like 'bigot', 'homophobe' and we've been permanently branded in the valley," she said.

The pastor, who is known for his anti-gay stance, was booed and publicly questioned by two teachers during the assembly. The incident has raised numerous concerns and issues, including bad manners and the acceptance of gays and lesbians. Some students are even concerned that teachers are imposing their personal beliefs on the students.

"I have six classes a day. I know the personal beliefs of all six of my teachers and I don't want to," one student said at the meeting.

"I also think that to invite an anti-gay person was sending wrong message to students at Mount Si," another said.

"We shouldn't cast blame..but rather learn from this and accept diversity," a third said.

Mount Si's principal said the two teachers involved in the incident were dealt with appropriately, but refused to discuss the details of the school's personnel matter.

Where is the focus on our children? Dozens of students spoke out, some spoke of their ongoing harassment and abuse because of their orientation. This is all about our kids. Why are their voices not being heard?

Contact KOMO and urge them to report the REAL issue. They have all the footage available to them. E-mail KOMO

Or contact Ken Schram to help us get the focus of this issue on our kids where it belongs.

The Seattle Times has a more accurate report of the events.

Thanks to a contributor who sent this;
FYI: Pam Spaulding has the KOMO news video on her website:
Hutcherson's wife: we're being harassed because of Ken's views

Hutcherson's Latest Distortions

2008-02-08T16:16:00.000-08:00

POSTED TO: Antioch Bible Church Web Site

This would sadden Dr. King so deeply.

Friday, 08 February 2008

It's time to get back on your knees for a long fight!

Last night at the Snoqualmie Valley School Board Meeting, the teachers supportive of the Gay Straight Alliance drew a line in the sand, and I am stepping over it. I spoke to the Superintendent this morning and he promised, "...it's for the children."

I said I want him to protect my daughter and I want Kit McCormick removed from the classroom.

Another teacher at the meeting last night, George Potratz, said that if I am trying to repeal rights for gays, he thinks we should start a movement to bring back slavery.

Mr. Potratz does not deserve to be on the faculty of the school and should be fired immediately. Over the next few days, I will be talking with the School Board and the school officials.

My theme will be a line from a Pink Floyd song, "Hey! Teachers! Leave them kids alone!"

Keep on Praying,

Pastor Hutch

Mr. Potratz never suggested that we should start a movement to bring back slavery, what he actually said, paraphrasing a contributor was;

"yes, Hutcherson has a right to his views...just as someone who believes in reinstating slavery has a right to theirs." What Potratz went on to say, and what Hutcherson has idiotically and selfishly twisted is the part where Potratz continued with the idea that: "just because someone has the right to these ideas, it does not make them acceptable in a public school"

Hutcherson has now engaged Focus On The Family to pressure the school with his twisted interpretation of last nights events; CitizenLink

Randy Taylor should be expecting a barrage of homophobic mail this weekend.

Thank You!

2008-02-07T23:59:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a crowd!

I am absolutely overwhelmed by the turnout at tonight's School Board meeting. From my estimates well over 200 students, teachers, parents and community members turned out for the February 7th meeting. More than sixty citizens signed up to speak their voice with many more denied due to time constraints. Although there were a few still harping on some kind of 'gay agenda', the vast majority of those in attendence showed their support for equality.

Students, teachers, parents and community members alike pointed out the obvious hypocrisy revolving around the event. The speakers were quite passionate and articulate in their comments to the board.

Emotions ran high, particulary among the students who spoke. Each one of them, straight, gay, lesbian or questioning demonstrated the one common bond that will see them through this difficult time, their love and compassion for one another. This parent has new hope for the next generation. These are some enlightened young adults we have among us!

All of the concerns we have been discussing over the past three weeks were presented to the board. The targeted harrassment, the passive discrimination and the lack of faith in the districts commitment to enforcing school policies and state laws were all addressed by the students.

