Schools prohibit anti-hate banners
Wheatland prohibits "no place for hate" signs from the high school and West elementary due to a gay organization's backing.
By Michael Van Cassell
mcassell@wyomingnews.com
CHEYENNE - School board members in Wheatland rejected a request this week to put back up banners for an anti-hate campaign at several of their schools.
The reason: They were sponsored by a gay and lesbian organization.
One Wyoming attorney says the action may be unconstitutional.
Platte County School District 1 trustees voted 4-3 to keep the Anti-Defamation League's "No Place for Hate" banners down at Wheatland High and West Elementary.
The schools were two of 25 in Colorado and Wyoming taking part in the program.
One of the sponsors listed on the banner is the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado. Wheatland board members and parents took issue with that, according to the district.
The others sponsors are Qwest and the David & Laura Merage Foundation.
"The board thought it was inappropriate to have that sponsorship hanging up in the school," said Stuart Nelson, the district's superintendent.
The banners, which had been allowed by district administrators, were removed after complaints. Some students asked to have them put back up, but the board refused.
Board member Lee Dunham said Wheatland is an "ultraconservative community" and that he has feelings about including the fund on the banner. He said the district isn't ready to include that group.
"If this is the way one chooses, then they can lead this particular lifestyle, but I don't believe it needs to be publicly displayed in a school," Dunham said.
Joe Fabian, another board member, said he believes the Anti-Defamation League is pushing an "agenda that is pro-gay marriage" and that the community of Wheatland is not supportive of that.
"They wouldn't want the organization, the Anti-Defamation League, dictating to their children that an alternate lifestyle is a normal lifestyle," he said.
Fabian blamed school administrators for allowing the banners without board approval. He implied students who were not supportive of the banner suffered discrimination.
He spoke of a "moral attitude by the community" and indoctrination of students.
"I don't believe (homosexuality) is a normal lifestyle, but I don't have anything against them," he said.
The district apparently liked certain aspects of the program, which, according to the Anti-Defamation League, is designed to teach young people about tolerance and respecting differences.
"We're still allowing the program to continue," Nelson said.
Not so fast, says the Anti-Defamation League.
Neither school will be allowed to continue taking part in the "No Place for Hate" program, said Bruce DeBoskey, Mountain States regional director for the group in Denver.
"(The Anti-Defamation League) will no longer allow the program if it's not being honored and used in its fullest intent," he said.
He called the Wheatland board's decision tragic and "painfully ironic."
"The (league) is extremely concerned that this whole program - which is designed to teach young people to respect the differences among us - has been derailed by people who appear to have biases," he said.
DeBoskey said people in Wheatland should speak out.
"We know there are an awful lot of parents and teachers and people who live in Wheatland who fully support the 'No Place for Hate' program," he said.
Linda Burt of the Wyoming chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union said it's "extraordinarily unfortunate and extraordinarily shortsighted."
"Does that mean this is a place for hate?" she asked. "Does that mean this is a place for discrimination?"
She said young gay and lesbian students often have difficulties in school.
"That just sort of underlines that difficulty and lack of acceptance," she said of the banners.
Bruce Moats, a Cheyenne attorney who specializes in free speech and open records law, questioned the board's decision.
"It raises First Amendment issues because it's based on the contents of the poster," Moats said.
Reader Comments
Bob C. wrote on Feb 24, 2010 11:03 AM:
" It's about time that school boards stand up for what are prevailing community values. To allow ourselves to be dominated by outside groups is tantamount to giving in to all of the excess of society. Can anyone imagine what our country would truly become if we all had to follow every single belief system? Would jewish communites welcome the swastika? Would we embrace wearing a burqua in the workplace? Everyone need to get a grip and realize that not everyone, everywhere agrees with what you want. These people want what is best for their community and should be ablt to do what they think best benefits their community. "
Cheyenne Student wrote on Feb 19, 2010 10:45 AM:
" I am a resident of Wyoming, and I would like to start by saying that this whole issue has given Wyoming a bad name. We are not a state of cousin-marrying, gay hating hicks. There are people like that everywhere-and we all know it. The banner being taken down was a decision made by a few people, and, believe it or not, people in Wyoming are upset, too. Please don't assume this is the work of the whole state. The removal of the Anti-Hate banner has only sparked more hate. If people don't realize this, this issue will never be resolved.
PS. If you wish to be taken seriously on your responses, please remember that spelling ALWAYS counts, as well as grammar. And typing a comment in all caps makes you look silly, and fails in trying to prove a point. "
PS. If you wish to be taken seriously on your responses, please remember that spelling ALWAYS counts, as well as grammar. And typing a comment in all caps makes you look silly, and fails in trying to prove a point. "
Richard in San Francisco wrote on Feb 17, 2010 11:05 PM:
" Perhaps they should put up another sign that says: Hatred Encouraged Here. "
Will wrote on Feb 17, 2010 8:06 AM:
" BRAVO PLATTE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD!!!
Thankyou for standing up for our children, our community and our future.
Anything of a sexual nature beyond health and safety has no place in our schools. The same people who are raising cain about your decision ore the people who don't want to allow any mention of anything of a religious nature. What are these people thinking?!!
You are correct in your thinking and your brave decision. If you don't stop it now, what's next? People who are into bestiality and necrophilia? Will they have rights too? Will they be able to promote their beliefs in our schools? There are certain mores that have proven throughout history to be promotional of a strong, growing and well balanced society and mores that when followed have precipitated the fall of some of our greatest civilizations. The strong decisions made by our school board will have far reaching effects in the future of our society. We will be better off for your bravery. BRAVO!! "
Thankyou for standing up for our children, our community and our future.
Anything of a sexual nature beyond health and safety has no place in our schools. The same people who are raising cain about your decision ore the people who don't want to allow any mention of anything of a religious nature. What are these people thinking?!!
You are correct in your thinking and your brave decision. If you don't stop it now, what's next? People who are into bestiality and necrophilia? Will they have rights too? Will they be able to promote their beliefs in our schools? There are certain mores that have proven throughout history to be promotional of a strong, growing and well balanced society and mores that when followed have precipitated the fall of some of our greatest civilizations. The strong decisions made by our school board will have far reaching effects in the future of our society. We will be better off for your bravery. BRAVO!! "
Catt Cantu wrote on Feb 13, 2010 4:28 PM:
" I see no difference in gays wanting equal rights than Blacks or other minorities.
I heard the same arguments from supremacists during the Civil Rights Movement. And now the Teaparty Movement (and Wheatland) wants us to go "back".
Sorry. NOT.
Wheatland (and Wyoming Teaparty groups) needs to stop being a hideout for the Council of Conservative Citizens (aka KKK). "
I heard the same arguments from supremacists during the Civil Rights Movement. And now the Teaparty Movement (and Wheatland) wants us to go "back".
Sorry. NOT.
Wheatland (and Wyoming Teaparty groups) needs to stop being a hideout for the Council of Conservative Citizens (aka KKK). "
FORMER Wy Resident and Glad wrote on Feb 5, 2010 3:13 PM:
" I can't express enough how glad I am to be away from Wyoming.
It is really like awaking from a bad dream.
The mindless bigotry there is overwhelming.
They actually voted down banners against hate, OK? Think about that one.
My family and I now reside in Southern California, and wished we had moved here 20 years ago.
I admit it, early on I was swayed by all of the anti-Cali rhetoric I heard in WY, which I found out was about as accurate as what a Republican *knows* about Canadian healthcare.
Don't get me wrong here, Wyoming does have some nice people.
It is also "The Land Of Mediocrity", a place where mediocrity is not only accepted, but celebrated and worshiped.
Young people, don't them fool you.
Get out while you can.
You don't have to live like this.
You can wake up everyday to sunny skies and a smile on your face. :) "
It is really like awaking from a bad dream.
The mindless bigotry there is overwhelming.
They actually voted down banners against hate, OK? Think about that one.
My family and I now reside in Southern California, and wished we had moved here 20 years ago.
I admit it, early on I was swayed by all of the anti-Cali rhetoric I heard in WY, which I found out was about as accurate as what a Republican *knows* about Canadian healthcare.
Don't get me wrong here, Wyoming does have some nice people.
It is also "The Land Of Mediocrity", a place where mediocrity is not only accepted, but celebrated and worshiped.
Young people, don't them fool you.
Get out while you can.
You don't have to live like this.
You can wake up everyday to sunny skies and a smile on your face. :) "
Snorlax wrote on Feb 2, 2010 12:51 PM:
" Ignorance rears its ugly head in Wyoming.
The kids are alright.
The school board are a bunch of morons.
They just said it is okay to beat up gay students.
Smooth move, morons. "
The kids are alright.
The school board are a bunch of morons.
They just said it is okay to beat up gay students.
Smooth move, morons. "
Ed-words wrote on Feb 2, 2010 7:28 AM:
" Gays have the right to promote their cause, as you have the right to oppose
it.
Simple, huh? "
it.
Simple, huh? "
ed-words wrote on Feb 2, 2010 7:26 AM:
" However you feel toward gays,they have the same rights you have.
And that includes
promoting their
cause, as you have
the right to oppose it. "
And that includes
promoting their
cause, as you have
the right to oppose it. "
WHS Student wrote on Feb 1, 2010 7:51 AM:
" "I think that this is totally STUPID. its not even the students who are making this desicion this all the school board. so dont be calling us hicks and stuff like that, its not our choice so this issue shouldn't even be one. So that what i have to say about that!!!!! "
brandon wrote on Jan 31, 2010 7:28 PM:
" Seriously? In todays society we can't put our pride away for a second and support something good, like Anti-Hate? If you think this banner should be taken down just because one of the sponsors is a GLBTQI group, then you are adding to the problem of hate. This is ridiculous. Maybe some of these Christians can open up their hearts and minds for a second and accept some people are different. Gays didn't chose anything. Why do you think your Bible automatically makes you an expert on things you really don't understand? These people who took it down are just adding to the problem of Hate.
...Disgusting. "
...Disgusting. "
No Hate for Hate wrote on Jan 30, 2010 1:42 PM:
" There's an interesting piece on the banners and the town on The Wheaterville www.wheaterville.com
I'm seeing quite a few tolerant liberals and tolerant Christians and tolerant Wheaterville natives and tolerant people from all over, writing and commenting and working for No Place for Hate. It's refreshing. The banners are down, but people are speaking out in favor of the banners. This has gone national, but no where is it more happening than on the streets of wheaterville. Rock On. "
I'm seeing quite a few tolerant liberals and tolerant Christians and tolerant Wheaterville natives and tolerant people from all over, writing and commenting and working for No Place for Hate. It's refreshing. The banners are down, but people are speaking out in favor of the banners. This has gone national, but no where is it more happening than on the streets of wheaterville. Rock On. "
Wheaterville wrote on Jan 30, 2010 1:32 PM:
" I urge everyone who beleives that taking the banners down was WRONG, to sign the petition at www.wheaterville.com
The petition is online, it does take a minute to register, but it is a constructive and positive thing you can do to right this wrong. The petition has the "lofty goal" of 10,000 signatures, so feel free to bring your llke-minded friends and family to the petition as well. The petition will be available to the ADL, the ACLU, and whomever else will be pursuing this issue.
Griping here and on Wheaterville might make you feel better, but signing the petition is something that will make a real difference if there end up being 10,000. Reading some of the comments on Wheaterville and on the Petition will warm your heart and inspire, and we all need that! "
The petition is online, it does take a minute to register, but it is a constructive and positive thing you can do to right this wrong. The petition has the "lofty goal" of 10,000 signatures, so feel free to bring your llke-minded friends and family to the petition as well. The petition will be available to the ADL, the ACLU, and whomever else will be pursuing this issue.
Griping here and on Wheaterville might make you feel better, but signing the petition is something that will make a real difference if there end up being 10,000. Reading some of the comments on Wheaterville and on the Petition will warm your heart and inspire, and we all need that! "
Michael wrote on Jan 30, 2010 10:04 AM:
" Hey, too bad... it's too bad that the courts have ruled the Equal Access Act is constutional and enforceable. It's too bad for you that the legal recognition of same-sex marriage is an inevitable reality. It's too bad for you that the United States is a constitutional republic and not a Fundamentalist theocracy.
But, I tell you what... if you're SO afraid of what will happen to America once gay and lesbian Americans receive full equality, you can always expatriate. There's the door. Go live with Osama bin Laden, for you seem to share many of his beliefs. "
But, I tell you what... if you're SO afraid of what will happen to America once gay and lesbian Americans receive full equality, you can always expatriate. There's the door. Go live with Osama bin Laden, for you seem to share many of his beliefs. "
Too Bad... wrote on Jan 29, 2010 11:37 PM:
" It's great reading all this sqwabble about gay rights and politics. Most people from their rants are idiots. One day you all will wake up and will find the truth at your front door.
Homosexuality is nothing more than people acting selfish. What do you expect in a me, me ,me world. Even the president can't give a speech without invoking the word "I" a hundred times. These people are selfish and are willing to destroy an entire nation over their selfish desire to be what? Normal? Look at all the money that is spent in their crusade for justice and equality and how much time is given in our court system hearing the same babble. Gay rights are not the same as other human rights as the gays have propagated their own problems which is based on sexual preference. But hey since everybody is so happy with how the country is running right now, just wait a little longer and all this gay rights stuff will be so yesterday. I recommend that people open their history books so, that they can read about what's coming down the road.
Good luck everybody!! "
Homosexuality is nothing more than people acting selfish. What do you expect in a me, me ,me world. Even the president can't give a speech without invoking the word "I" a hundred times. These people are selfish and are willing to destroy an entire nation over their selfish desire to be what? Normal? Look at all the money that is spent in their crusade for justice and equality and how much time is given in our court system hearing the same babble. Gay rights are not the same as other human rights as the gays have propagated their own problems which is based on sexual preference. But hey since everybody is so happy with how the country is running right now, just wait a little longer and all this gay rights stuff will be so yesterday. I recommend that people open their history books so, that they can read about what's coming down the road.
Good luck everybody!! "
mc327 wrote on Jan 29, 2010 7:55 PM:
" Way to go Wheatland! More reason to retire back in Wyoming where I am from. The more deviance is forced upon people the more there will be hate. Let this nice Christian community alone. Isn't it enough to have The rest of the idiotic world. Christians unit!!! "
Giving Wyo a Bad Name wrote on Jan 29, 2010 5:13 PM:
" In fact many out of state concerned citizens, law firms and associated parties have Wheatland under the microscope right now."
You are so right and it will be extremely tough to live down (let alone defend) the scorn that a majority of Americans will have for Wyoming and their backward ways. But I am confident that the citizenry is strong enough to do it.
The problem that frightens me to no end and should gravely concern EVERY Wyoming-loving citizen is that while researching the Wheatland banner flap, some national media organization will stumble upon and become aware of The 12/27/04 Unsolved Downtown Cheyenne Fire! And to make matters worse they'll delight in reporting that Cheyenne authorities do not know, Who set and profited from the fire?"
Believe me folks, defending and saving Wyoming's honor over the Wheatland banner flap will be a walk in the park compared to combating the national furor that will erupt should The Great Downtown Cheyenne Fire ever become known to the masses!
Mark my words! "
You are so right and it will be extremely tough to live down (let alone defend) the scorn that a majority of Americans will have for Wyoming and their backward ways. But I am confident that the citizenry is strong enough to do it.
The problem that frightens me to no end and should gravely concern EVERY Wyoming-loving citizen is that while researching the Wheatland banner flap, some national media organization will stumble upon and become aware of The 12/27/04 Unsolved Downtown Cheyenne Fire! And to make matters worse they'll delight in reporting that Cheyenne authorities do not know, Who set and profited from the fire?"
Believe me folks, defending and saving Wyoming's honor over the Wheatland banner flap will be a walk in the park compared to combating the national furor that will erupt should The Great Downtown Cheyenne Fire ever become known to the masses!
Mark my words! "
D.N. Saint Augustin wrote on Jan 29, 2010 3:31 PM:
" Oh, good. Now I don't have to worry about sending my stepson, who by the way has a sports scholarship to UW waiting for him when he graduates, to the university of a state that clearly doesn't respect the rights of their fellow beings.
