Failed!

Teen failed for stand on gays

My response? Well, I jumped up and down and stomped a lot, and then I sent this very calm letter into The Sunday Mail. It was accepted, but paraphrased, so this is the full version:

This student wasn’t failed for her faith; she was failed for not completing an assignment. Rules are rules. In refusing to put herself in another’s shoes, she demonstrated narrow-mindedness and prejudice – exactly what the task aimed to combat. Could a student refuse an assignment on racial diversity based on racist ‘values’? Of course not.

The accusations of planted political agendas in the curriculum are disheartening. Students should always be encouraged to challenge attitudes around them, rather than playing follow-the-leader completely blindfolded. If today’s young people cannot discuss pertinent issues, who can?


At age 13/14, kids are definitely beginning to explore their sexualities, so this is the perfect time to address the issues the gay community faces. So many have said, "Not appropriate at this age! Keep kids innocent!" Geeez, get with the times! If 13/14-year-olds were taught to tolerate and accept gays/people of colour/people of different religions, High School would be a lot easier for a lot of teens who don't fit 'the mold', and this nation would be better off.