The 36-member task force Wednesday presented those suggestions and others in a 31-page report to Delaine Eastin, state superintendent of public instruction. She commissioned the study after realizing many schools were not enforcing the California Student Safety and Violence Prevention Act. "We know (these students) often face harassment, discrimination and even violence on a regular basis," Eastin said. "Unfortunately, we also know that some school decision-makers may be reticent to respond ... because of their own fears that their response might be considered too controversial." The panel suggests educators find "culturally sensitive" books that talk about sexual orientation and mention "lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender historical figures, events, concepts and issues." It also wants schools to "create positive, grade-appropriate visual images that include all sexual orientations and gender identities for use in school common areas." Sen. Sheila Kuehl, D-Los Angeles, who introduced AB537 while in the state Assembly, told reporters that when students study authors or artists who are gay, their sexual orientation should be "mentioned, without giving it undue emphasis." Sometimes, said Kuehl, teachers choose not to display student essays or artwork if they portray a gay person. "Draconian measures" should not be needed to enforce the law, Eastin said. She did not elaborate. The panel suggests that existing school reviews include compliance reports with the safety and violence law. The plan drew the ire of at least one group that obtained a draft copy. "Yes, we should teach all of our children to treat each other kindly, but what children learn about sexuality -- especially homosexuality -- it does violate the rights of parents," said Karen Holgate, policy director of the Sacramento-based Capitol Research Institute. She objected to the panel's idea that taxpayers finance gay and straight alliance clubs in schools, a public awareness campaign or a state compliance monitor. In a teleconference with reporters, Eastin countered objections she has received about the plan. "This is not about sex," she said. "It's about preventing people from being victims; it's about stopping bullying; it's about honoring the rights of every student." Eastin would not put a price tag on implementing the changes, but she said funding would be the biggest obstacle to putting them in place. She said the money would help gay students succeed academically. "The only thing worse than wasting money is wasting children," Eastin said. "We cannot expect students to achieve to their fullest potential if they are constantly worried about their safety." In February, the West Contra Costa Unified School District became the first district in the county to mandate concrete steps to fight homophobia on campus and to enforce the law. The school board passed a resolution written and presented by the Queer Youth Action Team, part of the Pleasant Hill-based Center for the Human Development's Empowerment Project. The resolution signaled a big difference at El Cerrito High, said teacher Jennifer Rader. Though slurs against gay youths still occur, she said, there is a shift in attitude about what is acceptable. The school has trained teachers on the law, put up posters that promote tolerance and sponsored a theater group that addressed homophobia. Another teacher who welcomed the task force report was Gary Leveque, a San Ramon art instructor whose sexual orientation was disclosed and bashed on a Web page designed by a student earlier this year. "This (is) about creating a safe place for all of us," Leveque said. "Under the umbrella of diversity and tolerance, homophobia is often pushed aside."
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