Pack up, Keith, you're not joining the Cowboys. Doesn't matter that you're 5'0" and can tackle a man three times your size and five times your weight to the ground. Doesn't matter that you can throw a 77-yard spiral with less effort than a lot of Cowboys have to use to throw a 30-yard. And your exceptional place-kicking skills will not be needed or warranted here.
Nope, my dear stepson. You, your new wife, and your forthcoming young children are all going to Montreal as soon as your father decides to pack us up. You don't know how to play hockey yet, but you'll do a damned better job there than you'd be allowed to here.
Dirty bigots. My stepson plays rugby more than football, and his blocks are like a brick wall. Your Cowboys will just have to lose a few hundred more games now. "
Pack up, Keith, you're not joining the Cowboys. Doesn't matter that you're 5'0" and can tackle a man three times your size and five times your weight to the ground. Doesn't matter that you can throw a 77-yard spiral with less effort than a lot of Cowboys have to use to throw a 30-yard. And your exceptional place-kicking skills will not be needed or warranted here.
Nope, my dear stepson. You, your new wife, and your forthcoming young children are all going to Montreal as soon as your father decides to pack us up. You don't know how to play hockey yet, but you'll do a damned better job there than you'd be allowed to here.
Dirty bigots. My stepson plays rugby more than football, and his blocks are like a brick wall. Your Cowboys will just have to lose a few hundred more games now. "
To Let it Be wrote on Jan 29, 2010 1:44 PM:
" <<NO ONE outside that district has any right to state their opinion on this matter.>>
Not much of a fan of the constitution are ya? "
Not much of a fan of the constitution are ya? "
Get It Wrong wrote on Jan 29, 2010 1:14 PM:
" To Get it Right: I'm with you, buddy. It's all in the name. The name says it all. For example: Saddam's Republican Guard, led by Chemical Ali, was a bunch of Republicans. "
Lisa Ray wrote on Jan 29, 2010 12:24 PM:
" Good for Wheatland. That banner has NOTHING to do with "tolerance". Those defending it right here are proof of that.
Liberals never display tolerance of opposing views. They demand it of their views daily. They're pushy, obnoxious, rude and arrogant. "
Liberals never display tolerance of opposing views. They demand it of their views daily. They're pushy, obnoxious, rude and arrogant. "
christian_k wrote on Jan 29, 2010 12:17 PM:
" In support of "No Place For Hate" I see a lot of hateful commenting here. We are Wyoming, if you don't like it leave, and take some of the damn Californians with you. Being gay and living here by choice is hard, wouldn;t change it for the world. We are not as backwards as people think. Oh, and any comparison to Matthew Sheppard is wrong... That was two men and their crime... Wyoming did not kill him!!! "
No More Free Speech wrote on Jan 29, 2010 11:51 AM:
" NO ONE outside that district has any right to state their opinion on this matter."
Why, thank you commandant for those directive words of wisdom. Now everyone together: "Seig heil. "
Why, thank you commandant for those directive words of wisdom. Now everyone together: "Seig heil. "
WHS Student wrote on Jan 29, 2010 11:46 AM:
" Everyone just needs to get on with their lives and stop judging the whole town based on one person's opinion. If everyone wants to stop this 'hate' issue, then stop hating on us. It's just hypocritical. "
History wrote on Jan 29, 2010 8:01 AM:
" Actually, the nazi party WAS socialist. It is the National Socialist German Workers' Party or origianlly the German Worker's Party.
From what I have read (I am a little young to have been there) Hitler basically brought Germany out of the depression through national pride and socialistic programs.
It was not until he started trying to expand Germany eastward that the tone changed to a much more facist regime. And after Stalingrad, when Hitler basically became a recluse, that Facism went into full swing, and now history tends to show the entire time as facist, when really it changed over it's course.
That is all old news though, and history is written by the victors.
As far as the signs, leave them up unless they are promoting something other than the intended message. "
From what I have read (I am a little young to have been there) Hitler basically brought Germany out of the depression through national pride and socialistic programs.
It was not until he started trying to expand Germany eastward that the tone changed to a much more facist regime. And after Stalingrad, when Hitler basically became a recluse, that Facism went into full swing, and now history tends to show the entire time as facist, when really it changed over it's course.
That is all old news though, and history is written by the victors.
As far as the signs, leave them up unless they are promoting something other than the intended message. "
m slatter wrote on Jan 28, 2010 9:21 PM:
" it is a shame that the board did not use this as an opritunity to show tolerance and repect for others, they could have lead by example in this situation, explaining to the disgruntled parents that they must show tolerance and repect for others and explained how this would help their children exist in a better invironment in the future. Regardless of your point of view, showing intolerance by saying yes, I'll use your money and program, but don't want anything else to do with you is obserd.
as for a normal lifestyle, of course the gay lifestyle is not normal for someone who is heterosexul, most people don't have to fight to keep their jobs once someone finds out they are gay, or defend themselves from physical harm, and lord knows for 99% this is not a lifestyle choice, who would choose the uncomfortable, ridiculed, condemmed, abused, no rights lifestyle of a gay person over that of blending in with the majority. I did not choose this, life, I have felt this way since I was very, very little, it sure was not a choice then. "
as for a normal lifestyle, of course the gay lifestyle is not normal for someone who is heterosexul, most people don't have to fight to keep their jobs once someone finds out they are gay, or defend themselves from physical harm, and lord knows for 99% this is not a lifestyle choice, who would choose the uncomfortable, ridiculed, condemmed, abused, no rights lifestyle of a gay person over that of blending in with the majority. I did not choose this, life, I have felt this way since I was very, very little, it sure was not a choice then. "
Roy Jennings wrote on Jan 28, 2010 9:18 PM:
" Dear Anonymous,
For one, I think, no I know for a fact, removing that banner reflected real hatred and prejudism and it also defied the Constitutional Law of "Freedom of Speech." Now, since I don't live in Wyoming; which I have been there and I think its a beautiful state; I obviously can't do anything about it.
BUT, I live in Colorado and I do do something about it every day. See, I am an Activist in many subjects and I am also a Lobbyist for the State of Colorado plus, I am a Criminal Investigator and a Profiler for abused women and children and yes...even men. It does happen but rarely.
As for doing the job of your School committee, YES...YES I CAN do a better job than them!!! I have done a better job than some of the school committees.But, you wouldn't want me on that board, you wouldn't enjoy my laws that I enforce. I would definatly instill some respect, discipline, selfless service, duty, humility, etc. "
For one, I think, no I know for a fact, removing that banner reflected real hatred and prejudism and it also defied the Constitutional Law of "Freedom of Speech." Now, since I don't live in Wyoming; which I have been there and I think its a beautiful state; I obviously can't do anything about it.
BUT, I live in Colorado and I do do something about it every day. See, I am an Activist in many subjects and I am also a Lobbyist for the State of Colorado plus, I am a Criminal Investigator and a Profiler for abused women and children and yes...even men. It does happen but rarely.
As for doing the job of your School committee, YES...YES I CAN do a better job than them!!! I have done a better job than some of the school committees.But, you wouldn't want me on that board, you wouldn't enjoy my laws that I enforce. I would definatly instill some respect, discipline, selfless service, duty, humility, etc. "
To get it right wrote on Jan 28, 2010 9:15 PM:
" And East Germany was the "German Democratic Republic." I guess you think it was a democratic republic? "
bdawgs wrote on Jan 28, 2010 8:56 PM:
" i would just like to say that i am all for people being gay. they dont judge us so we shouldnt judge them. I honestly think that this whole taking down the banner thing is riduclous. it sucks because everyone who doesnt live in wheatland thinks that it is some hick town just because someone (joe) said that we dont support gay marriage. thats only one persons point of view. the program was great and everyone at WHS was using it. i know i didnt have a problem with it. Wheatland is not some hick town that hates the gays.... "
John wrote on Jan 28, 2010 3:49 PM:
" To Smoker:
Not really, homosexuals don't tend to move to small, rural areas.
Homosexuals born in those areas tend to leave for places like San Francisco, NY, LA and Raleigh-Durham. "
Not really, homosexuals don't tend to move to small, rural areas.
Homosexuals born in those areas tend to leave for places like San Francisco, NY, LA and Raleigh-Durham. "
McCullough wrote on Jan 28, 2010 2:46 PM:
" Neither the American Medical Association nor the American Psychiatric Association consider homosexuality to be a mental illness or an illness of any type. But Jack is a self-proclaimed medical and legal expert. So he can over-ride them with his vast knowledge. Maybe I'll look him up when I need heart surgery. Anybody else want in? "
Let it be wrote on Jan 28, 2010 2:28 PM:
" PLEASE just drop this issue.
The school board and parents have a right to state and dictate what can and cannot take place in their district. They are the ones who pay taxes there.
NO ONE outside that district has any right to state their opinion on this matter.
Let it go and leave it alone. "
The school board and parents have a right to state and dictate what can and cannot take place in their district. They are the ones who pay taxes there.
NO ONE outside that district has any right to state their opinion on this matter.
Let it go and leave it alone. "
Wyoming Home wrote on Jan 28, 2010 1:06 PM:
" Cheyenne Wyoming. A Community of "Limited" Choice.
Hey Wheatland Homophobes! Did you notice that President Obama called for the military repeal of "don't ask and don't tell." Pretty soon the President will be paying attention to your Wheatland homosexual discrimination stunt. In fact many out of state concerned citizens, law firms and associated parties have Wheatland under the microscope right now.
I sure hope that Wheatland has a large city contingency fund for their upcoming legal expenses.
5th Anniversary and counting. The 12/27/04 Unsolved Downtown Cheyenne Fire. Who set and profited from the fire? "
Hey Wheatland Homophobes! Did you notice that President Obama called for the military repeal of "don't ask and don't tell." Pretty soon the President will be paying attention to your Wheatland homosexual discrimination stunt. In fact many out of state concerned citizens, law firms and associated parties have Wheatland under the microscope right now.
I sure hope that Wheatland has a large city contingency fund for their upcoming legal expenses.
5th Anniversary and counting. The 12/27/04 Unsolved Downtown Cheyenne Fire. Who set and profited from the fire? "
Rush is Right All Right wrote on Jan 28, 2010 10:28 AM:
" It appears Get-It-Right does not know his right from left. If he doesn't know that Fascism is a right wing movement, then he probably needs to try this thing called Google where you can learn all kinds of things by typing in a word. "
Ppl......Make me Laugh wrote on Jan 28, 2010 9:36 AM:
" This is quit funny reading these comments still.I was hoping they would go back on topic. But guess I was wrong. This Article says nothing about hitler,churchs,Barack Obama, Or anything that has nothing to do with this Article. So it would be a little nice if we get back on topic.
Also don't blam the town for this, blam the PCSD#1 school board. They have Always Been Idiots in the past.
Anways, my thoughts into this is the school board are Idiots my reason is Joe Fabian Says "I don't believe (homosexuality) is a normal lifestyle, but I don't have anything against them," and says "he believes the Anti-Defamation League is pushing an "agenda that is pro-gay marriage" and that the community of Wheatland is not supportive of that." In this Statement he is obviously an Idoit.
Every time I read the banner it said "No Place for Hate" Not "Support pro-gay marriage." It a small little sponsor not a Title. I can see it being taking down if the Title aid "Support pro-gay marriage." because schools don't need that in their hallways.
!Notice! (Thank You For Noticing This New Notice Your Noticing it Has been Noted) "
Also don't blam the town for this, blam the PCSD#1 school board. They have Always Been Idiots in the past.
Anways, my thoughts into this is the school board are Idiots my reason is Joe Fabian Says "I don't believe (homosexuality) is a normal lifestyle, but I don't have anything against them," and says "he believes the Anti-Defamation League is pushing an "agenda that is pro-gay marriage" and that the community of Wheatland is not supportive of that." In this Statement he is obviously an Idoit.
Every time I read the banner it said "No Place for Hate" Not "Support pro-gay marriage." It a small little sponsor not a Title. I can see it being taking down if the Title aid "Support pro-gay marriage." because schools don't need that in their hallways.
!Notice! (Thank You For Noticing This New Notice Your Noticing it Has been Noted) "
Back to School wrote on Jan 28, 2010 9:12 AM:
" To Get It Right:
You know that Fascism is a Right Wing movement, right? That's why the left-wing commies were fighting them. Okay, let's start from square one. There was a country called Germany (Right Wing). There was another country called Russia (Left Wing). We got together with Russia and whipped Germany because Germany was also picking on England. Ask your grandpa. "
You know that Fascism is a Right Wing movement, right? That's why the left-wing commies were fighting them. Okay, let's start from square one. There was a country called Germany (Right Wing). There was another country called Russia (Left Wing). We got together with Russia and whipped Germany because Germany was also picking on England. Ask your grandpa. "
Citizen of Wheatland wrote on Jan 28, 2010 8:31 AM:
" I would like to know who the parents are that lodged the complaint .... and actually how many there were. We certainly aren't hearing anything about them. Makes me question if it were just one person or several? "
Jack wrote on Jan 28, 2010 8:21 AM:
" To This is Unbelievable:
The APA said that homosexuality was an illness right up to 1973.
At that time, due to homosexual terrorists, they made a political decision to remove it from their diagnostic manual.
This was a political decision made under duress. If anyone researches that period, APA members were having their homes and cars vandalized, their were death threats made against them and their children, the homosexual terrorists violently stormed their meeting place and the capper is they also were able to fraudulently obtain the APA's mailing list and send out fraudulent mail supporting their cause.
The decision wasn't based on reality or science, it was based on politics and terrorism, therefor is invalid. "
The APA said that homosexuality was an illness right up to 1973.
At that time, due to homosexual terrorists, they made a political decision to remove it from their diagnostic manual.
This was a political decision made under duress. If anyone researches that period, APA members were having their homes and cars vandalized, their were death threats made against them and their children, the homosexual terrorists violently stormed their meeting place and the capper is they also were able to fraudulently obtain the APA's mailing list and send out fraudulent mail supporting their cause.
The decision wasn't based on reality or science, it was based on politics and terrorism, therefor is invalid. "
Doug Bremer- Wheatland wrote on Jan 28, 2010 8:09 AM:
" Come Again Professor wrote on Jan 28, 2010 6:08 AM:
" >
An example of the mathematical logic taught in the Honors Program at Wheatland High School.
It should now make perfect sense why the school board voted as they did and why that vote has support from some of the citizens. "
Hey "Come again Professor", don't take the words of one and include all. Why don't you make a trip from where ever it is that you live to the town of Wheatland. While there, go to the high school gym and take a look at how many Academic Decathlon State Championships the Wheatland Bulldogs have won. I did not go to school in the PCSD but a neighboring district. My kids will soon be of school age and will go to the PCSD schools, and I'm excited and proud of that fact. I'm glad to see an elected offical being the voice of the people and not a special intrest like other elected officals in this great United States. "
" >
An example of the mathematical logic taught in the Honors Program at Wheatland High School.
It should now make perfect sense why the school board voted as they did and why that vote has support from some of the citizens. "
Hey "Come again Professor", don't take the words of one and include all. Why don't you make a trip from where ever it is that you live to the town of Wheatland. While there, go to the high school gym and take a look at how many Academic Decathlon State Championships the Wheatland Bulldogs have won. I did not go to school in the PCSD but a neighboring district. My kids will soon be of school age and will go to the PCSD schools, and I'm excited and proud of that fact. I'm glad to see an elected offical being the voice of the people and not a special intrest like other elected officals in this great United States. "
I dont care wrote on Jan 28, 2010 7:41 AM:
" Wheatland, is how far from Cheyenne? Why is this story even in our paper? "
Come Again Professor wrote on Jan 28, 2010 6:08 AM:
" <<We do not live in a big town so our percent of the population that is gay is very small.>>
An example of the mathematical logic taught in the Honors Program at Wheatland High School.
It should now make perfect sense why the school board voted as they did and why that vote has support from some of the citizens. "
An example of the mathematical logic taught in the Honors Program at Wheatland High School.
