Question 6 for Saline School Board Candidates: Legal Policy Protection For All Students?

In a controversial vote last October, the school board voted against changing its non-discrimination policy to provide gay and lesbian students with the same legal policy protection as other students. If that issue comes up again, how will you vote, and why?

David Holden

This relates to the bullying policy of the District. My position is that all bullying is wrong and cannot be condoned nor tolerated. This applies to all students regardless of affiliation. There are no exceptions.

I respect the rights of ALL students and faculty. This is a core principle that I have and teach within my family.

Our focus should be on educating young people on why bullying is wrong. What can be perceived as “just teasing” can be hurtful to the person on the receiving end. Physical intimidation, stalking, verbal and cyber harassment are not acceptable behaviors in a civilized society. Logical consequences need to be in place for those who engage in bullying behavior.

Patti Tanner

Discrimination has no place in our schools and we want to have all students treated fairly. The board made a difficult decision to follow the advice of counsel and align with state and federal guidelines, to update the code of conduct, but not the current non-discrimination policy. Efforts to make schools more inclusive are being addresses with the No Place for Hate program and Anti-Defamation League diversity training for teachers.

David Zimmer

I would have supported the concept. In reflection, I think we missed an opportunity to share valuable research on this topic with students, teachers, staff, administration, parents and our community.

The simple fact is that suicide is one of the leading causes of death in teenagers and homosexual teenagers have a suicide rate of 4 times that of a heterosexual teenager. No one talked about this at the time.

We missed a teachable moment. If this matter comes up again, we must establish a process where learning occurs so that as a community we can address this topic in an informed and supportive way for all of the citizens of our community.

David Friese

As the only candidate in the race as being on the record, regarding changing the non-discrimination policy it would be disingenuous to deny the record. My vote was in the affirmative. If the issue arises again, my vote would be the same, as I truly believe that our schools must be safe and nurturing for all students.