Posted on 04/01/2004 9:54:50 AM PST by marshmallow
Flint -- School officials are taking action over allegations that lesbian students at Central High School and other buildings are harassing other girls.
There appear to be more complaints and rumors this year regarding lesbians fighting and sexually harassing students, said Larry Watkins, director of the office of school safety.
The school doesn't track incidents by sexual orientation, so Watkins said he doesn't know for sure if the problems are increasing. But suspensions for fighting and sexual harassment have included at least one fight between two girls arguing about a relationship, he said.
In response to concerns, the district reviewed sexual harassment policies with student leaders and school officials.
A student workshop on female aggression is slated for May, he said, and officials plan to bring in an expert next fall to talk with students about sexual harassment and same-sex harassment.
"This issue has been building up for the past three or four years," Watkins said. "It appears to be surfacing more."
But rumors that a lesbian gang is trying to entice straight girls at Central are untrue, he said. School officials haven't been able to substantiate allegations that sexual acts are going on in girls' restrooms.
"We do not have a gang of lesbians at Central High School," Watkins said. "We have may have some individuals whose sexual orientation may be questionable. But, to our knowledge, we have no known lesbian gangs at Central."
Watkins said some students have said they feel unsafe and avoid the restrooms at school because of the rumors.
Not all Central students agree.
"There are a lot of lesbian girls at Central," said senior Candice Fowlkes-Hawk. "But I've never seen any walk up and make obscene comments. I've never seen them say anything rude. They're not little hoodlums, they're just lesbians. I had a girl approach me once, and I just said I was not interested."
While the rumors focus on Central, there also have been complaints at Flint's other high schools and some of the middle schools, Watkins said. Schools are directing security officers to pay closer attention to restrooms.
"It's not like everyone is afraid to go to the bathroom," said Northern senior Chantal Cotton. "If I got to go, I go regardless if there is a gay group in there. I just politely ask them to move aside. I look at them as any other person."
The issue seems to be gaining steam in the community. The Rev. Marvin Jennings, pastor of Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church in Flint, discussed it during his sermon on Sunday, and hairstylist Mezon Green said it's a common topic among her customers.
"I'm concerned about it because I don't know why the parents aren't stepping in," said Green, who has a ninth-grade son at Central. "I understand to each his own, but if that's your cup of tea, then you drink it. You don't offer it around."
"We do not have a gang of lesbians at Central High School," Watkins said. "We have may have some individuals whose sexual orientation may be questionable. But, to our knowledge, we have no known lesbian gangs at Central."
And Watkins sees no contradiction in these statements.
It doesn't matter about the venue. The reality is that the PC morons are running the show because those of us who disagree are considered right wind nutcases.
The bottom line for me is that people should keep their agendas out of the schools and their work places. I don't give a Rat's Ass about someone's personal life-just keep it out of my face!!!!!
I was up there in Feb. for her wedding and I'd have to agree with you. Not even a nice place to visit let alone have to live there.
MKM
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