It should now make perfect sense why the school board voted as they did and why that vote has support from some of the citizens. "
bob g wrote on Jan 28, 2010 1:08 AM:
" dear "get it right"... yes please do get it right.
Hitler was not a socialist, he was a fascist. Fascism does indeed occupy the extreme *right* side of the political spectrum.
Just as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (aka, North Korea) is neither democratic nor a republic, it was also true that Hitler's Germany was not a socialist establishment.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascism "
Hitler was not a socialist, he was a fascist. Fascism does indeed occupy the extreme *right* side of the political spectrum.
Just as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (aka, North Korea) is neither democratic nor a republic, it was also true that Hitler's Germany was not a socialist establishment.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascism "
TheDudeAbides wrote on Jan 27, 2010 9:11 PM:
" Well, what do you expect from a town that views a hog feed-lot as positive economic development? "
Jodie Donner wrote on Jan 27, 2010 8:15 PM:
" As a WHS graduate, I have the right to chime in even though some very ignorant current students seem to want to tell others to mind their own business. By the way, if you want people to listen to you, check your spelling and grammar. I learned that as a "Bark" staff member. You're not credible if you write like an uneducated dunce.
I was attending the University of Wyoming when Matthew Shepard's body was found on a fence outside of Laramie. The death of this college student who was targeted for being gay was apparently not a lesson learned but just another interesting story from the plains of Wyoming. Why is Wyoming in the news again for events revolving around hate and an apparent fear of people who choose to live their lives differently? I guess it's because a few, who seem to have more power than brains, are able to influence others to make decisions that simply make them look stupid.
Hate and discrimination are not acceptable. Christianity has taught me that, so put that argument in your back pocket. We are all human. were are all here, together. The world is no place for hate. "
I was attending the University of Wyoming when Matthew Shepard's body was found on a fence outside of Laramie. The death of this college student who was targeted for being gay was apparently not a lesson learned but just another interesting story from the plains of Wyoming. Why is Wyoming in the news again for events revolving around hate and an apparent fear of people who choose to live their lives differently? I guess it's because a few, who seem to have more power than brains, are able to influence others to make decisions that simply make them look stupid.
Hate and discrimination are not acceptable. Christianity has taught me that, so put that argument in your back pocket. We are all human. were are all here, together. The world is no place for hate. "
Christine wrote on Jan 27, 2010 8:13 PM:
" This is Ironic....In the true meaning of the word!
Wheatland is a farming community, to them I say "You reap what sow, be careful what you plant. One seed of hate can yield a hundred seeds of hate." "
Wheatland is a farming community, to them I say "You reap what sow, be careful what you plant. One seed of hate can yield a hundred seeds of hate." "
anonymous wrote on Jan 27, 2010 6:32 PM:
" Ok seriously do you all have nothing better do to with your lives but sit on your tail and argue about a sign?? Its a sign that has been up there for months now that none of you were even aware of. My advice to you, GET OVER IT!! Try going and doing something productive with your lives rather than sitting around on your computer telling everyone how concerned you are about something as stupid as a sign. Does the presents of a sign that no one even saw mean the difference in "Hating" someone? I think not. That sign didnt mean anything to anyone before and now everyone wants to make a mountain out of a mole hill with it. Why do you think it took so long for someone to figure out that it was supported by the Gays? Exactly because no one even looked at it. And for all of you bashing the whole school board, I would like to see if you could do half the good things that they do with our school system. They're just trying to please everyone and make peace in out school.. UNLIKE all you. "
get it right wrote on Jan 27, 2010 6:30 PM:
" Hitler was not a right winger. neither was the NAZI party. They were socialists.
NAZI was the National Socialist Party. "
NAZI was the National Socialist Party. "
Noopson wrote on Jan 27, 2010 5:10 PM:
" What an outpouring of bigotry and insensitivity hiding behind a constitution that can be amended where necessary. Guns are allowed but banners promoting anti-hate (which I'm guessing is meant to be like love) are banned, you guys got something seriously wrong over there and you wonder why the rest of the world don't like you. Let me guess the parents and school that banned these posters are heavily Christian, some might say extremist, that's what should be banned, bring all people together and preach love, reject hate and belief in an imaginary sky god. No religion, no 911, 90% of the world's conflicts ended and we can all start to work together to reach our potential rather than pandering to ridiculous superstition and.......you guessed it hate...... "
This is Unbelievable wrote on Jan 27, 2010 4:58 PM:
" Homosexuality is a mental illness, always has been and always will be. All the liberal caterwauling in the world can't change it, just like a forced political decision from the APA can't change it."
Just about the time I think I have read the most idiotic comment capable of being written, I then come across something like the above.
Show me one, just one, accredited psychiatric journal (or even newsletter) that says homosexuality is a mental illness and I'll change my stance on the subject and submit another comment apologizing for my obvious stupidity and failure to realize the basis for homosexuality.
Since I know there are no such accredited publications, let me simply say that it is either hilarious or extremely scary that there are people living near me who actually believe this garbage.
The positive side is that hopefully such comments will be spread far and wide and people will avoid Wyoming like the plague. After all, who wants to spend money traveling to a place that is home to neanderthals?
"Homosexuality is a mental illness." Not even the Ripley's people would believe this statement was actually uttered in the year 2010! "
Just about the time I think I have read the most idiotic comment capable of being written, I then come across something like the above.
Show me one, just one, accredited psychiatric journal (or even newsletter) that says homosexuality is a mental illness and I'll change my stance on the subject and submit another comment apologizing for my obvious stupidity and failure to realize the basis for homosexuality.
Since I know there are no such accredited publications, let me simply say that it is either hilarious or extremely scary that there are people living near me who actually believe this garbage.
The positive side is that hopefully such comments will be spread far and wide and people will avoid Wyoming like the plague. After all, who wants to spend money traveling to a place that is home to neanderthals?
"Homosexuality is a mental illness." Not even the Ripley's people would believe this statement was actually uttered in the year 2010! "
Wheaterville wrote on Jan 27, 2010 4:38 PM:
" Lots of support at www.wheaterville.com and some excellent opinion pieces. Also, an online petition you can sign and pass on. The Wyoming ACLU has taken this on. It's not going away.
Go to www.wheaterville.com and sign the petition. Be heard! "
Go to www.wheaterville.com and sign the petition. Be heard! "
Dou Bremer-Wheatland wrote on Jan 27, 2010 4:21 PM:
" I am so sick of posters on here along with the "Anti-Hate" people going on and on about -"HATE"-. Because I don't agree with your life style, it does not mean or even imply that I "Hate" you. I simply disagree with what the National Gay and yadda yadda Orginization stand for.
The way you people deduce that because the banner was taken down translates to "Wheatland, A Place for Hate." is such an imature thought process it is laughable! If I believe in God and Jesus and you don't, does that translate into you hating me or Christians? NO?! OK then, quit calling people "Hatefull" because they have a belief that differs from your's.
PS- To all the "Laramie Story" comparison posters- I doubt this program would have stopped Matthew Shepard from being killed if his killers had this program in their schools. Point being, nothing you will learn in school will prevent one from becoming a killer if that is the mentality that they posess.
Nuff said Haters.... "
The way you people deduce that because the banner was taken down translates to "Wheatland, A Place for Hate." is such an imature thought process it is laughable! If I believe in God and Jesus and you don't, does that translate into you hating me or Christians? NO?! OK then, quit calling people "Hatefull" because they have a belief that differs from your's.
PS- To all the "Laramie Story" comparison posters- I doubt this program would have stopped Matthew Shepard from being killed if his killers had this program in their schools. Point being, nothing you will learn in school will prevent one from becoming a killer if that is the mentality that they posess.
Nuff said Haters.... "
Paddy Pennywhistle wrote on Jan 27, 2010 2:47 PM:
" So you go, boy. Getcha some of that."
Now that is funny. Very well said! "
Now that is funny. Very well said! "
To de fuher wrote on Jan 27, 2010 1:34 PM:
" You are so completely off topic... but, since you dropped your drivel here: Barack Obama (yes, middle name Hussein) was 16 years old before Saddam Hussein took power (in 1979). His father, Barack Hussein Obama, whom he was named for, was born and named in 1936. One year before Saddam Hussein was born, and many years before anyone could have known what kind of leader he would be. The coincidence of a name is purely that. Spewing the mockery of an argument that a name is significant to the type of leader an individual is a clear display of the lack of intelligence behind your statement. Think before you post next time. "
Monica wrote on Jan 27, 2010 1:28 PM:
" Sign a petition to get those No Place For Hate banners back up, in order to support freedom and justice for ALL!
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/NoBanningTheBanner/
I signed with the comment:
Two of my sisters go to Wheatland Highschool, and I want them to be in an environment of intelligence and kindness and inclusiveness, not fear and short-sightedness. Whether or not a student is LGBTQIA, this sort of intolerance and hatred (however masked the hatred may be to those that hate) creates an atmosphere that is detrimental to all people in all of our diversity and uniqueness. Of course it is incredibly detrimental to the 10% of the population who is LGBTQIA--those that are out of the closet, in the closet, perhaps even those that are in the closet and have so much hatred directed against themselves that they choose to outwardly support taking down the poster. This is a good opportunity for learning. Let's turn this around! "
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/NoBanningTheBanner/
I signed with the comment:
Two of my sisters go to Wheatland Highschool, and I want them to be in an environment of intelligence and kindness and inclusiveness, not fear and short-sightedness. Whether or not a student is LGBTQIA, this sort of intolerance and hatred (however masked the hatred may be to those that hate) creates an atmosphere that is detrimental to all people in all of our diversity and uniqueness. Of course it is incredibly detrimental to the 10% of the population who is LGBTQIA--those that are out of the closet, in the closet, perhaps even those that are in the closet and have so much hatred directed against themselves that they choose to outwardly support taking down the poster. This is a good opportunity for learning. Let's turn this around! "
Smoker wrote on Jan 27, 2010 12:47 PM:
" <<We do not live in a big town so our percent of the population that is gay is very small.>>
Huh? This is, perhaps, one of the most mathematically ignorant statements I have ever read. "
Huh? This is, perhaps, one of the most mathematically ignorant statements I have ever read. "
Dearest For the World of Me wrote on Jan 27, 2010 11:30 AM:
" For the world of me wrote on Jan 25, 2010 6:52 PM:
" I just can NOT see any reason why somebody would NOT want a sign up that discourages hate. This is under the golden rule. hmmmm
____________
Because it's not about the message, dearheart. It's about whether a special interest group has the right to hang messages in a public school.
If the GL&B group has the right, then so do Fred Phelps and the KKK.
This is not a hard concept and yet so many here fail to get the point. Hmmmmm...indeed. "
" I just can NOT see any reason why somebody would NOT want a sign up that discourages hate. This is under the golden rule. hmmmm
____________
Because it's not about the message, dearheart. It's about whether a special interest group has the right to hang messages in a public school.
If the GL&B group has the right, then so do Fred Phelps and the KKK.
This is not a hard concept and yet so many here fail to get the point. Hmmmmm...indeed. "
Michael wrote on Jan 27, 2010 10:26 AM:
" This message board is all the more reason why the "No Place for Hate" campaign is desperately needed at Wheatland.
A Gay-Straight Alliance club should also be formed at Wheatland to combat the hatred expressed on this message board.
Though, why should I be surprised? Wyoming is the place where Matthew Shepard was brutally murdered. It seems that the school boards foster and encourage this hatred. I pity you regressives.
On another note, the statements on here by supposed Wheatland students are replete with spelling blunders and grammatical errors. Maybe these "conservative" parents should be more concerned with that than whether or not this poster is displayed. "
A Gay-Straight Alliance club should also be formed at Wheatland to combat the hatred expressed on this message board.
Though, why should I be surprised? Wyoming is the place where Matthew Shepard was brutally murdered. It seems that the school boards foster and encourage this hatred. I pity you regressives.
On another note, the statements on here by supposed Wheatland students are replete with spelling blunders and grammatical errors. Maybe these "conservative" parents should be more concerned with that than whether or not this poster is displayed. "
Jack wrote on Jan 27, 2010 7:57 AM:
" "The American Medical Association identifies homosexuality as a physical condition deriving from chromosomal and/or hormonal signals at birth."
Really! Of course that is all proven, NOT. That may be the current suspicion, but it still remains to be proven and even if it is, it makes no difference.
Homosexuals are mentally ill. What causes it does not change the fact that it is an illness that should be cured.
It is no different than any other health problem.
It is nothing to be celebrated or supported, it should be constrained and curtailed as much as possible until successful treatments are found.
Asking for special rights for homosexuals is like asking for special rights for schizophrenics. "
Really! Of course that is all proven, NOT. That may be the current suspicion, but it still remains to be proven and even if it is, it makes no difference.
Homosexuals are mentally ill. What causes it does not change the fact that it is an illness that should be cured.
It is no different than any other health problem.
It is nothing to be celebrated or supported, it should be constrained and curtailed as much as possible until successful treatments are found.
Asking for special rights for homosexuals is like asking for special rights for schizophrenics. "
To concerned wheatland wrote on Jan 27, 2010 7:44 AM:
" From the looks of your spelling and grammar, you have bigger things to worry about than anti-hate banners...like trying to graduate high school at all! "
kat wrote on Jan 27, 2010 7:21 AM:
" Just from reading the comments posted, I think Wheatland High School should be worried about teaching the basics like um spelling and grammar and not pulling a silly sign from the hall. "
Just say no to Gay rights wrote on Jan 27, 2010 5:39 AM:
" It's simple...Just say no to gay rights..These people are everywhere.It really is getting out of hand. It is not O.K. to be gay!! "
Fusion Delusion wrote on Jan 26, 2010 11:07 PM:
" This town is in the record books for having the most churches? What record books would those be, fuber? The Guinness Book of "I don't get over to Nebraska much." "
Left Wing wrote on Jan 26, 2010 10:32 PM:
" It's Der Fuhrer, not.... 'de fuher,' genius. Unless you think Hitler was French. It means 'the leader.' It was a term generated by the right wing in Germany for Adolf Hitler, the father of the Third Reich. Incidentally, Rush Limbaugh refers to himself as an 'unapologetic champion' of the right wing. So you go, boy. Getcha some of that. "
de fuher wrote on Jan 26, 2010 7:09 PM:
" This town is in the record books for having the most churchs this shows that a signifiicant portion of the population belives in some sort of God. Most religions say that homosexuality is bad and that peoploe who practice it are wrong in the eyes of God. This shows that most people would belive this. We do not live in a big town so our percent of the population that is gay is very small. When compareing liberals and conservitves whoever compared them you are and idiot. Liberals belive in total government control which is what Adlof Hitler and Saddam Hussian ( Barrack HUSSIAN OBAMA) stood for. Conservatives stand for less government which is more like comparing them to Ronald Reagan or Ghandi. When you cannot even spell Adolf right you should not be posting comments. Can a banner that say's NO PLACE FOR HATE really take away the hate in a school. People who belive that it is stopping hate are very high on something The EPA should have been notified with all of the paper that was wasted. I am now a hateful person that the banners are gone NOT. "
A concerned WHS Student wrote on Jan 26, 2010 7:06 PM:
" I am currently a student at Wheatland Hogh School. I take a lot of pride in my comunity and usualy in my school however when somthing as dumb as this comes up it is frankly irtating. It is a disruption to the whole school as well as a distraction in the learning enviroment. This whole contraversy is defeating the whole purpose of a school which is to teach students, with the nonsense things that go on and pit students and staff against one another. ANother thing I would like to point out is that the program is very imature and elementry in it's begenings. Can a banner or program that says "No place for Hate" realy do anything to change a students atitude. While people think the program is helping stoping hate I disagree as we are a small comunity and generaly get along, also punishment is what help stop bullying etc. Not some stupid program. Ever since they took those banners down I have been more inclined to hate people. Not, sacasm at it's best. Really the contreversy is wasting time. Also the paper signs hundreds of them, cost something. Tax payers money used at its best. "
whs student wrote on Jan 26, 2010 6:42 PM:
" Everyone get over it. It's not like it's honestly affecting you. There's no need to be calling Wheatland an aweful place to live.. obviously your home town isn't too great if you're spending time reading the Wyoming paper. "
Start With Reality wrote on Jan 26, 2010 4:54 PM:
" We know that being gay is not a 'lifestyle choice.' The American Medical Association identifies homosexuality as a physical condition deriving from chromosomal and/or hormonal signals at birth. So.... is Wheatland saying that the American Medical Association is a vast homosexual conspiracy to corrupt our morals? That makes Barrasso a willing Conspirator. You 'ultraconservatives' need to get your story straight. "
what a shame wrote on Jan 26, 2010 3:55 PM:
" What about the other sponsors of the program? They are not allowed to show their support of anti-hate? Why would the school continue the program when they can't even show who sponsors it? Maybe somebody that lives in Wheatland just wants to world to hate Wyoming. "
The Test wrote on Jan 26, 2010 1:48 PM:
" 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least among you, you did not do for me.' -Matthew 25:41-45 "
M.Martin wrote on Jan 26, 2010 11:38 AM:
" This is just ridiculous. I hate that people are criticizing my entire community and school. I am a WHS student and I am protesting the removal of the banner. I think that our school board was wrong and they should listen to the kids of wheatland high school. The majority of us want the banner back up!!!! No Place for Hate was a great program and all of my friends and classmates loved it! Just because one or a few parents complain, doesn't make it right to take down a banner that almost everyone in the entire school signed! LISTEN TO THE VOICES OF THE STUDENTS!!!! "
To Hey Jack wrote on Jan 26, 2010 11:14 AM:
" Sorry, God is no liberal and neither is Jesus Christ.