Some students spoke to the fact that as christians they were being harassed by other students for their personal beliefs. One has to wonder why they would be singled out. Is it because of their faith or their opinions? As I cannot envision targeted harassment against the majority of the student body by the minority based simply on faith, one must conclude that those 'harassed' were actually confronted on the opinions they put forward. We generally call this discourse or debate, not harassment. It may be perceived as harassment by the party that fails to provide a valid argument supporting their position on the issue, it is a defense mechanism. It is always curious to see the vocal majority yelling 'help, help, we're being oppressed!'

It is disheartening to know that there are members of our community that seem truly blinded by negativity and are unable to see the injustice before them. How can any parent listen to testimonials of our children and ignore their cry for support and acceptance? If even one child feels that way, we must all stand together to make sure that one voice is heard and respected.

Throughout the evening I could not help but notice the consternation of the minority who seemed to grow weary and frustrated by the continuous barrage of rebukes against the administration for their lack of judgement. I felt some degree of empathy for Mr. Hutcherson who spent much of the evening with his head in his hands. I wondered if perhaps some degree of self awareness had him in some embrace. For a fleeting moment, could he sense the negative nature of his actions and the consequences they have garnered him? Perhaps for a moment he asked himself, my God, what am I doing to my kids and their friends? Did one of his neighbors say something that struck a hidden moral fiber he conceals? Perhaps just wishful thinking, but his visage was one of defeat bordering on despair. Such wasted emotion. I wish he could just live the idea so many have taught, the one rule!

A special acknowledgement goes out to Alex! Your courage is inspiring. Know that we are all standing with you. If ever you need our assistance, we are but an e-mail away...

A very special thanks is extended to all of you in our community who took the time to stand for up for our students and voice your thoughts and concerns.

And one last special thank you the the very kind folks with

who journeyed all the way from Seattle to show their support!

On a final note, both a student and the Hutcherson family have recieved threats of violence against them. This is unacceptable in our community! If you have any information related to these threats, please contact the police immediately or dial 9-1-1.

If there is one thing the students of Mt Si demonstrated, it's that no matter what your convictions, it is the ties of friendship that you must remain in firm grasp of at all times.

February 6 - to all Mount Si High School students and parents.

2008-02-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

February 6, 2008

Dear Mount Si High School Students and Parents,

As you know, events at this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. assembly have sparked questions and concerns from students, parents, and community patrons. Once again, I want to apologize for the impact of these events on our students.

A letter sent home with all Mount Si High School students on Friday, February 1,2008 from Superintendent Joel Aune is posted on our school website at www.mountsihighschool.com and on the district website at www.svsd410.org. The purpose of the letter today is to provide for you an update on these matters and communicate our next steps.

Concerns regarding the actions of a few staff as well as questions pertaining to administrative oversight of the assembly planning have emerged. A thorough review of these concerns and questions has been completed. First, appropriate action was taken with staff and school administration to address behavior, oversight, supervision, communication, and decision-making concerns. Please note that personnel matters are confidential and will not be discussed.

Second, the following plan is being developed to improve our practices, enhance our skills, and strengthen our school as we turn our attention to the future. It is our intent to learn from this event and use those learnings to strengthen Mount Si High School.

• Staff development activities are being planned to reinforce with staff members their responsibilities to uphold Mount Si High School’s mission to help students:

identify and realize their academic and personal potential;

respect individual differences;

develop skills and motivation for life-long learning;

be knowledgeable, active and responsible citizens.

In bringing staff together around our common goals and purpose, we will work to reunite following what has been a divisive time for many.

• We are in the planning stages of creating a task force comprised of teachers, students and parents. This task force will review guidelines and make suggestions for the teaching of controversial subjects. This committee will convene in early spring.

• We are reviewing and revising our procedures around special programs and assemblies at the high school. The intent is to define and/or clarify approval processes, expectations for behavior, communication guidelines, and opportunities for teaching and learning prior to and following a special program or assembly.

