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This policy was altered in 2012 after a lawsuit brought on behalf on six bullied gay students (including one who committed suicide) was settled in exchange for the school district's revisions.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2012/03/anoka-hennepin_settles_lawsuit_with_bullied_students.php |title = Anoka-Hennepin settles lawsuit with bullied students |author = Jessica Lussenhop|publisher=CityPages|accessdate= July 10, 2012 }}</ref> The new policy requires teachers to discuss contentious issues in a way that "shall affirm the dignity of all students."<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/page/download.php?fileinfo=NjA0LjQwX1Jlc3BlY3RmdWxfTGVhcm5pbmdfRW52aXJvbm1lbnRfLV9DdXJyaWN1bHVtX1BvbGljeS5wZGY6Ojovd3d3Ni9zY2hvb2xzL21uL2Fub2thL2ltYWdlcy9kb2NtZ3IvMTUwNDlmaWxlMTE3NTA0LnBkZg This policy was altered in 2012 after a lawsuit brought on behalf on six bullied gay students (including one who committed suicide) was settled in exchange for the school district's revisions.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2012/03/anoka-hennepin_settles_lawsuit_with_bullied_students.php |title = Anoka-Hennepin settles lawsuit with bullied students |author = Jessica Lussenhop|publisher=CityPages|accessdate= July 10, 2012 }}</ref> The new policy requires teachers to discuss contentious issues in a way that "shall affirm the dignity of all students."<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/page/download.php?fileinfo=NjA0LjQwX1Jlc3BlY3RmdWxfTGVhcm5pbmdfRW52aXJvbm1lbnRfLV9DdXJyaWN1bHVtX1BvbGljeS5wZGY6Ojovd3d3Ni9zY2hvb2xzL21uL2Fub2thL2ltYWdlcy9kb2NtZ3IvMTUwNDlmaWxlMTE3NTA0LnBkZg
|title = RESPECTFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT – CURRICULUM POLICY |author = Anoka-Hennepin District No. 11|accessdate= July 10, 2012 }}</ref> |title = RESPECTFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT – CURRICULUM POLICY |author = Anoka-Hennepin District No. 11|accessdate= July 10, 2012 }}</ref>

The organization publishes information which opposes views of homosexuality as a genetically-based orientation, and advocates for ] as a means of altering sexual orientation.<ref name=faq />


== Hate group designation == == Hate group designation ==

Revision as of 22:30, 8 September 2012

Parents Action League
Logo of the Parents Action League
Founded2010 (2010)
TypeCitizens Organization
Location
Websiteparentsactionleague.org

Parents Action League is an organization started in 2010 to protest proposed changes in the Anoka-Hennepin (Minnesota) School District 11 policy which limited discussions of LGBT issues in the classroom. The Southern Poverty Law Center has designated the organization as an anti-gay hate group.

History

One of Parents Action League's members, Barb Anderson, had been a key figure in the 1995 adoption of the policy, particularly with regards to its requirement that "homosexuality not be taught as a 'normal, valid lifestyle'."

In 2011, the Parents Action League circulated an online petition supporting the Anoka-Hennepin school district's sexual orientation curriculum policy, which has been challenged by advocates for LGBT students. The School district has disclaimed and connection with the outside group.

The "neutrality policy" as it was called, allows teachers to address LBGT issues in the classroom but forbids them from staking out positions on such issues.

The policy was characterized as contributing to the harassment of LGBT students. Advocates for the students charged that several student suicides in the district have been linked to such harassment, and they want the policy repealed. The controversy escalated into lawsuits and a federal investigation.

This policy was altered in 2012 after a lawsuit brought on behalf on six bullied gay students (including one who committed suicide) was settled in exchange for the school district's revisions. The new policy requires teachers to discuss contentious issues in a way that "shall affirm the dignity of all students."

Hate group designation

The Southern Poverty Law Center has designated the Parents Action League as an anti-gay hate group. SPLC's Heidi Beirich said "the Parents Action League was included on their hate list for 'damaging propaganda about the gay community,' including calling gays and lesbians 'promiscuous, dysfunctional, unhealthy'."

A PAL leader responded to the accusation in an email exchange with the Minneapolis Star Tribune, asking rhetorically "How does being pro family/pro parental rights constitute a group as a hate group?" and, "How does being an advocate for parental rights to raise their children come off as being hatred?"

References

  1. Parents Action League. "Frequently Asked Questions". Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  2. [http://minnesotaindependent.com/86464/parents-action-league-radical-homosexual-agenda-anoka-hennepin-schools Minnesota Independent
  3. ^ Southern Poverty Law Center. "SPLC". Retrieved July 8, 2012.
  4. Jessica Lussenhop. "Parents Action League listed as a hate group". CityPages. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  5. Draper, Norman (18 August 2011). "Petition supports Anoka-Hennepin GLBT policy". Star Tribune. Minneapolis, MN. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help) – via HighBeam Research (subscription required)
  6. Jessica Lussenhop. "Anoka-Hennepin settles lawsuit with bullied students". CityPages. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  7. Anoka-Hennepin District No. 11. "RESPECTFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT – CURRICULUM POLICY". Retrieved July 10, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ Louwagie, Pam (12 August 2012). "Trying to track hate, in Minnesota and around the country; The Southern Poverty Law Center lists 12 hate groups in Minnesota, though the criteria for inclusion aren't always clear". Star Tribune. Minneapolis, MN. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help) – via HighBeam Research (subscription required)


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