The prohibitions against homosexuality in the Bible are quite clear and nowhere does Jesus condone that behavior.
Homosexuality is a mental illness, always has been and always will be. All the liberal caterwauling in the world can't change it, just like a forced political decision from the APA can't change it.
It is what it is and always will be. "
The prohibitions against homosexuality in the Bible are quite clear and nowhere does Jesus condone that behavior.
Homosexuality is a mental illness, always has been and always will be. All the liberal caterwauling in the world can't change it, just like a forced political decision from the APA can't change it.
It is what it is and always will be. "
No Place For Hate wrote on Jan 26, 2010 10:58 AM:
" “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling (1 Peter 4:8-9).” "
ppl.....make me laugh wrote on Jan 26, 2010 10:35 AM:
" lol kinda funny everyone here is going from one topic to another. when this is mostly about a sign being taking down from school because of sponsors listed on the banner asthe Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado that nobody even know about it when it was up or just realy didn't care. But you always get poeple that look closly and love to complain about somthing so small and stupid. And it even better reading other ppl comments bad mouth the students of the school just trying to get back up the sign to send a message of no hate. lol so much for the message no place for hate when all i see on these comments is hate:)(irony) lol well seems like it just not one place that realy need the sign up. also why do most of these comments be nicely writen lol kinda anorying hearing people say don't use caps don't use this you spelt this wrong. does it realy matter it just people giving there thoughts into the matter of the banner being taken down for a stupid reason.!Notice! (Thank You For Noticing This New Notice Your Noticing it Has been Noted) "
55 Nomad wrote on Jan 26, 2010 9:59 AM:
" I like Wheatland. I think the people of Wheatland are smart enough and tough enough to eventually kick these self-righteous board members back to the rocks they crawled out from under. "
Really wrote on Jan 26, 2010 9:24 AM:
" Sexually oriented groups have no place in schools, that's why a banner sponsored by a gay and lesbian group has to go. It would be like a swingers and premarital sex group sponsored it. Disgusting, keep your little sexual perversions to yourselves, I don't make out with my wife in front of people and I don't expect to hear about your philandering either, whether that be in the form of public displays of affection or sponsorship of school banners!
It's not about bigotry or hate, it's about learning to mind your own business and that nobody cares about your gay marriage agenda, which is a myth anyways since you do not possess the means to pro-create. Civil unions are fine but again, stay out of schools! "
It's not about bigotry or hate, it's about learning to mind your own business and that nobody cares about your gay marriage agenda, which is a myth anyways since you do not possess the means to pro-create. Civil unions are fine but again, stay out of schools! "
EL wrote on Jan 26, 2010 8:45 AM:
" " Other than a few things to see name something good about D.C."
O.K., for starters it's the current home of what promises to be our second greatest president ever, Barak Hussein Obabma. Secondly it is the current home of tirelessly dedicated civic-minded lawmakers Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, not to mention that it was the long-time home of the great liberal lion himself, Edward Moore Kennedy!
The polls really back that up. They will all be relocating in the next 3 years..or have to retire to save face...lol "
O.K., for starters it's the current home of what promises to be our second greatest president ever, Barak Hussein Obabma. Secondly it is the current home of tirelessly dedicated civic-minded lawmakers Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, not to mention that it was the long-time home of the great liberal lion himself, Edward Moore Kennedy!
The polls really back that up. They will all be relocating in the next 3 years..or have to retire to save face...lol "
To What in the World wrote on Jan 26, 2010 7:17 AM:
" If you do not like it then TOUGH.
It is all inclusive of the rediculous inbred Wyoming mentality while we are attempted of being controlled by a bunch of bald headed arrogent right wing republican white males.
This is no better than the HITLER book burning NAZI party who wants to control our thoughts as well.
Obviously you are the same arogent right winger who continues to slam my posts in FEEBLE attempt to downplay my beliefs. Your words not only show your ignorance but show your transparent inner self. Your last name is Clear to all of us.
Go home right winger, you have NO place in our society. Stop living in the past and stop your rhetoric. "
It is all inclusive of the rediculous inbred Wyoming mentality while we are attempted of being controlled by a bunch of bald headed arrogent right wing republican white males.
This is no better than the HITLER book burning NAZI party who wants to control our thoughts as well.
Obviously you are the same arogent right winger who continues to slam my posts in FEEBLE attempt to downplay my beliefs. Your words not only show your ignorance but show your transparent inner self. Your last name is Clear to all of us.
Go home right winger, you have NO place in our society. Stop living in the past and stop your rhetoric. "
to WHS Student wrote on Jan 26, 2010 6:25 AM:
" ESPECIALLY ALL THE PEOPLE BAD MOUTHING OUR TOWN. THEY DONT KNOW WHAT WE ARE.
We know what you're NOT. You're NOT the least bit versed in proper e-mail or blog communication etiquette! Otherwise you would KNOW that typing in ALL CAPS is a definite violation of common courtesy. If the English Teacher was still commenting, s/he would verify that.
Ask a friend to read your comment along with one written in Caps and lower case and have them tell you which one was easier to read. Not to understand - simply to read. If they're honest they will pick the lower case option EVERY time!
See there, you learned something outside of school today. Perhaps I should be a teacher. No, that would never work because I couldn't handle dealing with unenlightened parents who refuse to let go of their backward 1950's beliefs and join the rest of us in the 21st century. "
We know what you're NOT. You're NOT the least bit versed in proper e-mail or blog communication etiquette! Otherwise you would KNOW that typing in ALL CAPS is a definite violation of common courtesy. If the English Teacher was still commenting, s/he would verify that.
Ask a friend to read your comment along with one written in Caps and lower case and have them tell you which one was easier to read. Not to understand - simply to read. If they're honest they will pick the lower case option EVERY time!
See there, you learned something outside of school today. Perhaps I should be a teacher. No, that would never work because I couldn't handle dealing with unenlightened parents who refuse to let go of their backward 1950's beliefs and join the rest of us in the 21st century. "
To Its Merely a Logo wrote on Jan 26, 2010 3:17 AM:
" Hey Logo,
Read these posts and guess what special interest is offended.
PCSB should never have participated to start with. They inadvertently gave your special interest friends a sounding board. How many new school districts will be signing up to participate given the hate from the left to Wheatland for withdrawing?
Sad how quick you are to compare those who stand for morality to Nazi's. Yours is a failed argument. "
Read these posts and guess what special interest is offended.
PCSB should never have participated to start with. They inadvertently gave your special interest friends a sounding board. How many new school districts will be signing up to participate given the hate from the left to Wheatland for withdrawing?
Sad how quick you are to compare those who stand for morality to Nazi's. Yours is a failed argument. "
Amused wrote on Jan 26, 2010 2:27 AM:
" You people are mad cause they took the banners down you call them biggotts and rednecks made referance to the KKK MAYBE YOU REALLY DO NEED THOSE BANNERS TO TELL you TO BE TOLERANT OF OTHER peoples belifes or you could just grow up and do the right thing on your own without a banner ? show them how to be tolerant and turn the other cheek or your no better than them, all the talk of lawsuits and such thats whats wrong with the world today ! "
Hey Jack wrote on Jan 25, 2010 8:27 PM:
" Jack writes:" "There is no place for hate."
WRONG.
Hate is a valid emotion just like love.
This silly idea that somehow there is nothing that deserves to be hated and that hate is an invalid emotion is stupidity born out of moral relativism.
There is that which should be hated, as there always has been and always will be.
Liberal silliness, moral relativism and subversive organizations can never change that, try as they may.
It is timeless and immutable."
So if we understand Jack, then liberals are the opposite of conservatives.
Liberals preach love and mutual respect.
Conservatives preach hate and disdain.
Thanks Jack for explaining it to me so clear that even I can understand it.
Paragons of liberalism are God, Jesus Christ, and anyone else who preaches "Love thy neighbor as thyself" or "You shall not hate thy brother in thy heart."
Conservatives are epitomized by Adolph Hitler, Saddam Husein, and all of the lemmings who believe any drivel spewed by people like Pat "Haiti is being punished by God for making a deal with the devil" Robertson.
Jack, you don't know Jack. "
WRONG.
Hate is a valid emotion just like love.
This silly idea that somehow there is nothing that deserves to be hated and that hate is an invalid emotion is stupidity born out of moral relativism.
There is that which should be hated, as there always has been and always will be.
Liberal silliness, moral relativism and subversive organizations can never change that, try as they may.
It is timeless and immutable."
So if we understand Jack, then liberals are the opposite of conservatives.
Liberals preach love and mutual respect.
Conservatives preach hate and disdain.
Thanks Jack for explaining it to me so clear that even I can understand it.
Paragons of liberalism are God, Jesus Christ, and anyone else who preaches "Love thy neighbor as thyself" or "You shall not hate thy brother in thy heart."
Conservatives are epitomized by Adolph Hitler, Saddam Husein, and all of the lemmings who believe any drivel spewed by people like Pat "Haiti is being punished by God for making a deal with the devil" Robertson.
Jack, you don't know Jack. "
WHS Student wrote on Jan 25, 2010 8:26 PM:
" WHEATLAND ISNT A GAY COMMUNITY!!!!!!!!! YOU DONT HAVE THE FACTS!!!!!! AND IM NOT GAY BUT THERE ISNT ANYTHING WRONG WITH THEM!!! THE PAPER MAKES US LOOK BAD!!!! WHEATLAND IS NOT A HATEFULL TOWN HOW ABOUT WE TAKE A LOOK AT DOUGLAS! THEY ARE AS HATEFUL AS IT GETS! I AM PROTESTING AGAINST THIS AS MUCH AS MY OTHER PIERS IN SCHOOL!!!!! WHEATLAND IS THE DEFINITION OF HATE??!? YA......NO!!! WE DO SPEAK OUT!!!! NO ONE ASKS US WHAT WE THINK. THEY ONLY GET THE FACTS FROM ONE SIDE..... THATS THE WRONG SIDE!!!!! THE POSTER LET ME REMIND YOU WAS TAKEN DOWN ON THE BIGGEST ANTI HATE DAY ON EARTH (MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY!!!!!!) ALL THIS REALLY SHOWS IS THAT WHATEVER PARENT WAS STUPID ENOUGH TO POINT OUT THE 1" SPONSOR LOGO ON A 3 POSTER REALLY NEEDS TO GET A LIFE. ALL OF THIS IS DUMB ESPECIALLY ALL THE PEOPLE BAD MOUTHING OUR TOWN. THEY DONT KNOW WHAT WE ARE. THERE ARE 6000 PEOPLE IN THIS TOWN AND ONLY 40 ARE REALLY HOMOPHOBES. WE WILL WIN THIS FIGHT AND PROTEST UNTIL....... NO PLACE FOR HATE!!!!!!!!! "
Hey El wrote on Jan 25, 2010 8:16 PM:
" El writes: "As long as all groups can hang a sign in a public school I have no problem. But I don't think we would want the KKK to sponsor a sign in our schools would we? The board should have a blanket policy no signs period."
The KKK doesn't need a sign because its most prominent members already control the PCSD #1 School Board.
"Nazi is as Nazi does." - Forest Gump "
The KKK doesn't need a sign because its most prominent members already control the PCSD #1 School Board.
"Nazi is as Nazi does." - Forest Gump "
Love not hate wrote on Jan 25, 2010 8:03 PM:
" While these may seem like dark days, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Despite the existence of enclaves of hatred in places like Wheatland, the bigots are on the wrong side of history. Most of the nation supports civil unions for gay couples and 40% support gay marriage. And that number includes older generations who are much more likely to have false and prejudicial attitudes towards gay and lesbian individuals. Twice as many people support gay marriage now as supported interracial marriage when the US Supreme Court found that anti-miscegenation laws were unconstitutional in Loving v. Virginia.
People, including youths, are learning from scientific research and lived experience that they have nothing to fear from gay people. They are all around us and are often our friends and loved ones.
Love will win. Hatred will fade away. Bigots should enjoy their reign of terror while it lasts because its days are numbered. "
People, including youths, are learning from scientific research and lived experience that they have nothing to fear from gay people. They are all around us and are often our friends and loved ones.
Love will win. Hatred will fade away. Bigots should enjoy their reign of terror while it lasts because its days are numbered. "
For the world of me wrote on Jan 25, 2010 6:52 PM:
" I just can NOT see any reason why somebody would NOT want a sign up that discourages hate. This is under the golden rule. hmmmm
It is as though this area certainly has an extreme element that leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Well what next,,,
Remove the drug free zone signs ASAP. That is restraint of trade.
Or how about the bumper stickers that say my student is an honor role student. Yep those distract from the non honor role students.
Lets remove the stop lights as those are not fair to color blind people.
Lets get rid of the yellow signs on DellRange that KMart is using for the grand sale. I dislike the color yellow and it offends me.
Get rid of the speed limit signs in Cheyenne. I can not pedal my bike uphill at 35 MPH and so it is offensive to bike riders.
Lets get get rid of STOP AHEAD signs ASAP. Those can be confused with...
STOP A HEAD
...and really through the gramatically challenged for a loop.
Any other signs we should remove to be rediculous???
Nonsense Ay "
It is as though this area certainly has an extreme element that leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Well what next,,,
Remove the drug free zone signs ASAP. That is restraint of trade.
Or how about the bumper stickers that say my student is an honor role student. Yep those distract from the non honor role students.
Lets remove the stop lights as those are not fair to color blind people.
Lets get rid of the yellow signs on DellRange that KMart is using for the grand sale. I dislike the color yellow and it offends me.
Get rid of the speed limit signs in Cheyenne. I can not pedal my bike uphill at 35 MPH and so it is offensive to bike riders.
Lets get get rid of STOP AHEAD signs ASAP. Those can be confused with...
STOP A HEAD
...and really through the gramatically challenged for a loop.
Any other signs we should remove to be rediculous???
