Stop the recall, sign the petition
The folks behind the AUSD Board recall movement have yet to file their paperwork (which will give them 120 days to collect 8600 signatures). This not just a colosal waste of energy and a major act of non-compassion, it’s also a huge waste of money and time on behalf of the school district. All so that some people’s children won’t be taught to not bully kids who are different than them.
Please take a minute to sign the following petition in support of Boardmembers Tam, Jensen and Mooney. A show of support by their community will go a long way towards making this all go away, or at the very least, easier for these volunteers who have signed up to work on the difficult issues facing our schools.
The Petition
(you will receive an email asking you to confirm your signature, your email will not be displayed):
This petition is not enabled
Popularity: 2% [?]
John Piziali
August 12th, 2009 at 7:57 am
John Thanks for this site, I will pass it on.
David Teeters
August 12th, 2009 at 8:00 am
Will forward to fellow Alamedans – please excuse any resulting duplication.
Recall campaign is mis-informed, at best.
Birgitt Evans
August 12th, 2009 at 9:05 am
It is beyond appalling that there are people in Alameda (and outside) in 2009 who are still advocating for discrimination and hate and who would go so far as to persecute school board members for doing the right thing.
Linda Hudson
August 12th, 2009 at 9:26 am
Good idea. Progressives need to push back against the forces of intolerance.
Brandon Svec
August 12th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Based on this sfgate article and the comments (nearly 3500 of them) I would fully expect the tea baggers, etc. to show up en force. I hope the real silent majority of rational people show up as well..
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/08/06/MNTG194BU2.DTL
Andrea Carlise
August 12th, 2009 at 10:00 am
I agree that the recall effort is appalling and displays the intolerance and hatred that I had hoped Alamedans had moved beyond. We need to support our school board members who stood up for what they believed in – and for lessons that we all need to learn. Too bad we can’t require those supporting the recall to read and participate in the lesson plans they are so adamantly opposing!
Richard A Park, MD
August 12th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
It’s shocking and demoralizing that a few zealots are able to continue to foment anger, fear, confusion, disruption & suppression of the common people, who, for the most part, would like to live their own lives without being subjected to derision, hate & discrimination based upon being different from the mentioned zealots.
Richard A Park, MD
August 12th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
A closed mind brooks no enlightenment
Kim Brindley
August 12th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
“A closed mind brooks no enlightenment.” – DITTO!
Jon Spangler
August 12th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
There were some flaws in the AUSD’s process as they developed the safer schools curriculum, but not with their motivations or the legal and moral reasons for implementing safer and more inclusive schools.
Can we find a way to “play well with others” in the political playground, just as we hope our community’s kids will learn to get along?
The recall effort itself–and our responses to it–present yet another challenge to Alameda’s body politic: can we discuss and decide volatile issues like the curriculum and the recall effort without inducing further polarization and balkanization?
I truly hope so.
Anne Grandy
August 12th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
I’m appalled that a lesson plan that supports diversity, and promotes awareness and inclusion is an affront to anyone. People are entitled to their religious beliefs and perspectives… that said, I have to question the intolerance that would keep children ignorant and uneducated. Loving families exist in many iterations.
The opponents of lesson 9 probably believe they’re doing the right thing. Let the children hear the lesson. They’ll learn to honor and respect the choices that other people make, not shun or fear them. We should be working toward inclusion and tolerance, not moving backward.
susan galleymore
August 12th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
I interviewed Meema Spadola the maker of the film, Our House: Kids of Gay and Lesbian Parents on my radio show (see the 4th bullet under Books, Movies header link if you want to listen:
http://www.raisingsandradio.org/sitemap.php).
It is a lovely film. If anyone wants to set up a showing I have the DVD….
It would be excellent to show this to unaware folks in Alameda. Contact me at susan@raisingsandradio.org.
John Piziali
August 12th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
The more I think about it John, If the recall even gets off the ground. I will kick in $100.00 bucks to a defensive campaign for these board members.
I’m tired of a small group of people trying to subvert the silent majority.
Suzanne Lindsey
August 12th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
I too will kick in dollars.