• Lessons for students will continue around tolerance and respect for varying opinions, beliefs, and backgrounds, while we maintain a safe environment for learning. Tolerance and respect will continue to be the foundation of our school’s celebration called “Day of Respect.” This event has been a positive focus for Mount Si High School students over the past seven years and provides an opportunity to honor cultural diversity and the freedoms of speech and thought that our society enjoys.

Finally, on behalf of all of us at Mount Si High School, we want to re-emphasize that we remain committed to offering all students an education that is stimulating and challenging, in a nurturing environment. We value the partnership between parents, students, teachers and community members that is vital to effective teaching and learning of our students. We are honored to be entrusted with the education of your children and continue to take very seriously this enormous responsibility and privilege.

Thank you for your many emails, letters, and phone calls that have helped us learn from this event, and for your support to help us remain focused on your child’s education.

Sincerely,

Randy W. Taylor
Principal

Related Story - Seattle Times

School Board Meeting This Week

2008-02-04T17:13:00.000-08:00

The Superintendent released this letter on February 1, 2008.

Join us at the next School Board meeting on Thursday February 7th at 7:30 pm
8001 Silva Ave SE,Snoqualmie (map)

Let's find out

What the district plans to do to make sure controversial speakers are not invited that may offend students and/or provide a negative role model.

What steps the district will take to alleviate distasteful student activities that may offend or make some students feel isolated and unsafe. For example last years 'Adam and Steve' skit.

What steps the district will take in providing anti-harrassment training to all faculty and staff?

What steps the district will take to make sure students feel safe and un-threatened during the upcoming Day of Silence.

What if any action the district intends to take with any of the faculty members involved.

All students have a federal constitutional right to
equal protection under the law. This means that
schools have a duty to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender (LGBT) students from harassment on
an equal basis with all other students. If school
officials failed to take action against anti-LGBT
harassment because they believed that the LGBT students
should expect to be harassed; or because they
believed that LGBT students brought the harassment
upon themselves simply by being openly LGBT; or
because the school was uneducated about LGBT
issues and was uncomfortable addressing the
situation, then the school has failed to provide equal
protection to the student.

Snoqualmie Valley Record Chimes In

2008-01-31T18:02:00.000-08:00

Things that make you go 'hmmm'

"The whole thing smells of a setup of Hutcherson and, unfortunately, it gave the entire student body of Mount Si a bad name. If, on the other hand, Hutcherson's speaking engagement was objected to by the teachers or the school's "Gay/Straight Alliance" prior to the assembly, the administration of the school should be held accountable"

It was objected to by students and faculty alike as far back as November when the planning started.

The FACTS are out there folks, just look for them!

Furor over assembly draws a crowd at board meeting

Washington State Senator Ed Murray's letter to Randy Taylor

2008-01-30T13:18:00.000-08:00

Principal Randy Taylor Mt. Si High School
8651 Meadowbrook Way S.E. Snoqualmie, WA 98065

Dear Mr. Taylor,

Today, every American is familiar with Dr. Martin Luther King’s great leadership in the fight for civil rights for African Americans.

However, Dr. King’s example was not simply limited to the tireless quest for equality. It was also found in the manner in which he treated his opponents, embracing them with respect and without vitriol – even while they denigrated and insulted him. When we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, we would do well to remember this, too.

One man’s own personal experience of racism, while certainly regrettable, is not enough to qualify him as a spokesperson of Dr. King’s values. To truly uphold Dr. King’s example, one must also uphold his humility and his fundamental objection to derogate those who disagreed with him.

Rev. Ken Hutcherson decidedly does not follow in these footsteps.

Here is a man who, in his battle against equal rights for gays and lesbians has said: “You know how the Bible says, ‘Turn the other cheek?’ Well, I did that. But I’m not giving them the big cheeks.” These kinds of degrading remarks about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens are simply obscene.