Nonsense Ay "
Sara wrote on Jan 25, 2010 5:49 PM:
" Ugh, Wheatland. I went to school there. Hateful doesn't even begin to describe some of the people there. I hope the students of Wheatland will adopt a "No-Haters" policy, consistent to what we see across the country. It only takes a few to make a big difference - right? It took only a few morons to ruin it for everyone, maybe a few can fix it for everyone too! Further, I know the haters I went to school with were only a few, but their dominance seemed like the many. I hope the students there know they a support system in the former student body! "
OUTRAGE wrote on Jan 25, 2010 4:20 PM:
" Dear tribune eatgle readers, This is ridiculous. i can assure you that i am not gay. I, as part of the whs student body speak out. Statistics say that one in five people are homosexual, SO about twenty of you on this comment list might be. Wheatland is obviously looked at as a "homophobic community" for all of you reading this paper, get the facts straight before you write. WE SPEAK OUT! our town is based upon senior beliefs and adult quotes. My student body has taped posters everywhere in the school and protesting continuously. I am against the board taking the poster down. I just want to remind you what day the poster was taken down....last monday? btw that MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY!!!!!!!!!! What is the poster called? No place for hate? None of you actually no what the hell goes on here. WE DONT ALL HATE GAYS!! JUST SOME STUPID PEOPLE HERE DO!!!! WE WILL PETITION. AND WE WILL WIN! COME HELL OR HIGH WATER!! Come to wheatland and see the school before you talk about us. THERE CHEYENNE WRITE ABOUT IT NOW WITH SOME ACTUAL BACKGROUND INFO. "
Wyoming - Equality wrote on Jan 25, 2010 3:55 PM:
" Wyoming is not the Equality State... and never will be.... "
Doug wrote on Jan 25, 2010 2:56 PM:
" I am a Wyoming native (5th generation) but am well traveled. I have lived in Portland Oregon and Sacramento California and worked all over the United States for several weeks at a time. The reason I love Wyoming and have come back to a town like Wheatland to live is exactly for the reasons posted on this blog. Here are some of those reasons.
1st- Democracy still works here. People elect common people to be thier voice, and so far that has worked in Wheatland.
2nd- Man and wife don't make-out on main street for my kids to see, nor do "Chuck and Larry".
3rd- Kids here, excluding some that needed a good spanking long ago but were evidently spared the rod.., are repectful of others and their elders.
4th- If you don't live here, you have no frame of reference. Out of everywhere I have lived or worked, nowhere but in Wyoming have I felt secure in knowing the ANYBODY would lend a helping hand to a person in dire need.
Kudos to the Board for standing on principles that got you elected and being the voice of the people. -I'm past my word limit.- "
1st- Democracy still works here. People elect common people to be thier voice, and so far that has worked in Wheatland.
2nd- Man and wife don't make-out on main street for my kids to see, nor do "Chuck and Larry".
3rd- Kids here, excluding some that needed a good spanking long ago but were evidently spared the rod.., are repectful of others and their elders.
4th- If you don't live here, you have no frame of reference. Out of everywhere I have lived or worked, nowhere but in Wyoming have I felt secure in knowing the ANYBODY would lend a helping hand to a person in dire need.
Kudos to the Board for standing on principles that got you elected and being the voice of the people. -I'm past my word limit.- "
The Bad Guys on Porkys wrote on Jan 25, 2010 2:56 PM:
" Platte County School Board. Now there's an enlightened bunch. "
jw wrote on Jan 25, 2010 2:12 PM:
" I'm not surprised at this hateful and uneducated move by the school board and a handful of right wing rednecks who think that being gay is a choice what a bunch of morons, but hey if they want to live in a backwards uneducated out of touch town then let them, but this act of hostility and hate will end up in a huge lawsuit which the school board will lose and all that money will go into the pockets of lawyers. It amazes me how out of touch the state of Wyoming is, I'm sure the same feelings are felt towards, blacks, mexicans, in fact anyone who is not a born again white bigoted and ignorant card holder. Thank God I don't live there and I don't know why you would want to, unless your a KKK member or white supremist. Really shameful and another bad black mark on the state of Wyoming. "
Laurie wrote on Jan 25, 2010 1:24 PM:
" I am not homosexual but have several homosexual friends. I don't think of them as any "different" than anyone else. This action by the Wheatland parnets is an insult to their humanity, and I'm ashamed this happened in my cherished home state. Ignorance and arrogance reign. "
To Jack wrote on Jan 25, 2010 12:35 PM:
" Jack Wrote:
" Good job school board!
They have no right to push their garbage with our tax dollar paid facilities. "
This is exactly why they shouldn't pray in school. I am glad we agree.
XOXOXOXO "
" Good job school board!
They have no right to push their garbage with our tax dollar paid facilities. "
This is exactly why they shouldn't pray in school. I am glad we agree.
XOXOXOXO "
What in the World wrote on Jan 25, 2010 12:17 PM:
" Where else can we find companies boarded up out of business everywhere, pathetic cracked roads filled with holes, cracked and broken sidewalks, curbs turning to powder, crumbling smelling buildings downtown, no tech jobs, no technology, lousy pay, Walmart is the community center, Elementary school teachers making cocaine drug deals while children are in the same builing."
Please explain exactly what your "sky is falling" rant has to do with the banner removal at Wheatland High School. Or are you simply of the belief that the readers of this blog need to read your list of Cheyenne's shortcomings an eighteenth time?
If you can't give it up already (and you and Wyoming Home seem to be incapable of that simple request) at least limit your rant's inclusion to those articles that have something to do with Cheyenne. Is that asking too much?
I don't think so. "
Please explain exactly what your "sky is falling" rant has to do with the banner removal at Wheatland High School. Or are you simply of the belief that the readers of this blog need to read your list of Cheyenne's shortcomings an eighteenth time?
If you can't give it up already (and you and Wyoming Home seem to be incapable of that simple request) at least limit your rant's inclusion to those articles that have something to do with Cheyenne. Is that asking too much?
I don't think so. "
Enough Already wrote on Jan 25, 2010 12:05 PM:
" I have to say, I am getting a little upset at all of the people on here saying Republicans are tools, muffins, closed minded or whatever else you want to say. Why is this school district getting all of the flack when there are only 25 in Colorado and Wyoming participating? What about the rest of them?? Also, schools are suppose to be neutral so why do they have to please one side even if it upsets the other? That's how liberals think "Freedom of speech as long as you agree with me" Oops, I guess I just lowered myself to your level. "
Ben wrote on Jan 25, 2010 11:34 AM:
" The Anti Defamation League has framed this No Place for Hate program in the following manner.
If you are against hanging the Ten Commandments in the school hallway you are for:
1. Multiple gods
2. Worshiping Stuff
3. Cussing
4. No one observing the Sabbath
5. Dishonoring your parents
6. Murder
7. Adultery
8. Thievery
9. Lying
10. Wanting everything you neighbor has "
If you are against hanging the Ten Commandments in the school hallway you are for:
1. Multiple gods
2. Worshiping Stuff
3. Cussing
4. No one observing the Sabbath
5. Dishonoring your parents
6. Murder
7. Adultery
8. Thievery
9. Lying
10. Wanting everything you neighbor has "
Its Merely a Logo wrote on Jan 25, 2010 10:34 AM:
" . . . but we don't need gay-rights special interests thrust in our faces."
Thrust in your face??? It's a simple logo and some wording in the corner of a large banner. HOW, pray tell, does that equate to special interests being thrust in your face???
When you see photographs of 1930-1945 Germany do you feel like Nazism is being thrust in your face? How about the sight of photos of prisoners in German concentration camps? Is that anti-Semitism being thrust in your face? Does viewing a photo of the KKK burning a cross feel like bigotry and racism being thrust in your face?
It's a logo printed on a banner for crying out loud! How long was the banner up before anyone even noticed it was there?
There are a select few people in Platte County that need to leave their caves and get out more often. There are legitimate things to fear in our world, but a small logo and its identifying name on a large banner is NOT one of them! Living next to unenlightened people stuck in the 1950's is! "
Thrust in your face??? It's a simple logo and some wording in the corner of a large banner. HOW, pray tell, does that equate to special interests being thrust in your face???
When you see photographs of 1930-1945 Germany do you feel like Nazism is being thrust in your face? How about the sight of photos of prisoners in German concentration camps? Is that anti-Semitism being thrust in your face? Does viewing a photo of the KKK burning a cross feel like bigotry and racism being thrust in your face?
It's a logo printed on a banner for crying out loud! How long was the banner up before anyone even noticed it was there?
There are a select few people in Platte County that need to leave their caves and get out more often. There are legitimate things to fear in our world, but a small logo and its identifying name on a large banner is NOT one of them! Living next to unenlightened people stuck in the 1950's is! "
JJL wrote on Jan 25, 2010 10:26 AM:
" The whole point of having a "NO PLACE FOR HATE" banner is so kids will treat each other with the same level of respect. I for one think it was stupid for taking the banner down. As a student of WHS there were no problems before and all of a sudden there is? That has to be one of thee worst decisions there was here at the high school. Once again the point of it was to show that we dodn't care if someone is "gay". They could do just the exact same type of thing towards us, just because our beliefs are different doesn't mean we have the right to single them out, they dont do that to us. "
An Impartial Observation wrote on Jan 25, 2010 10:03 AM:
" I have been following, with great amusement, the bickering between the so-called right wing muffin and his/her detractor that harps on all the unsatisfactory things that plague Cheyenne.
I agree that Cheyenne has more than its share of problems and I'm not commenting to debate that. The point I do want to make is this:
The detractor continually harps on the very same things over and over and over again. If s/he displays this kind of behavior at his/her new job, my guess is that s/he will not be employed long. I'm an employer and continually harping on the same thing shows a lack of acceptance, creativity, and ability to move on to the next task at hand, something that is required in every job I'm aware of. If you're not willing or able to do that, the employer will likely find someone who is.
Just some unsolicited advice you might want to keep in mind. "
I agree that Cheyenne has more than its share of problems and I'm not commenting to debate that. The point I do want to make is this:
The detractor continually harps on the very same things over and over and over again. If s/he displays this kind of behavior at his/her new job, my guess is that s/he will not be employed long. I'm an employer and continually harping on the same thing shows a lack of acceptance, creativity, and ability to move on to the next task at hand, something that is required in every job I'm aware of. If you're not willing or able to do that, the employer will likely find someone who is.
Just some unsolicited advice you might want to keep in mind. "
STUDENT wrote on Jan 25, 2010 9:52 AM:
" I think that people should just drop it. Its not a big deal. People have their different opinoins on things. The banner got taken down because parents were complaining, and now people complain because it was taken down. Really?! Serioulsy get over it! "
Open Source wrote on Jan 25, 2010 9:00 AM:
" To WHS parent: Actually NRA does hang posters up in schools, and I'm fine with it. Here in Pine Bluffs, we have a gun safety course sponsored by the NRA and their logo appears on the banner. I'm also fine with the 'No Place for Hate' banners. There is room for all. "
Heres the Answer wrote on Jan 25, 2010 8:36 AM:
" Simply remove the gay and lesbian logo and wording from the banner and put it back up. EVERYONE seems to be in agreement that the message of the banner is good and acceptable, it's just the gay and lesbian marking that is causing the problem (with a few neanderthals that call Platte County home).
I'm not saying the logo should have to be removed, I'm just saying that its removal would eliminate the source of the furor.
And once again: two thumbs up to the WHS students (and their supporters) who see this debacle for the stupid behavior of some backward, unenlightened people that it is. You should be proud of your stance and beliefs! I know I am. "
I'm not saying the logo should have to be removed, I'm just saying that its removal would eliminate the source of the furor.
And once again: two thumbs up to the WHS students (and their supporters) who see this debacle for the stupid behavior of some backward, unenlightened people that it is. You should be proud of your stance and beliefs! I know I am. "
Who called DD an idiot wrote on Jan 25, 2010 8:32 AM:
" " broke back mountain wasnt filmed in wyoming if your going to put wyoming down get your facts strait and mathew Shepard happend in laramie by some college kids"
Ok first off, you spelled "strait" wrong. It's STRAIGHT, you spelled it like George STRAIT, you country bumpkin.
Second off, the Shepard incident wasn't by college kids. It was committed by a couple of local Laramie losers.
But you did get the Brokeback thing. It was filmed in Montana, but was supposed to be based in Wyoming. Good for you! "
Ok first off, you spelled "strait" wrong. It's STRAIGHT, you spelled it like George STRAIT, you country bumpkin.
Second off, the Shepard incident wasn't by college kids. It was committed by a couple of local Laramie losers.
But you did get the Brokeback thing. It was filmed in Montana, but was supposed to be based in Wyoming. Good for you! "
Get a gripe wrote on Jan 25, 2010 7:13 AM:
" It's just a little poe dunk town named Wheatland. Let them have it, I say. LOL. We folks here in Cheyenne, interact with all sorts of people that come in with the Military Base. I doubt they're gay being in the military, just saying we see a bigger variety of folks here in Cheyenne. Why get so bent about some gays? "
JAFOA wrote on Jan 25, 2010 7:12 AM:
" I have no problem with the anti-hate message, but I do find it funny the way it is being dealt with.
What would have happened if a church had sponsored a program on the "Love one another as I have loved you" message from the bible?
It is basically the same message, but the church's message would have been thrown out on the "seperation of church and state" argument.
In my way of thinking, there should be the tolerance for both ways of expressing the message.
The program should not be mandatory though. That same government that gave the freedom of speech, also grants freedom of choice. Since the student is not of the age of majority, the parents should be able to choose whether or not their child should attend. "
What would have happened if a church had sponsored a program on the "Love one another as I have loved you" message from the bible?
It is basically the same message, but the church's message would have been thrown out on the "seperation of church and state" argument.
In my way of thinking, there should be the tolerance for both ways of expressing the message.
The program should not be mandatory though. That same government that gave the freedom of speech, also grants freedom of choice. Since the student is not of the age of majority, the parents should be able to choose whether or not their child should attend. "
to EL wrote on Jan 25, 2010 6:28 AM:
" Other than a few things to see name something good about D.C."
O.K., for starters it's the current home of what promises to be our second greatest president ever, Barak Hussein Obabma. Secondly it is the current home of tirelessly dedicated civic-minded lawmakers Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, not to mention that it was the long-time home of the great liberal lion himself, Edward Moore Kennedy!
MOST important of all: it is the current home for today's greatest NHL player - Russian born left wing, Alexander Ovechkin!
I'd be remiss if I didn't at least make mention that it will soon become home to the great football mind of one Mike Shanahan.
There, is that enough good things about D.C. or do I have to go on? "
O.K., for starters it's the current home of what promises to be our second greatest president ever, Barak Hussein Obabma. Secondly it is the current home of tirelessly dedicated civic-minded lawmakers Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, not to mention that it was the long-time home of the great liberal lion himself, Edward Moore Kennedy!
MOST important of all: it is the current home for today's greatest NHL player - Russian born left wing, Alexander Ovechkin!
I'd be remiss if I didn't at least make mention that it will soon become home to the great football mind of one Mike Shanahan.
There, is that enough good things about D.C. or do I have to go on? "
Michael wrote on Jan 25, 2010 5:55 AM:
" Don't worry, folks. Now it will be time for the board of education to choose THEIR lifestyle --- how much of the taxpayers dollars do they want to spend defending themselves in court?
Dozens of federal court rulings have shown that the EQUAL ACCESS ACT requires schools to permit student-led organizations to advertise as they please. Wheatland has no choice in the matter. Their extremist religious views are irrelevant as to the rule of law.
So, people of Wyoming, how much of your taxpayers' dollars do you want wasted in lawsuits just because you hate gay people?
Now that this story is receiving national attention, the ACLU will be in town quite soon. "
Dozens of federal court rulings have shown that the EQUAL ACCESS ACT requires schools to permit student-led organizations to advertise as they please. Wheatland has no choice in the matter. Their extremist religious views are irrelevant as to the rule of law.
So, people of Wyoming, how much of your taxpayers' dollars do you want wasted in lawsuits just because you hate gay people?
Now that this story is receiving national attention, the ACLU will be in town quite soon. "
Wheatland Wyoming - A Place For Hate wrote on Jan 25, 2010 3:37 AM:
" Wheatland Wyoming - "A Place For Hate".
Might as well make that the new slogan for your backward city.
You could even make nice decorative signs to put next to the I-25 offramps.
The rest of the country can't help but shake our heads and laugh at you.
What a shame "
Might as well make that the new slogan for your backward city.
You could even make nice decorative signs to put next to the I-25 offramps.
The rest of the country can't help but shake our heads and laugh at you.