Jon Evans
August 12th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Hello,
Just sent this out to about 10,000 followers of GLBT Twitter ID’s across the US.
Hopefully it will bring some good attention.
Jon
Lawsuit filed against AUSD by Alameda parents | Stop, Drop and Roll - mindfulness in the face of a challenge
August 13th, 2009 at 5:56 am
[...] The Petition against the School Board recall got over 300 signers before midnight of the first day. If you haven’t signed it. Please do. [...]
P. Gail Kocher
August 13th, 2009 at 6:49 am
We are a diverse society. It is critical for children to understand and appreciate that all members of society make choices. It is only right for our children to be exposed in a respectful, clear way to information about LBGT members of society. Remember we are a rich tapestry of humanity.
Jean Fong
August 13th, 2009 at 8:09 am
It’s unfortunate this policy is seen as just a Gay/Lesbian issue – the policy is about inclusiveness and diversity. Those who are objecting for religious reasons are sincere in their intentions; however, as a Christian, I do not believe scripture supports intolerance and exclusion.
Lois N, Mark,LCSW, BCD
August 13th, 2009 at 9:11 am
Fear and ignorance kept people from crossing the ocean before brave adventurer Christopher Columbus discovered the new world on the other side!
Hopefully fear and ignorance turned against three educated and courageous leaders of our childrens’ educational and social needs will not prevail.
Leland Traiman
August 13th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
A huge amount of money from Radical Right-wing groups will be poured into Alameda to teach us a lesson: That tolerance toward lesbians and gay men will come at a high monetary price.
The people supporting Recall stole handfuls of speakers slips denying those present at the School Board meetings a chance to speak. They stole civility from our discussion (sounds just like those yelling down any civil discussion about health care). They stole the integrity of School Board President Mike McMahon who refused to stop them from packing the speakers podium with the speakers slips they stole even when he knew of their misdeeds. Now, they will try to steal the common sense and decency from Alameda’s voters. They will try to convince us that children do not target lesbian and gay students for bullying any more than they target heterosexual students. The will try to steal our safe schools from our children by convincing us that we should not teach our children that bully is wrong against anybody, including lesbians and gay men.
By trying to exclude lesbians and gay men from the anti-bullying curriculum, Recall supporters want the underlying message to be clear, “Beating up on queers is OK!”
However, I suspect, that even with all of their national and statewide hate money these Recall supporter will not be able to teach Alameda’s voters that it is OK to hate. Mike McMahon may have been intimidated by them but I do not think the rest of us will be.
John Corbally
August 13th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
THANKS FOR THIS, MUCH NEEDED TO COUNTER THE IGNORANCE.
Gale Mitchell, MFT
August 13th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
As a marriage & family therapist and former teacher, I’ve encountered families and children who have experienced antigay comments, including in the early elementary school grades. To anyone who says there have been no complaints of antigay remarks and behavior at this level, all I can say is that it’s so pervasive that no one even thinks about doing anything about it, including school personnel and parents. I wonder if that’s because they think it doesn’t really matter.
Not only do I think it matters, I think it’s part of a more pervasive culture of putdowns and divisiveness that needs to be addressed. I know that some schools are attempting to do this. I’d like to see school rules against harassment dealt with as strongly as those against physical fighting, but they’re not. So why should kids take adults seriously when they say “That’s not okay”?
Deirdre McCartney
August 13th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
The recall seems so small minded and hateful. I hope reason and tolerance prevails.
Regan Young
August 13th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Seems to me, if anything, the recall should be for the TWO that didn’t support the lessons on intolerence and bullying……does this mean they are “for it”……???
Pamela Shepherd
August 13th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
It truly is great that children learn about these important and sensitive issues from responsible adults such as school teachers.
Otherwise, they’ll learn about it from their friends.
Please do the right thing and keep these brave boardmembers. Thanks for reading my comments.