Here is a man who, after viewing the movie ‘The Passion of the Christ’ told a reporter that the Jews were responsible for killing Christ: “The truth is that they did push to have Christ crucified. That’s just plain truth… that’s Biblical truth.” This libel has resulted in the suffering and death of millions over twenty centuries of Western history.

Intolerance and contempt are objectionable enough. Using Christianity to support them – to use, in other words, the tools that Martin Luther King developed not to extent rights but to deny them – is a cynical order of magnitude worse.

History has taught us that we must speak out, and speak out vigorously, against these slanderous attacks. There are many leaders in the African American civil rights movement, including some who oppose my position of sexual orientation, who would have better represented the example of Martin Luther King.

As an agent of intolerance and contempt, Hutcherson should not have been invited to speak at your school’s Martin Luther King Day event. I have no doubt that he has very painful stories of the inequality he has experienced in his life. But his story today is about perpetuating inequality among gays, lesbians and Jews. And that cannot and should not be condoned.

A member of your staff thought as I do, and, at the end of Hutcherson’s remarks, respectfully questioned him about his commitment to the values of acceptance and respect as they apply to gays and lesbians. I was shocked to learn that you issued Hutcherson an apology as a result. This – and your subsequent “fact-finding” inquest into your staff’s actions – only adds insult to injury.

Although a minimal amount of circumspection alone might have helped you determine that inviting a known bigot to speak on Martin Luther King Day may have offended members of your student body, staff and faculty, I am heartened to know that you plan to examine your policies and standards related to speakers and presentations at your school.

However, to not disavow Hutcherson’s presentation at your school will continue to amount to an endorsement of his views and values – neither of which follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther King.

Sincerely,

Sen. Ed Murray

Mt Si High School on the Dave Ross show

2008-01-29T20:51:00.000-08:00

Listen to the Dave Ross show as the MLK assembly is discussed. (1/29/2008)

A look at Washington State Law

2008-01-29T11:58:00.001-08:00

A key argument in this issue revolves around the question of whether Rev. Hutcherson presents a positive role model in the context of civil rights to the student body. Considering Mr. Hutcherson’s actions, which truly define a role model, of opposing anti-discrimination legislation, hate crimes legislation and civil rights legislation based on his religious beliefs leads one to believe that he may not be an appropriate role model in the current context of celebrating diversity and civil rights.

Although the event was organized by the student organizations it is ultimately the responsibility of the administration to exercise proper discretion in selecting appropriate speakers for a compulsory event such as this. In addition, the administrations primary responsibility is to provide a safe and open learning environment that is free of hate and discrimination to every student without exception.

The Washington State laws against discrimination as well as the policies of the Washington State Office of Public Instruction clearly identify the LGBT community as a community that is vulnerable to discrimination.

Washington Models for the Evaluation of Bias Content in Instructional Materials
Published by the Washington State Office of Public Instruction

Relating to RCW 28A.640.020 Regulations, guidelines to eliminate discrimination--Scope.

Guidelines for Identifying Bias

As we discover how to better teach and apply the principle of equity in our schools, we are learning the importance of perspective in points of view and the need to reflect the participation and the contribution of the various cultures and both genders in our curricula. It means a move toward respecting and appreciating differences and understanding how they contribute to the desirability of the whole. The diversity of race, custom, color, religion, age, physical make-up and lifestyle are positive and essential characteristics of our nation and its heritage.

The schools, of course, play a highly significant role in promoting or negating these points of view. The curriculum by which students learn shares this role with the teacher and other school staff. Attitudes expressed or modeled in materials, as well as by people, work against the development of the appreciation of diverse groups if they relegate groups of people to secondary or inferior status. A curriculum may perpetuate these attitudes and the behaviors they cause if it omits the history, contributions and lifestyles of a group; if it demeans a group by using patronizing language; or if it portrays a group in stereotyped roles with less than a full range of human interests, traits and capabilities.

Included are: Stereotyped views are depicted of gay, lesbian and bisexual people.