What a shame "
To to This is It wrote on Jan 24, 2010 11:40 PM:
" to This is It wrote on Jan 24, 2010 10:19 AM:
I knew your typical right wing muffin would come out. I predicted it and there you are soooo trasnparent as usual.
Go back to your right wing hole in where you muffins belong. Anybody complaining about a sign saying no to hate is not only a BIGOT and a NAZI book burner IMO but of no benefit to our society.
But then again typical right wing inbred Wyoming mentality. It will never change. Cheney state, keep it white, bald headed, aging male, right wing controlled as usual.
Where else can we find companies boarded up out of business everywhere, pathetic cracked roads filled with holes, cracked and broken sidewalks, curbs turning to powder, crumbling smelling buildings downtown, no tech jobs, no technology, lousy pay, Walmart is the community center, Elementary school teachers making cocaine drug deals while children are in the same builing.
I can see them lining up at the border. The WHP is just barely holding them back from moving in here. Better call out the guard or we will be over run with non residents.
hhuhuhHAHAHAHAH
BooooWAWAWAWHAHAHAHAH
BOOOOOWAWAWwawwahahhuhuhu "
I knew your typical right wing muffin would come out. I predicted it and there you are soooo trasnparent as usual.
Go back to your right wing hole in where you muffins belong. Anybody complaining about a sign saying no to hate is not only a BIGOT and a NAZI book burner IMO but of no benefit to our society.
But then again typical right wing inbred Wyoming mentality. It will never change. Cheney state, keep it white, bald headed, aging male, right wing controlled as usual.
Where else can we find companies boarded up out of business everywhere, pathetic cracked roads filled with holes, cracked and broken sidewalks, curbs turning to powder, crumbling smelling buildings downtown, no tech jobs, no technology, lousy pay, Walmart is the community center, Elementary school teachers making cocaine drug deals while children are in the same builing.
I can see them lining up at the border. The WHP is just barely holding them back from moving in here. Better call out the guard or we will be over run with non residents.
hhuhuhHAHAHAHAH
BooooWAWAWAWHAHAHAHAH
BOOOOOWAWAWwawwahahhuhuhu "
C.S. wrote on Jan 24, 2010 10:28 PM:
" Thank you PCSD#1. I'm thankful to the 4 of you that voted to remove the banners. From the sounds of it the program was good, and I don't have a problem with the program. I do not hate homosexuals. Believe it or not, as a conservative Christian I still love my relatives that have chosen a gay lifestyle. What I do have a problem with is the sponsors of the program. Today those sponsors want to hang a banner in your hallway, so you let them. Tomorrow, they want to stand at the door of your school and hand out a pamphlet (but I can't stand there and hand you a Bible). A year from now, they are in your classroom as part of your sex-ed curriculum. It won't stop with a banner. "
hey now wrote on Jan 24, 2010 9:58 PM:
" we are the equality state....equal part man, equal part woman. now you wanna start teaching our kids about carpet munching and pole smoking, well I guess you better talk to ralphie in phoenix that is a progressive state "
greenkelleen wrote on Jan 24, 2010 9:15 PM:
" WyomingintheBlood:
You implied that the LGBTQ community was trying to "push their agenda" by sponsoring No Place for Hate. Come ON!! It would be wrong to take down that positive message no matter WHO sponsored it! Not hating someone for ANY differences is what it stands for -- and encouraging young people to stand up for others who are being persecuted for their differences, no matter what those differences may be. That is NOT part of the GAY AGENDA, it is merely a call for young people to stop the self-righteous violence, bigotry, and intolerance of differences that can grow to become serious hate crimes. What if the white supremacist group, The Council of Conservative Citizens, had sponsored a program about staying in school - and in small print on the banner it said "sponsored by the CCC"? Would that mean that the banner encouraging students to stay in school to get a good education and succeed in life is really, secretly, a part of a WHITE SUPREMACIST AGENDA?? "
You implied that the LGBTQ community was trying to "push their agenda" by sponsoring No Place for Hate. Come ON!! It would be wrong to take down that positive message no matter WHO sponsored it! Not hating someone for ANY differences is what it stands for -- and encouraging young people to stand up for others who are being persecuted for their differences, no matter what those differences may be. That is NOT part of the GAY AGENDA, it is merely a call for young people to stop the self-righteous violence, bigotry, and intolerance of differences that can grow to become serious hate crimes. What if the white supremacist group, The Council of Conservative Citizens, had sponsored a program about staying in school - and in small print on the banner it said "sponsored by the CCC"? Would that mean that the banner encouraging students to stay in school to get a good education and succeed in life is really, secretly, a part of a WHITE SUPREMACIST AGENDA?? "
RAINBOW ROFLCOPTER wrote on Jan 24, 2010 6:31 PM:
" I also feel bad for the people of Wheatland, since they have idiots in charge of their school system and town. "
RAINBOW ROFLCOPTER wrote on Jan 24, 2010 6:17 PM:
" It's pretty ironic that Wyoming is supposedly the "Equality" state, yet, there really isn't anything equal about it. It's obviously appearant, the school board's members, and city council are more concerned and distracted by their personal beliefs/homophobia, rather than our student's education, which results have shown poorly through-out the entire state of Wyoming, also, the message that is behind all of this which is simply, "No place for hate," which happens to be supported by a "Gay and Lesbian" group. It isn't preaching "No place to hate gays, etc..." It is what it is. The real question is, would this be an issue if the banner was supported by PETA, or a "Go Green" group? How about a religious group in the town of Wheatland? Nobody would take notice. But what can you expect from our "Equality" State? Political views based off of personal beliefs and/or religious beliefs, and closed-mindness? Or Equality?
"(Definition):state of being equal: rights, treatment, quantity, or value equal to all others in a specific group." Hmmmm... I sure do enjoy contradictions. The Wheatland school board and council members are complete jokes. So is homophobia. "
"(Definition):state of being equal: rights, treatment, quantity, or value equal to all others in a specific group." Hmmmm... I sure do enjoy contradictions. The Wheatland school board and council members are complete jokes. So is homophobia. "
Political Issue wrote on Jan 24, 2010 5:34 PM:
" This is one of those losing issues for the GOP. In 1980, 75% of high school students in America had a 'negative attitude' toward fellow gay students. In 2008, it was 22%. Drops every year. If the GOP expects another generation of voters, they gotta get with the program and quit discriminating. "
Blue Collar Scholar wrote on Jan 24, 2010 5:23 PM:
" To Duncan: You think Glenn Beck is a libertarian? A libertarian? So he believes that marijuana and abortions should be legal? And he believes the Patriot Act should be repealed? Because all three of those things are on the libertarian platform. Yeah Glenn Beck is a real libertarian. Actually, he's just another Republican tool who likes to think he's a libertarian. "
Listen to the kids wrote on Jan 24, 2010 4:59 PM:
" Kudos, Chelsea! Your post was very well written, especially when compared to the posts by many of the adults on here. Keep up the good fight! "
disagreeagree wrote on Jan 24, 2010 3:17 PM:
" I disagree with the banner or program to be sponsered by the gay and lesbian organization. There is no reason for that other then to perpetuate that life style. I do agree with the no hate message. Its not right to hate anyone. I know I sound like a hypocrite. I dont hate gays or lesbians I just dont think kids at that age really need to be influenced by an organization sponsering a school program. Let the kids figure that out on their own between their friends and peers. "
EL wrote on Jan 24, 2010 2:02 PM:
" As long as all groups can hang a sign in a public school I have no problem. But I don't think we would want the KKK to sponsor a sign in our schools would we? The board should have a blanket policy no signs period. "
brandy wrote on Jan 24, 2010 2:02 PM:
" Wheatland or Wheaterville is a fine place. Some people made a bad decision; many of us here don't agree and want the program reinstated. There's a petition going around to sign, available on Wheaterville "
EL wrote on Jan 24, 2010 1:55 PM:
" Bill " I am from Washington, DC and your craziness has gone national. You look like a bunch of backwater nuts. Do you folks marry your cousins? "
Washington DC one of the first places I think of as a good city? lol... Other than a few things to see name something good about D.C. "
Washington DC one of the first places I think of as a good city? lol... Other than a few things to see name something good about D.C. "
ZQ wrote on Jan 24, 2010 1:55 PM:
" There is an official petition you can sign if you would like to. Our goal is for a peacful way to let the school board know that we want WHS and Wheatland to be No Place for Hate. The link is available on www.wheaterville.com
You can also paste this in and get to the petition. Thanks.
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/NoBanningTheBanner "
You can also paste this in and get to the petition. Thanks.
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/NoBanningTheBanner "
Im with PCSB wrote on Jan 24, 2010 11:31 AM:
" PCSB made the right decision. Wheatland, like the rest of Wyoming is very tolerant but we don't need gay-rights special interests thrust in our faces. They can do that in Colorado. I'd be curious to know how many of these Pro-Homosexuality posts are from outside of Wyoming? "
A Proud Straight Wyoming Citizen wrote on Jan 24, 2010 11:25 AM:
" local wrote on Jan 23, 2010 11:04 PM who writes:
"Homosexuality is a behavior or lifestyle that one chooses."
WHY would anyone CHOOSE a behavior and lifestyle that makes them a magnet for discrimination, hatred, scorn, and even physical violence. Think about it -- it simply does NOT make sense. Homosexuality is no more a choice than is the color of your eyes or hair or whether you're right or left handed. Like all of those things, your sexuality is genetic. It is determined BEFORE you're born, NOT after!
It is obvious from all the comments here that the WHS students (and perhaps a majority of the adult residents) have a much better grip on reality than do three school board members and their supporters. The national uproar this banner decision is creating will do harm to both Wheatland and Wyoming, possibly irreparable harm.
Thanks a lot for that to the few Wheatland neanderthals who refuse to remove their 1950's blinders and join the rest of the enlightened world in the 21st century!
What a shame! "
"Homosexuality is a behavior or lifestyle that one chooses."
WHY would anyone CHOOSE a behavior and lifestyle that makes them a magnet for discrimination, hatred, scorn, and even physical violence. Think about it -- it simply does NOT make sense. Homosexuality is no more a choice than is the color of your eyes or hair or whether you're right or left handed. Like all of those things, your sexuality is genetic. It is determined BEFORE you're born, NOT after!
It is obvious from all the comments here that the WHS students (and perhaps a majority of the adult residents) have a much better grip on reality than do three school board members and their supporters. The national uproar this banner decision is creating will do harm to both Wheatland and Wyoming, possibly irreparable harm.
Thanks a lot for that to the few Wheatland neanderthals who refuse to remove their 1950's blinders and join the rest of the enlightened world in the 21st century!
What a shame! "
life goes on wrote on Jan 24, 2010 10:59 AM:
" No place for hate. I don't care what group funds this. What a wonderful message to teach children. No place for hate. If this is an inherently evil statement, then I guess I am the spawn of the devil. No place for hate. Will I go to hell for practicing this value? You sound as foolish as the people who would not allow their children to listen to President Obama when he spoke to the students of America about their personal responsibility and accountability for their actions and learning. How silly. Responsibility for your self. Accountability for your actions. No place for hate. If these are dangerous messages, we have already lost. "
Community Member wrote on Jan 24, 2010 10:42 AM:
" Friday at the home basketball game, it warmed my heart to see all the students wearing their No Place for Hate pins in protest. Students also put No Place for Hate posters all over the school in a quiet protest that spoke volumes. Way to go! "
WHS Parent wrote on Jan 24, 2010 10:22 AM:
" So is it ok if I hang NRA posters or Bible readings up? If they can support their agenda then so Can I. I am sorry but a banner does not teach tolerance, if parents actually took time to "raise" their children, we wouldn't have to have banners. Schools are there to teach the three R's, parents should take of life lessons at home. As a PCSD employee, I came to teach not babysit and that is what ALL schools have become, a place that teachers can correct the mistakes that parents didn't bother with. GO PCSD! "
to This is It wrote on Jan 24, 2010 10:19 AM:
" This Is It wrote on Jan 23, 2010 10:42 AM:
In your diatribe preamble (you really do have an agenda, don't you) you forgot to add: "teachers making cocaine drug deals in elementary schools right next to our children, Walmart is the community center . . ."
I was just happy to see you turn off the continuously looping recording of what a cesspool YOU'RE LIVING IN and make a comment about the topic at hand.
At the risk of offending you even more than I already have, I can honestly say that I agree with your stance on the Wheatland tolerance banner flap TOTALLY. Your take on the situation falls 100% in line with mine. How can that possibly be? It is nothing short of phenomenal!
Now please start home schooling your child so you can move out of this cesspool immediately and allow us unfortunate souls you leave behind to wallow in the dust that once was curbing on our warped, cracked, and pothole-filled streets.
Thank you. "
In your diatribe preamble (you really do have an agenda, don't you) you forgot to add: "teachers making cocaine drug deals in elementary schools right next to our children, Walmart is the community center . . ."
I was just happy to see you turn off the continuously looping recording of what a cesspool YOU'RE LIVING IN and make a comment about the topic at hand.
At the risk of offending you even more than I already have, I can honestly say that I agree with your stance on the Wheatland tolerance banner flap TOTALLY. Your take on the situation falls 100% in line with mine. How can that possibly be? It is nothing short of phenomenal!
Now please start home schooling your child so you can move out of this cesspool immediately and allow us unfortunate souls you leave behind to wallow in the dust that once was curbing on our warped, cracked, and pothole-filled streets.
Thank you. "
Jack wrote on Jan 24, 2010 9:49 AM:
" "There is no place for hate."
WRONG.
Hate is a valid emotion just like love.
This silly idea that somehow there is nothing that deserves to be hated and that hate is an invalid emotion is stupidity born out of moral relativism.
There is that which should be hated, as there always has been and always will be.
Liberal silliness, moral relativism and subversive organizations can never change that, try as they may.
It is timeless and immutable. "
WRONG.
Hate is a valid emotion just like love.
This silly idea that somehow there is nothing that deserves to be hated and that hate is an invalid emotion is stupidity born out of moral relativism.
There is that which should be hated, as there always has been and always will be.
Liberal silliness, moral relativism and subversive organizations can never change that, try as they may.