Pamela Shepherd, RN
Liz Williams
August 13th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
I support the board members who voted for including gays and lesbians in the anti-bullying curriculum taught in our schools and I deplore this recall effort. I deplore the lies and half-truths those who are leading the recall effort. Gays and lesbians need special mention and a specific curriculum because bullying us is tolerated while bullying other minority groups is not. Saying this curriculum doesn’t go far enough to end bullying as a justification for opposing it is the meanest. most low-down tactic I’ve seen since the lies behind prop 8. The people behind these tactics – and prop 8 and the healthcare shout-downs – are delusional and drunk with their power.
I’m so grateful for those of you who have showed up here. I can’t speak for any other gay or lesbian person, but I’ve had it. If we have to go back stonewall-style riots to get the religious right’s hate and fear campaign to stop, I’m ready. I’m tired of years of opening the paper only to be faced with the latest debate about whether I am to be considered fully human. Seeing your names on this site helps immensely. Thank you. Let’s hope it’s enough to turn the tide. Because, really: I’m through being kind and understanding about “their side” of things. Gay-bashing is the way they mobilize their members and.raise their money and undermine our democratic processes. Lies and half-truths and marketing spin is the way they disseminate their poison. Mob rule is not a point of view that needs hearing, it’s behavior that needs quelling. A sophisticated, multi-year smear campaign designed to destroy a harmless segment of the population is not free speech, it’s more like the crusades or the Salem witch trials. It’s evil dressed as activism and it’s gone on too long. Enough. Stop this recall. Retain the 3 board members who stood up for the values of this country. Just say no to the haters.
Fat Sean
August 15th, 2009 at 8:09 am
If it were some Muslim kids teasing Christians I’m sure the community would rise up in anger. I find this recall to be thinly veiled bigotry and biblical hate. Way to bolster the stereotypes.
Suzanne
August 15th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Having just signed the petition, it occurs to me that the title is somewhat unclear and potentially misleading. The link for this petition says it’s a “Stop the Recall Petition.” It’s not actually a petition to stop the recall, but rather a statement of support to counteract the petition.
Shannon Nicholson
August 16th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Thank you for putting this petition together
bo dyke
August 17th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
women and children in afghanistan are raped daily if they go out and search for food in the refugee camps. gay, homosexual, queer, and what ever else the haters call us when they attack us is happening in many parts of the world. people are being killed in iraq if they are thought to be gay. can the alameda school board be so stupid as to attempt to recall / fire people who are encouraging tolerance and a better way to live. RECALL THE RECALLERS
Virginia Roberts
August 21st, 2009 at 8:09 pm
An honest representationof the facts of life in the real world is the best kind of education students can receive. Why are people so fearful of this?
Ernest Dickinson
August 22nd, 2009 at 5:21 am
With real world facts comes knowledge, with knowledge often comes an informed opinion. An informed opinion is the last thing the hateful faithful want, as it undermines their ability to maintain control and order in a segment of society where, a person gets up behind a podium and tells countless people the “so called” true interpretation of the bible. Where parishioners are often told that, blind faith is a good thing. So, when these followers are preached to endlessly to about the dangers of Gays, its not surprising the lash out in fear. Just look up the consensus trance on google,com and it will help you understand better. Keep in mind that, the ministers and other religious figures who are against gays also need to target groups like gays as bad so that, their followers can feel they are superior and chosen by god. Its basic propaganda and psychological manipulation 101 Thankfully, not all people of faith and or all churches are against gays .
I hope this helps
Charles Dill
August 29th, 2009 at 5:33 am
As go the schools, so goes society.
Lawrence J Saidman MD
August 29th, 2009 at 8:30 am
This recall represents an enormous waste of time and resources that can be used for far more important activities. I am proud of those in our community who are standing strong against this effort.
Rosa Montes Goldberg
August 30th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
This is our opportunity to show the world that we will band together to support each other and our school board members. That’s right – little ol’ Alameda! We can be beacon of light! SHAME! We can’t let these few people think they can take us back decades. Too many people have fought and suffered to make it all right to be whoever you choose to be – or just …. are! Come onto the court everyone!
Jayne Smythe
August 31st, 2009 at 10:04 am
Together we stand; divided we fall. Let’s stand together for the kids! Come ON! We can do it!!
Michael Williams
September 1st, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Thanks for posting this petition! I will link it on my Facebook page.