Opponents of Mr. Hutcherson support his right to voice his opinion and oppose civil rights legislation if he chooses to do so as a fundamental right provided to him under law. They question however the judgment of school administrators in deciding to invite a speaker whose well publicized actions are directly oppressive to a significant minority of the student body while professing to celebrate diversity as advocates against discrimination.

One has to question which fact presents the greatest irony. The fact that a man such as Ken Hutcherson spoke to the dream of Martin Luther King Jr. who advocated equal rights for everyone or the fact that the Mt Si Administration allowed such a speaker contrary to common sense and state guidelines.

Perhaps the administration hasn't had a chance to read the manual.

DAY OF SILENCE, April 25, 2008

2008-01-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

The Day of Silence is an annual event held to bring attention to anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and discrimination in schools. Students and teachers nationwide will observe the day in silence to echo the silence that LGBT and ally students face everyday. The Day of Silence is one of the largest student-led actions in the country.

In light of current events during the MLK celebration and in light of past incidents involving students at Mt Si High School during the Day of Silence, we would like to encourage the following;

1. Remind our community that we are fortunate to have diversity as part of it. That among us and our children is a group that struggles daily to accept who they are in the midst of an intolerant community. Indeed the very well being of our friends and neighbors depends on our acceptance.

2. Remind our community that suicide is the number one killer of our students. Among those, the LGBT community is six times more likely to commit suicide than the heterosexual community. Remind our friends and neighbors that more than 4,000 of our kids choose suicide every year. Remind them that 8 of our children, struggling with their identity, struggling with verbal and often physical harrassment by their peers and often struggling with their parents rejection have taken their lives today.

3. Remind our community that respect is a right of every human being.

4. Demand of the Snoqualmie Valley School District that on the Day of Silence;
- That a zero tolerance policy of harassment will be enforced including the pressing of criminal charges for any incidents.
- That parent volunteers will be permitted to assist in monitoring for illegal activities.
- That a local law enforcement presence will reinforce the zero tolerance policy.
- That the Administration expressly prohibit the display of any anti-gay slogans or suggestions of violence, ie. 'I Love Gays - KILLED'.
- That the Administration will be be held liable for any acts of violence, intimidation or harassment against any student.

5. Talk to your neighbors! It is time for ALL of our children to have a safe and open environment they can learn in!

Friends of GSA call for help

2008-01-27T12:59:00.000-08:00

There has been outrage focused against the school board from two distinct perspectives. Many progressive parents are outraged that the school would invite such a controversial figure to speak on the topic of MLK and civil rights. The other side is attacking the teacher for standing up to the obvious irony and hypocrisy of the event.

Mr. Hutcherson has mobilized his likeminded followers to barrage the school board with sheer numbers in order to force this attack on a teacher that did exactly what Martin Luther King reminds us in the following;

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

-Martin Luther King Jr.

We need the help of local leaders, the community, the media and national organizations to focus this issue at its core which is bigotry and intolerance within our schools.

Please let us know if you can help.

MtSiParents@gmail.com

ON RELIGION - What would King say today?

2008-01-26T13:32:00.000-08:00

By THE REV. STAN DUNCAN

Homosexuality was in the closet in King’s day so it’s hard to know for certain. There are, however, a few clues as to what his personal views might have been. Perhaps the most relevant is that his widow, Coretta Scott King, often said that he clearly was supportive of gay rights.

News archive

2008-01-25T21:49:00.000-08:00

Jan 24, 2008 School Board Meeting (Ch.13)