It is timeless and immutable. "
Samzmom wrote on Jan 24, 2010 8:54 AM:
" People who are lucky enough to fall in love with someone, be it of the same or opposite sex, are they not allowed that happiness because a few others have decided that it is not "normal"? We are not able to control who we fall in love with, but everyone deserves to love and be loved! The biggest tragedy of this is to have to go through life not being able to express true feelings to someone out of fear that it might offend someone else! Everyone deserves to find someone that we love and to be loved by that person, no matter what anyone else says about it. If you find it offensive, don't stare and make hatefull remarks - LIVE AND LET LIVE!!!!! "
seriously wrote on Jan 24, 2010 8:50 AM:
" Who put Joe Fabian in charge of deciding what a "normal lifestyle" is? As a parent of a WHS student and one who has seen the banner, we didn't even notice the gay/lesbian logo until this was all brought up and my child enjoyed the program!! I know gay people and it isn't something they "caught" or a decision they made. It is who they are! This program opens up the eyes of children to see that everyone is different but not in a bad way! And you don't have to be "normal" to be accepted! And I don't want to be "normal" by Joe Fabian's standards and neither does my child! Let us decide Joe! "
Wheatland embarrassed wrote on Jan 24, 2010 8:45 AM:
" Parents should teach their children tolerance and acceptance. They should also teach them their colors, manners and how to zip their coats, BUT THEY DON'T! I am sure every teacher in the district would love to come to work each day and only have to focus on academics, but that isn't reality. The School Board spend this fall adopting a bullying policy because the lack of tolerance and acceptance has reached a level that the state has mandated we have such a policy. Talk about a waste of time and resources, the boards current policy about No Place For Hate makes a joke of this policy. Thank you Dallas Mount, Charles Ruwart and Jay Houx for supporting the Wheatland Students. The No Place For Hate Program has never been about Gay and Lesbian rights and these three gentleman are intelligent enough to realize this. "
HEY WYOMING HOME wrote on Jan 24, 2010 8:44 AM:
" it's been six years, not five. you can't even keep track? how about GIVING IT UP BUDDY! YER SO PASSE! "
RACHEL S wrote on Jan 24, 2010 7:09 AM:
" I feel so upset over this whole issue. My family lives there in Wheatland and I think they mostly agree with the school board. I AM GAY and would be MOVING AWAY IN A HEARTBEAT IF I COULD NOT LIVE MY LIFE WITHOUT PEOPLE HATING ME FOR MY DECISIONS THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS! "
amazed wrote on Jan 24, 2010 4:19 AM:
" What is truely sad is that most of the postings are about hate. Hate the School Board, hate PCSD#1, hate Wheatland and anybody who lives here, hate Wyoming, and hate anybody who might disagree with your beliefs. Now who is it that needs the message of anti-hate. "
SP wrote on Jan 23, 2010 11:28 PM:
" Looks like the pro-gay army has suddenly become residents of Wheatland. I would love to see how many of you actually live here. I suspect you were given marching orders from the Grand masters to flood this comment board. WHS already has a no bullying policy that the board spent several months on last year. It includes protection for all students. This insidious group was brought in by 2 prinicipals who are either ignorant or have an agenda. The kids are asked to role play as gay and lesbian students...in the 3rd grade! Good Lord, do we really need this garbage in our schools? Teach your kids to respect others. I know these board members have recieved threatening anonymous calls from the "More Tolerant Than Thou" Groups...talk about hate! Many kids were verbally bullied by staff to sign these banners...talk about hate! Our kids are falling further and further behind in math, reading and science and our economy is in shambles so we need to role play? I love the "tolerance" as exhibited by these seminar bloggers.Can I post the anti-religious bigots names who were pro NPFH? "
local wrote on Jan 23, 2010 11:04 PM:
" Homosexuality is a behavior or lifestyle that one choses. It is something I chose not to accept, believe in or support. I find it quite offensive and deplorable. But I am force to keep my mouth and opinions to myself and I fake smile when I'm around them. Any other type of lewdness or lustfulness is not tolerated in public, and many are jailed and fined for doing so inappropriately. There's a place and time for sort of behavior, not in the public, school, church or other public setting. "
x1134x wrote on Jan 23, 2010 10:50 PM:
" People the message was this and ONLY this: There is no place for hate. That's it, and its right. The sponsors names on there surely ad awareness of existence of other lifestyles, but they in no way PROMOTE it, the sign promotes NOT HATING that group. It doesn't say: "Don't hate, and its ok to be a gay or lesbian even though your parents despise the idea"
It says "Don't hate, and by the way don't HATE gays and lesbians"
Any schoolboard who thinks that is a wrong message is stuck in 1950s ignorance and intolerance style of thinking, they don't want the message "DON'T HATE GAYS & LESBIANS" taught, they don't want children in their area to think its bad to hate them, OBVIOUSLY. "
It says "Don't hate, and by the way don't HATE gays and lesbians"
Any schoolboard who thinks that is a wrong message is stuck in 1950s ignorance and intolerance style of thinking, they don't want the message "DON'T HATE GAYS & LESBIANS" taught, they don't want children in their area to think its bad to hate them, OBVIOUSLY. "
wheatland high student wrote on Jan 23, 2010 8:38 PM:
" what if there was a MUSLIM group as a sponser on the banner? what would wheatland do then? Think about that! "
wheatland high student wrote on Jan 23, 2010 8:35 PM:
" the banner was never about being gay all of you idiots who save it was there was never an agenda. and there was never any talk of promoting homosexuality because of it. none of the students cared about the sponsers on the banner because the banner is about being kind to all human beings not just some, yes even you idiots that i called idiots. "
disgusted from member of class of 05 wrote on Jan 23, 2010 8:26 PM:
" Honestly I cant believe this. I went to WHS from 01-05 and we had plenty of different people including bi's gays and lesbians. We are all people and its ridiculous that the posters werent allowed to stay up. I am so glad I moved out of Wheatland and my kids will never go to that school district. Hell if your on this route PCSD why not just say only white, christian and straight kids can go to school here. You cant hide from the changes that are taking place so stop hiding behind all your old beliefs and wake up and realize times have changed and its not the 70's anymore. Wheatland is just going down hill and it is no wonder everyone is leaving and not looking back.. "
JCCyC wrote on Jan 23, 2010 5:30 PM:
" This is so unconstitutional it isn't even funny. I hope the school board is sued. "
mike wrote on Jan 23, 2010 4:25 PM:
" Funny how if you dont agree with everything you are a hate mongerer.
i dont like blue houses but i think people should be able to paint thier house whatever color they choose. I think the hatefull people are the ones who would force everyone to think like they do,(outwardly)!! "
i dont like blue houses but i think people should be able to paint thier house whatever color they choose. I think the hatefull people are the ones who would force everyone to think like they do,(outwardly)!! "
jands wrote on Jan 23, 2010 4:19 PM:
" I go to WHS and live outside of Wheatland. I'm a junior and I'm gay and I can tell you that that is hard. I'm not out but I joined No Place For Hate and its a great program. No it didn't make me think yea I want to tell the world but it did make me see that if or when i do there are people who would be ok with it. And even with the banners down I know that. But there are kids I know who didn't get to know that and that sucks. It would mean alot if people helped us fight for this. I wish I could do more, and I'll do what I can, but we need help from the outside. i hope they sue the pants off the school board. There is some really good comments on Wheaterville website that I put up here. This is what everyone reads in Wheatland so if you hve comments that would encourage people that would be awesome. www.wheaterville.com It's hard to do from the inside. "
Bill wrote on Jan 23, 2010 4:13 PM:
" I am from Washington, DC and your craziness has gone national. You look like a bunch of backwater nuts. Do you folks marry your cousins? "
duncan wrote on Jan 23, 2010 3:37 PM:
" "DeBoskey said people in Wheatland should speak out."
We will DeBoskey. We will tell the public about the ADL. Stuff like how the ADL was sued and lost $10 million in court for privacy vilations and how the ADL later lost their appeal.
We will tell the public about the hateful rhetoric used by the ADL to destroy their political enemies people like Aaron Zelman and Bob Glass, both prominent Jewish gun rights activists. And people like Glenn Beck a prominent Libertain and little people like me whom the ADL have defamed by claiming that I am a member of the LaPorte Church of Christ, an anti-semetic church in LaPorte CO, yet the ADL cannot show any proof to support their lies about me.
Yes in deed Mr. LeBoskey I shall speak out about you and your hateful organization.
Duncan Philp "
We will DeBoskey. We will tell the public about the ADL. Stuff like how the ADL was sued and lost $10 million in court for privacy vilations and how the ADL later lost their appeal.
We will tell the public about the hateful rhetoric used by the ADL to destroy their political enemies people like Aaron Zelman and Bob Glass, both prominent Jewish gun rights activists. And people like Glenn Beck a prominent Libertain and little people like me whom the ADL have defamed by claiming that I am a member of the LaPorte Church of Christ, an anti-semetic church in LaPorte CO, yet the ADL cannot show any proof to support their lies about me.
Yes in deed Mr. LeBoskey I shall speak out about you and your hateful organization.
Duncan Philp "
WHS Graduate wrote on Jan 23, 2010 3:27 PM:
" I was born and raised in Wheatland, and graduated from WHS. I have seen this many times over the years, the school and teachers letting their personal beliefs overrun everyone elses. I remember being told I couldn't give a book report because it conflicted with the teachers religious beliefs. So sad to see that a select few close-minded people can make such an impact on a whole community. Teach acceptance, not ignorance. Why ban signs that support something positive? God knows we need more positive outlooks in our schools and communities these days! Someone's sexual preference should not be a factor on wether or not hate is accepted in a school. I am glad I left Wheatland, although I do hope the community will someday see the damage they are causing by being so close-minded. "
Michael wrote on Jan 23, 2010 3:14 PM:
" To "former grad" who said: "i do not believe that gay and lesbian supporters should be aloud to participate in any school activities", Not only are you a bigot, but the school obviously didn't teach you well; it's allowed, not aloud "
Theresa wrote on Jan 23, 2010 3:12 PM:
" 'Lifestyle choices.' Is that what the backwaters are still calling it? Better check with the AMA on that, folks. It's been known for over twenty years now that some people are born gay. It is not a cultural condition. "
Hatred runs deep wrote on Jan 23, 2010 3:00 PM:
" I really don't care to like anybody and I never will, so why not just hate everybody that way you don't have to choose. "
wheatland high student wrote on Jan 23, 2010 2:49 PM:
" Resolution of Respect
I pledge from this day forward to do my best to combat prejudice and to stop those who, because of hate or ignorance, would hurt anyone or violate their civil rights. I will try at all times to be aware of my own biases and seek to gain understanding of those who I perceive as being different from myself. I will speak out against all forms of prejudice and discrimination. I will reach out to support those who are targets of hate. I will think about specific ways my community members can promote respect for people and create a prejudice-free zone. I firmly believe that one person can make a difference and that no person can be an "innocent" bystander when it comes to opposing hate. I recognize that respecting individual dignity, achieving equality and promoting intergroup harmony are the responsibilities of all people. By signing this pledge, I commit myself to creating a community that is No Place for Hate. "
I pledge from this day forward to do my best to combat prejudice and to stop those who, because of hate or ignorance, would hurt anyone or violate their civil rights. I will try at all times to be aware of my own biases and seek to gain understanding of those who I perceive as being different from myself. I will speak out against all forms of prejudice and discrimination. I will reach out to support those who are targets of hate. I will think about specific ways my community members can promote respect for people and create a prejudice-free zone. I firmly believe that one person can make a difference and that no person can be an "innocent" bystander when it comes to opposing hate. I recognize that respecting individual dignity, achieving equality and promoting intergroup harmony are the responsibilities of all people. By signing this pledge, I commit myself to creating a community that is No Place for Hate. "
wheatland high student wrote on Jan 23, 2010 2:36 PM:
" The banner isn't about the sponsers printed in small letters its about the big words on it NO PLACE FOR HATE. "
When Ignorance trumps Reason wrote on Jan 23, 2010 2:34 PM:
" The Wheatland School Board and the bloggers who support them only prove if you repeat lies long enough and loud enough sooner or later some fools will believe them.
The ADL website clearly spells out the "No Place for Hate" campaign.
Maybe if folks would read it they wouldn't be so paranoid about the program:
http://regions.adl.org/mountain-states/programs/no-place-for-hate.html
In their document "101 Ways to make a positive impact" it mentions LGBT issues only in three. Nowhere does it say a community must subscribe to everything. Look at it yourselves and stop being so ludicrous:
http://regions.adl.org/assets/mountain-states-pdfs/101waysweb1.pdf
The main purpose of the program is to end bullying, which is a growing problem in many schools and a major cause of child and teen suicide.
If working on this is subversive. Then I rather be a proud subversive then a do nothing conservative content to let more children die from a problem I failed to acknowledge really exists.
It's time for the grown-ups to grow up. Our children depend on it. "
The ADL website clearly spells out the "No Place for Hate" campaign.
Maybe if folks would read it they wouldn't be so paranoid about the program:
http://regions.adl.org/mountain-states/programs/no-place-for-hate.html
In their document "101 Ways to make a positive impact" it mentions LGBT issues only in three. Nowhere does it say a community must subscribe to everything. Look at it yourselves and stop being so ludicrous:
http://regions.adl.org/assets/mountain-states-pdfs/101waysweb1.pdf
The main purpose of the program is to end bullying, which is a growing problem in many schools and a major cause of child and teen suicide.
If working on this is subversive. Then I rather be a proud subversive then a do nothing conservative content to let more children die from a problem I failed to acknowledge really exists.
It's time for the grown-ups to grow up. Our children depend on it. "
wheatland high student wrote on Jan 23, 2010 2:33 PM:
" i am one of the students at wheatland high school fighting and protesting the removal of the banner in fact i might even make a new banner and it'll say Wheatland town of intolerance and bigotry: make next possible U-turn. "
wheatland high student wrote on Jan 23, 2010 2:20 PM:
" if anyone in this town has seen Prayers for Bobby they would know that his death was right in our backyard. he died because of intolerance and ignorance. i hope i don't have to pray for a Bobby in this town. Gays are people too. in Gods eyes we are all different but not because of our sexuality. "
Patriot wrote on Jan 23, 2010 2:13 PM:
" Using the (il)logic of the Wheatland School Board, if the same organizations sponsoring the "No Place for Hate" banners asked them to put up a banner which read "Remember those who serve to defend and protect our freedoms," or "Support our troops" they would oppose the banner on the pin-headed principles as their opposition to the "No Place for Hate" banners. How pathetic!
Wake up Wheaterville, it's time for change. Being "conservative" doesn't mean being bigoted and ignorant. You give us real Conservatives a bad name. Yet another embarassment for "The Party of Lincoln!" "
Wake up Wheaterville, it's time for change. Being "conservative" doesn't mean being bigoted and ignorant. You give us real Conservatives a bad name. Yet another embarassment for "The Party of Lincoln!" "
wheatland high student wrote on Jan 23, 2010 2:13 PM:
" wyoming's equality is a joke in wheatland. the decision to remove the banner was passed right after the so called "equality day." most of the schools in wyoming don't go to school on equality day, but we do. equlity day doesn't exist in wheatland. equality period doesn't exist in wheatland. its 2010 for cryin out loud "
wheatland high student wrote on Jan 23, 2010 2:08 PM:
" Just because this supporters name is on the banner doesn't mean that they are trying to push their lifestyle on the students there's no agenda for turning kids gay or lesbian. i'm sick of the homophobs in this stupid town. and i'm sick of the adults trying to make our choices for us. "
transsami wrote on Jan 23, 2010 2:06 PM:
" lets not pretend anyone opposed to this has a legitimate reason. They didn't care about the ten thousand other posters before this about not doing drugs, joining the fellowship of christian athletes or learning chinese. They only care because this one dared to imply gay people shouldn't be hated.
If your mad about a poster that basically says theirs no reason to hate gay people YOU ARE A BIGOT. No different in any way from a man who hates blacks, women or jews. "
If your mad about a poster that basically says theirs no reason to hate gay people YOU ARE A BIGOT. No different in any way from a man who hates blacks, women or jews. "
wheatland high student wrote on Jan 23, 2010 1:50 PM:
" My name is Chelsea and I am a senior at Wheatland High School. My school has recently been removed from the No Place For Hate Anti-Defamation League. This was due to the school boards decision to remove our No Place For Hate banner, that the students signed because the school board realized that is was supported by a gay and lesbian group. Therefore demonstrating intolerance, prejudice, and bigotry. Wheatland High School student are outraged by the boards actions, so we have taken it upon ourselves to take action and to fight to get our banner back and maybe even bring the program back to our school. But to do this we will have to teach and change our school and eventually our town. Its time for Wheatland to crawl out of it's shell and grow up. Intolerance will no longer be an option' its a shame that Wheatland's children have grown up before their own parents. If we were offended by the banner we would have said something. The banner was a part of our freedom of speech and it was not the school boards decision to remove the banner. "
Jesse Marker wrote on Jan 23, 2010 12:37 PM:
" here is a news flash for the school board of WHeatland!! You CANNOT catch gay!! "
Jesse Marker wrote on Jan 23, 2010 12:33 PM:
" Mr. Fabians comment really made me laugh stating-- He implied students who were not supportive of the banner suffered discrimination.-- Are you serious!!! I grew up in Wheatland and have seen it all! People the town is not bad just a few that are in charge of it! Kids can make there own minds on what group they want to be a part of FBLA,FFA,4H etc. The school board is wrong wrong wrong!!! "
Val wrote on Jan 23, 2010 12:21 PM:
" Patrick J. Leslie wrote on Jan 23, 2010 9:27 AM:
" When did the two of you decide to be heterosexual?"
I believe it was immediately after we first discovered our fathers' stash of Playboy magazines. "
_____________
I doubt your autonomic physical reaction to the sexist rag had anything to do with "choice."
You made the point exactly that it wasn't your choice, it was your body's choice. A gay man would not react quit differently. "
" When did the two of you decide to be heterosexual?"