Is there any way you can also post a running total of the number of signatures?
John Knox White
September 1st, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Just rewrote the code, it should show confirmed signatures now.
Gadfly Santaclara
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Wow, I’m impressed that on such a controversial issue, the comments on this page are 100% vehemently in support of the school board members!
Jessica Bailey
September 4th, 2009 at 12:50 am
I am totally appalled the recall petition could even get off the ground in Alameda. We are a loving and diverse community with no room for bigotry in the form of a misguided petition. Thankfully we don’t have to be a silent majority!!!
David Fahey
September 4th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
“Roll” out from under religious repression.
“Stand” for what is right.
“Get Moving” doing something, anything, to stop this nonsense.
Teresa Friedheim
September 6th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
It’s scary what’s happening to the Bay Area. I am a gay woman who, since Prop 8, is feeling less secure in my environment. Oppression and discrimination should be taught at a young age and continued at all ages so that every one of us has a safe enviornment in which to live. Thanks to all of you for standing up for what is right and let’s stop these angry, unhappy fear mongers.
John Cashman
September 11th, 2009 at 11:34 am
I truly beleive children should be taught to respect each other and not be bullies. Children and Adults need to open their minds and hearts to Love thy neighbor as in the Bible. Life needs to start out right with the children and they need a broad scope of learning and respect for themselves and others. The Bible and Christrian Right need to stop twisting things in the Bible is was not ment to be twisted. Wake up and live and let live. Thanks
Debra Weiss
September 11th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
I believe the most frightening part of the AUSD curriculum issue is that there are plenty of gay and lesbian young students who live in fear and depression because they cannot be honest with their families and friends. They can’t share their feelings with their parents because their parents are too busy forcing their sanctimonious beliefs on others. If public school is against their beliefs, they have the option to send their kids to private school. Public school is paid for with public funds, and the U.S. is still a FREE country, with liberty and justice for ALL. Have any of these parents noticed the high suicide rate among young people? Suicide is not too difficult to understand, when you can imagine the fear, terror, and hypocrisy these kids have to live with, in their own families. For some children, public school is the only outlet they have to openly learn and grow in a true spiritual sense. The xenophobic people who blindly thrive on “made up faith” continue to harm and stifle the growth of our children, all the while pretending to be Christian. Provide children ALL the tools to learn and let them make their own decisions about their paths in life. Now that would be Christian.
Donna Fong
September 12th, 2009 at 1:15 am
I have a five year old daughter who is in kindergarten this year so the issue is even closer to heart than usual. I’ll be very proud on the day that her teacher will have the opportunity to teach lesson plan 9. My expectation is that there will be some demonstration at her school that day and I would be very happy to discuss with her why so many adults are fighting over the issue. My hope is that she’ll be as dumbfounded as I am as to why anyone would have a problem with tolerance. Please move somewhere else if you have a problem with the LGBT community. This isn’t the place for intolerance. It really isn’t.
William McGee
September 25th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
The Paul Robeson Chapter of the ACLU-NC is working with residents of Alameda to stop this recall campaign. We definitely will need bodies to help support us. http://www.aclunc.org/action/chapters/paul_robeson_chapter.shtml
Jean Richter
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Thank you so much for doing this! The more Alameda residents that speak out against this hate-fueled recall effort the better. Has anyone enlisted the help of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN – http://www.glsen.org )? Back before I became partially disabled I administered a web site on LGBT issues in education (linked via my name – sadly it’s now several years out of date). Let me know if I can help in the fight against this recall effort and I’ll do what I can…
Joe Stephens
January 2nd, 2010 at 2:50 pm
My friend who just moved back here was Gay bashed for sticking up for his friend…near the Castro in SF…he had problems leaving home after that. Hate is hate…not a Christian or any other value.
Ann Lagrange
February 1st, 2010 at 7:37 am
All people are Gods people. Most in the LGBT community are gentle loving souls. To attack them because of whom they are loving with is wrong. Some churches now including mine are “Open and Affirming”–we welcome all persons including those who are same gender loving. Loving is right. Hate is wrong.