12:40 PM PST on Friday, January 18, 2008
By ROBERTA ROMERO / KING 5 News

Images

2008-01-25T13:34:00.000-08:00

Hutcherson's school assembly invite causes new controversy

2008-01-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

The Rev. Ken Hutcherson, an outspoken opponent of gay rights who last week launched a stock-buying campaign to try to win influence over gay-friendly Microsoft, is apparently creating controversy again.
The administration at Mount Si High School, part of Snoqualmie Valley Public Schools, invited him to speak at a Thursday assembly honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
But when Hutcherson was introduced, some people booed him. As he wrote in a message to church members, "One of the sponsors stood up and challenged me during the assembly. Then one of the teachers called a gay newspaper."
Mount Si teacher Kit McCormick, who questioned how Hutcherson can support human rights if he doesn't support gay rights, told KING/5 that she thought the students should know the full story about the leader of the Antioch Bible Church in Redmond.
He's not about equality for everyone, she told KING/5, he's about equality for some people.
Mount Si Principal Randy Taylor told KING/5 he's scheduled a Friday morning meeting with McCormick to discuss the incident, but didn't reveal whether she would be reprimanded.
Hutcherson said in his message to followers: "I have been quiet as a parent, but now the line has been crossed. Pray for wisdom as I deal with this situation!"
On another note, Hutchinson is scheduled as a guest on Friday's Rush Limbaugh Show between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Eastern time for his annual football discussion. Limbaugh airs locally on KTTH-AM 770 between 9 a.m. and noon.
-- Casey McNerthney, Seattle PI, Jan 17, 2008

Statements from teacher and GSA president

2008-01-23T14:27:00.000-08:00

From the Stranger:

I am the teacher referred to above. I was absolutely unaware that Ken Hutcherson had been invited to speak at the MLK assembly before it happened. Had I known beforehand, I would certainly have protested. I stood to ask Ken Hutcherson a question at the end of the assembly because I knew I couldn't live with myself if I let his bigotry (disguised as tolerance) pass unchallenged. I would, and will, do it again if need be. His message has no place in any school. As for timing, if an assembly on equality is not the place to raise the issue of gay rights, I don't know what is. Kit McCormick

Posted by Kit McCormick | January 19, 2008 1:53 AM

From the PI:

As a student at Mount Si High School and the president of this school's gay-straight alliance, I would like to say that I am astounded with my principal's actions. I, as well as the rest of the GSA at school, understand that Rev. Ken Hutcherson is entitled to his opinion outside in the community even if I strictly disagree with it. The issue I am having with this only begins with him being declared as a "warrior" for civil rights while trying to make it clear that gays, lesbians, and other sexual orientations do not deserve the same rights. This is ironic and Rev. Hutcherson shouldn't have been an option as a speaker on a day that is meant to represent Dr. King's message that equality for all is a natural right to every human being, even though during his time was primarily focused on race. To make the truth absolutely known, there was a major misunderstanding between the committee that organized the assembly and the GSA. There was back and forth discussion about having Hutch as a speaker and the GSA's final stance on the matter was that we, as a club, "would prefer that Rev. Ken Hutcherson does not speak at the assembly." Soon after this, we were notified that the idea to have him speak had been dropped and that it was going to be run by students entirely. So, as some could imagine, it came as a bit of a shock that he came out to speak. This brings me to my second issue I have with this whole situation: Kit McCormick, very nervously not to mention, spoke out because she wanted the truth to be known about this man's message and how to have him speak on a day like this would be hypocritical. Her comment was not pre-meditated on any level and was not meant to be malicious towards the family, but was only intended to present the truth about Hutcherson's reputation and stance on other civil rights in society. So, Mr. Taylor, I say to you as one of your students: How dare you trade in your integrity as an administrator and as a leader of your staff and school to lessen an issue that shouldn't have been an issue in the first place? I am shocked with the administration's lapse of judgment to O.K. Ken Hutcherson as a speaker and then to not even back up a teacher's stance on something that we thought we had made clear. The GSA thought that we had made our opinion apparent, and for the record, we did not invite him just so we could bash him on his outside opinions. My name is Jackie Ferland, and I am more than willing to tell the full story to anyone who will listen and how the GSA, as well as myself, feels about this new situation. If you have any questions, comments, or SUGGESTIONS for me or the Mount Si High School Gay-Straight Alliance, my e-mail is jackiemferland@gmail.com.

January 23, 2008 2:50 PM