American Birthright Standards
Regarding LGBTQ+
As a result, the Committee took an unbiased approach and conducted a thorough evaluation of all mentions of “LGBTQ+” in the three curriculums. They identified only 12 and 4 mentions in the Adopted and Revised State of Colorado Standards, respectively, out of a total of 414 Outcomes and Expectations. American Birthright had only 1 mention.
Upon evaluation of these mentions in the 2022 Adopted State of Colorado Standards two patterns emerged:
1.
LGBTQ+ is never singled out as a unique, stand-alone subject. Whenever the topic of LGBTQ+ is shown it is part of a larger list of other minority groups including African American, Latino, religious minorities, etc. For example, the Fourth Grade Standard 1, shows a student outcome as “Describe both past and present interactions among the people and cultures in Colorado. For example: African American, Latino, Asian American, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQ+, and religious minorities.” This format of listing the LGBTQ+ people group as part of a larger, specific list of minority communities remains consistent throughout all of the 2022 Adopted and Revised State of Colorado Social Studies Standards.
2.
LGBTQ+ is never presented as sexuality or gender education. It was determined by the Social Studies Curriculum Committee that all mentions of LGBTQ+ were only recognition of the people group and were distinct from instruction on sexuality or gender characteristics of the LGBTQ+ group. In a similar sense, the 2022 Adopted Colorado State Standards also show outcomes and expectations recognizing the contributions and impact of religious minorities but do not mandate the religious education of these groups. For example, recognizing Jewish or Latter Day Saint people groups as part of the curriculum would be distinct from teaching the religious tenets of Judaism or Mormonism in the classroom.
It is important to note that Tony May attempted to not allow the presentation and vote to take place at the 10/25 Board Meeting by removing both from the agenda.
Fortunately, other School Board members intervened against Tony May’s actions, ensuring that the Social Studies Curriculum Committee was able to conclude the Garfield Re-2 School Board endorsed and facilitated process. The process aimed to evaluate our community values and determine the best course of action. Although the ultimate answer may not represent everyone’s opinion throughout the community, the procedure was an inclusive, objective operation that pursued consensus at every opportunity. Tony May worked against this process until the end, driven by undisclosed personal preferences, and undermined community input and buy-in as a result.
Tony May voted no against the committee recommendation of the 2022 Adopted State Standards. He also voted no on the 2022 Revised State Standards, showing that he would not accept anything other than American Birthright Standards, his personal agenda that does not align with the diverse range of perspectives and beliefs in our community regarding this topic.
With the help of the rest of the current board we were able to put the standards portion to bed, but as Tony May said at the end of the 10/25 meeting – This is not over.
