GLBT advocacy group prepares to file lawsuit against Huntsville City Sc...

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GLBT advocacy group prepares to file lawsuit against Huntsville City Schools
Last Update: 8/30 11:25 pm Print Story | Share

HUNTSVILLE Ala. (WAAY) - The Huntsville City School System is facing a complaint over allegations of sexual harassment and bullying. The case involved two students at Grissom High School. Mia Gonzales says her daughter came home from school upset that her Junior ROTC instructor "Preached" to the class that homosexuality is a sin and goes against the Bible. Gonzales said her daughter and another student asked the teacher to stop talking about the subject, but he refused, sending on student out of the room crying. "She was upset. She was more angry that it happened. And when she approached me we were like this can't happen," Gonzales said. Mia Gonzales and her daughter were so concerned about an instructor's remarks about homosexuality during a junior ROTC instructor's remarks about homosexuality during a Junior ROTC class that they contacted GLBT Advocacy and Youth Services. The organization approached Grissom High School asking for an apology and a report to be filed with the ROTC. The groups Director says the instructor apologized but there was never any confirmation of a report being filed by the school. "Their response has been very dismissive. As if its not important. They simply say that the situation has been resolved because he made an apology. We keep asking did you follow policy did you file a report. They keep saying the situation has been resolved," said Director, James Robinson. The advocacy group is not asking that the instructor be dismissed from his position, but rather that the school system and ROTC program follow proper protocol. "We never asked that anything specific happen to this instructor what we have asked from the beginning is that the school system follow all applicable policies," Robinson said. "We never intended for the teacher to get in trouble we never expected him to get fired. thats not something we are looking for," Gonzales said. The Freedom from Religion Foundation has joined with the GLBT in sending letters to the school system. The school board's attorney J.R. Brooks said he addressed the school's position in a letter in response to the complaints.

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8/31/2012 8:40 AM

GLBT advocacy group prepares to file lawsuit against Huntsville City Sc...

http://www.waaytv.com/news/local/story/GLBT-advocacy-group-prepare...

"It seems more than a little over the top to equate Sgt. Vandzant's alleged statesments wih "bullying". While you and I may agree that preaching at school that homosexuality is sinful and against the Bible is not appropriate, this is not bullying," Brooks wrote. The advocacy group disagrees. "When you're in a position of authority and a student ask you very respectfully to stop and you use that position of authority to continue when these are your personal opinions and especially about a religious belief or opinion that is bullying." Robinson said. Gonzales is requesting a meeting with school system leaders. She says if that request is not granted by next Friday she will file a formal complaint with the State Department of Education.

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8/31/2012 8:40 AM