I believe it was immediately after we first discovered our fathers' stash of Playboy magazines. "
_____________
I doubt your autonomic physical reaction to the sexist rag had anything to do with "choice."
You made the point exactly that it wasn't your choice, it was your body's choice. A gay man would not react quit differently. "
Lou from Cheyenne wrote on Jan 23, 2010 12:20 PM:
" Way to go Wheatland. I am so tired of this
PC, BS. You do not dare read the bible or say the word god without being called a racist. Keep the banner down!! Too many liberal agenda's in the school. Teach the 3 R's! "
PC, BS. You do not dare read the bible or say the word god without being called a racist. Keep the banner down!! Too many liberal agenda's in the school. Teach the 3 R's! "
WyomingintheBlood wrote on Jan 23, 2010 12:16 PM:
" Schools must not become the vehicle for any kind of message.
It's bad enough that the activist Supreme Court now allows corporations to buy politicians without our schools being able to be sold to any group who wants to use them as a bull horn.
I am very much for equal rights for gays and lesbians. I would allow marriage and benefits to extend to same sex couples. But if G&L groups can use the school as a message board then so can White Supremists. "
It's bad enough that the activist Supreme Court now allows corporations to buy politicians without our schools being able to be sold to any group who wants to use them as a bull horn.
I am very much for equal rights for gays and lesbians. I would allow marriage and benefits to extend to same sex couples. But if G&L groups can use the school as a message board then so can White Supremists. "
Jenna Sis wrote on Jan 23, 2010 10:59 AM:
" To Former Grad: The Adam and Steve joke was kind of played out in 1988. You gotta get out of Wheatland more often. And if you think there really was a naked dude wandering around the Middle East named "Adam," then I've got some commercial real estate I'll sell you in Baghdad. "
Jack wrote on Jan 23, 2010 10:51 AM:
" Remember, this is not a gay pride banner. Has nothing to do with being gay or not gay. It's a banner promoting respect to other students. "
This Is It wrote on Jan 23, 2010 10:42 AM:
" Typical typical arogent right wing Cheyenne. Home of the rediculously low dollar paycheck, crooked employers who shortchange their employees, rhetoric spreading right wing justifying the lousy pay, empty boarded up companies out of business all over the city especially downtown, warped cracked and pothole filled streets everywhere, sidewalks cracked and missing huge chunks, curbs turning to powder, very little technology, no tech jobs, discusting smelly downtown, and yes it looks ike a new western ghost town IMHO.
While I am not gay this is yet again the signs of the right wing who are sooooo afraid that a sign will turn their child gay. How pathetic. If you are gay then you were born that way. It would take a 100% modification at the genetic level to change that fact.
Man O Man, do these folks actually believe that a sign that says NO to HATE will turn their child gay or is it just like the book burnings of Hitler. Sure sounds like a NAZI premise if I ever saw one which IMO defines many of the conservatives around here party. "
While I am not gay this is yet again the signs of the right wing who are sooooo afraid that a sign will turn their child gay. How pathetic. If you are gay then you were born that way. It would take a 100% modification at the genetic level to change that fact.
Man O Man, do these folks actually believe that a sign that says NO to HATE will turn their child gay or is it just like the book burnings of Hitler. Sure sounds like a NAZI premise if I ever saw one which IMO defines many of the conservatives around here party. "
dd is a idiot and the rest of you calling wyoming a badplace wrote on Jan 23, 2010 10:30 AM:
" broke back mountain wasnt filmed in wyoming if your going to put wyoming down get your facts strait and mathew Shepard happend in laramie by some college kids and ya it was a terrible thing to do.but people make bad choices. but not all of wyoming are like that you got to look at the good more then the bad. you make it sound like wheatland is the worst place to live. not everyone here in wheatland is like that. just some poeple like to make bad choices. and most of the teachers at pcsd1 are trying to get the banners back up. im a wheatland highschool student. "
Paul Lohaus wrote on Jan 23, 2010 10:26 AM:
" What do we mean by "tolerance"? What I really want is a school where it is safe for students to say, I am struggling with my sexuality or I am gay and not fear being called names or fear being beat up. I also want a school where a student can say to his gay friend, I love you and God loves you gay friend but practicing homosexual acts is not in the best interest of your long-term mental and physical health. A student should be able to say this without being labeled a bigot or homophobe or fear being marginalized or turned into a schools administration as a promoter of hate. There is solid objective sociological and scientific evidence for this. Are we really ready for this kind of traditional tolerance? A traditional tolerance that says, I disagree with your position but I will strive to think the best of you and try to see things from your perspective; will you do the same for me? Judging from the reader comments at the end of the above web site, I would say we are not. I think all would benefit from reading the following articles:
http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5359
http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6742 "
http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5359
http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6742 "
wyoming proud wrote on Jan 23, 2010 10:04 AM:
" This is not an issue about gay/lesbianism. It is an issue about whether or not it is acceptable for a school to display a banner for a program that is sponsored by the gay and lesbian coalition and that states this on the banner. This banner is displayed in an elementary school with students age 8-12 and a high school. I send my children to school to learn the 3 r's. I do not expect the school to teach them tolerance and acceptance. This is my parental responsibility. I do not want my tax dollars going towards a "free" (a program is not free to the district when you add in the $ for busing to programs and substitutes to replace teachers that attend program meetings)program such as this. Only 25 schools in CO and WY are a part of the program. We need to look at what all the other schools are doing to educate students on tolerance. I do not want the ADL or any other group having an influence in our schools. Unfortunately, activists and the media take these issues and twist them to promote their own agenda. "
John wrote on Jan 23, 2010 9:49 AM:
" It is a Place for Hate, and they want to be honest about that fact. "
Patrick J. Leslie wrote on Jan 23, 2010 9:27 AM:
" When did the two of you decide to be heterosexual?"
I believe it was immediately after we first discovered our fathers' stash of Playboy magazines. "
I believe it was immediately after we first discovered our fathers' stash of Playboy magazines. "
Jack wrote on Jan 23, 2010 9:13 AM:
" Boy do the lefty kooks get riled when the camels nose in the tent gets whacked! "
You Gotta Be Kidding Me wrote on Jan 23, 2010 9:08 AM:
" What kind of parent whines to the board about a banner that says "No Place For Hate." That's all it said. That's like seeing a banner that says "drug-free zone" and saying, "That hurts my feelings." Are these parents that fragile? "
former grad wrote on Jan 23, 2010 8:50 AM:
" i do not believe that gay and lesbian supporters should be aloud to participate in any school activities its hard enough to teach our kids the right way to live without having this going on to make them think that being homosexual is just dandy that is NOT the way the lord made us it was adam and eve not adam and steve!!!! "
Snafu wrote on Jan 23, 2010 7:23 AM:
" Just the name on the banner reveals their underlying mission of indoctrination of youth. These gay and lesbian groups have sent the message that if you don't agree with them that homosexuality is not only morally right but equal with heterosexual relationships, then you must have hate. I believe homosexuality is wrong, it goes against nature, etc, but I would NEVER assault, harass or say anything bad to a homosexual. BUT, if I tell my children that it is wrong, like GOD says, then these groups say I'm full of hate or a homophobe. "
Who Cares wrote on Jan 23, 2010 7:17 AM:
" There's bigger problems in our state. Unemployment, teen pregancy and drugs. "
L. L. wrote on Jan 23, 2010 6:50 AM:
" I am an alumn of the PCSD, and am embarrassed for the current school board, school system, and community. Fear is a destructive force, and fear is what is driving this hate-filled decision. Fear only leads to intolerance. Intolerance leads to discrimination and violence. Did you learn nothing from the case of Mr. Shephard? Going even further back in history, did you learn nothing from the holocaust--a campaign based entirely on fear and hatred?
The students of PCSD, regardless of their belief system, have been taught it is okay to be intolerant of others. They have been taught it is okay to hate. The decision has also made acceptable a very unsafe situation for any students that may be homosexual within the walls of the PCSD.
Shame on the PCSD. "
The students of PCSD, regardless of their belief system, have been taught it is okay to be intolerant of others. They have been taught it is okay to hate. The decision has also made acceptable a very unsafe situation for any students that may be homosexual within the walls of the PCSD.
Shame on the PCSD. "
Wheatland Mom wrote on Jan 23, 2010 1:59 AM:
" I PRAY there are NO suicides over this! No One is Alone. "
Standing Firm wrote on Jan 23, 2010 1:56 AM:
" "God hates Fags." -Reverend Fred Phelps, Westboro Baptist Church.
"God hates America." -Reverend Fred Phelps, Westboro Baptist Church.
Congratulations Wheatland School Board. You are in fine company. "
"God hates America." -Reverend Fred Phelps, Westboro Baptist Church.
Congratulations Wheatland School Board. You are in fine company. "
LM Ellis wrote on Jan 23, 2010 1:55 AM:
" I'm a parent of two WHS students who are involved in the student body government. This banner has been hung in the main commons area since early September of 2009. This banner has been hung in the same area where a retired athlete who is a lesbian's jersey is hung and honored!!!! In the gym of WHS is a banner of the Gatoraide Athlete of the year hangs. This issue is not about the sponsorship of the banners because if it was then WHS and the school district would sponser sex addicts who are not faithful to their wives and children!!!! This is about simple minded men who are attempting to speak for "the community"!!! Abosulte baloney!!! Again I'm a wife and mother of two children who are student body officers at WHS and this is about uneducated board members who are racist!!! People must ask why was this banner able to hang in the the commons for the entire 1st semester and nothing done??? Please do not think because Mr. Dunham and Mr. Fabian thoughts are those of all the parents of WHS students!!!! "
CS wrote on Jan 23, 2010 1:54 AM:
" This is NOT about being Openly Gay!!! Its "NO ROOM FOR HATE..." PERIOD!!! No matter WHO you are!!! Arent we at WAR enough? Let Our kids speak and BE Heard!!! Isnt THAT what the schools are supposed Teach? We ALL need to be proud of them ALL!!! "
Clean Slate wrote on Jan 23, 2010 1:50 AM:
" I agree that non-profit groups have no right pushing their agendas in schools. FFA, 4H, Boy Scouts, I don't want to see so much as a post-it note in the hallway from you agenda-peddling agitators. Non-profits will destroy America. Clean up our schools! "
moses wrote on Jan 23, 2010 1:37 AM:
" THE MIND IS LIKE A PARACHUTE,IT ONLY WORKS WHEN ITS OPEN. THANK YOU "
Maxwell wrote on Jan 23, 2010 1:31 AM:
" If ignorance is bliss, then the Platte County School Board must be in a state of perpetual orgasm. "
tim wrote on Jan 22, 2010 11:37 PM:
" I think thqat allowing homosexual groups to have posters in a school is no different than having religion in a school. if kids can't say under god during the pledge then no other group should be allowed to post their signs either. if the shoe was on the other foot and a hate group such as the kkk wanted to post signs should we allow that? its freedom of speech.if you din't allow one group then you shouldn't allow any. if they allow this sign then it is a violation of the no solicitation policy. no single group should be allowed to persuade our children one way or another. they are there to learn not be sheep to what the group with the highest bid has to offer. all schools should follow suit. anyone who feels that them taking the signs down is wrong should look at both sides. forcing the signs up is discrimination against all groups opposed to the other groups. what if they posted only democratic or rebulican messages in the school. there are 2 sidesto every situation. remove the names of the groups who are pushing the program and its a different message all together. "
supporter wrote on Jan 22, 2010 11:26 PM:
" Thank you for standing up for morality and not giving in. I am proud of you and hope you stay the course.... "
Blue Collar Scholar wrote on Jan 22, 2010 11:11 PM:
" Says right in the Old Testament that homosexuality is punishable by death. Along with eating pork chops or shrimp... or doing chores on Sunday. But who's counting. No one would be naive enough to take the Old Testament literally.... right? "
EX WHS Student wrote on Jan 22, 2010 11:06 PM:
" I went to WHS back in 2003 to 2006 and this school was never this way, What changed it, That is pretty pathetic that the teachers have to get into the students personal lives. I does not matter if they are gay lesbian, whatever they are still students. And those posters are the beliefs of the students and should not have been taken down. Wheatland board members need to grow up and worry about the childrens grades and how their school is being ran rather than a students beliefs. "
Unnatural wrote on Jan 22, 2010 10:52 PM:
" Homosexuality is a tool of the left, to divide us and drive us further from our mission.
-Adolph Hitler, 1938 "
-Adolph Hitler, 1938 "
UP wrote on Jan 22, 2010 10:50 PM:
" Next time I go to Glendo or Laramie Peak, I'll make sure to buy gas and groceries here in Cheyenne first. I'd hate to stop in Wheatland and offend them with my liberal backing. "
shannon McQueen wrote on Jan 22, 2010 10:36 PM:
" I think Weatland is a sad group of people!!how can you judge someone on something thats has NO effect what so ever on your life!!SERIOUSLY find some thing else to do with your time!Wheatland is full of nasty ranchers stuck in there own ways!!GROW UP people its 2010!!heres a thought how about wheatland crawls out of there nasty hole in the plant and joins the rest of the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I truely feel sorry for the children of these parents they are going to grow up and be sooo closed minded!!! "
Wheatland Mom wrote on Jan 22, 2010 10:35 PM:
" I am SO Proud of my daughter for protesting this today! Equality for ALL, Not Some! Ignorance is the cause of Hate. "
jc wrote on Jan 22, 2010 10:12 PM:
" This is dissappointing to many of us who live here...to say that these views are those of the community as a whole is untrue. I believe that teaching our kids about accepting one another's differences is so important. I am so disappointed in our school board. Way to go those of you who are not backing down to this attitude! "
WakeUpBoardMembers wrote on Jan 22, 2010 10:03 PM:
" By removing the banners under the guise of not promoting a gay agenda, you are, in fact, promoting your own agenda of intolerance. Way to perpetuate the hate, you pious homophobes.
(I'm so impressed to see all of the people speaking out about the issue on here! :) it looks like Wyoming is becoming a little more open-minded!) "
(I'm so impressed to see all of the people speaking out about the issue on here! :) it looks like Wyoming is becoming a little more open-minded!) "
Equality wrote on Jan 22, 2010 9:58 PM:
" We can not teach our kids one thing and DO another. I am Very Proud of these (my) kids that Protested! No parent should have their own "Prayers For Bobby". Ignorance is the Sin. "
Glad I am gone from there wrote on Jan 22, 2010 9:52 PM:
" Seriously Wheatland, grow up already! Enough is enough...For far too long you all have acted in the most simplest of ways because you are just too afraid of change and what that means for your residents...Yes, black people and gays do exist, and they live in your town..Fence them in or out, ignore them, degrade them, they are still there...And trust me, no one is that damn eager to live there anyway...To those of use who moved away from there...God bless us for finding a life, full of opportunity and anti-hate morals and ethics. "
Kylie wrote on Jan 22, 2010 9:33 PM:
" According to Mary Cheney, the lesbian daughter of Dick Cheney, she had her first intimate encounter with another female at the age of 15. Her parents learned about it when she was 16. So that makes Dick Cheney.... a bad parent for letting it all happen? He should have laid down the law? By Wheatland logic, he's either a parent who endorses evil, or he's lying about being conservative. There's no other explanation for this abomination. "
k davis wrote on Jan 22, 2010 9:32 PM:
" Why don't we teach our kids hate and crime are wrong in the first place? The way kids act nowadays comes straight from the home, so why don't we put the blame where it belongs? Stop expecting the SCHOOLS to raise your children! "
skb wrote on Jan 22, 2010 9:10 PM:
" Wheatland High School is the very place that needs those anti hate posters the most. "
Im ashamed wrote on Jan 22, 2010 9:05 PM:
" This just goes to show that we have made no progress in this state. We preach EQUALITY in this great state, and yet we take it away when it doesn't serve our purpose. Equal rights and representation means equal rights for everyone. This is BLATANT discrimination. "
Other Brother Darrell wrote on Jan 22, 2010 8:35 PM:
" So bribing a politician with now unlimited 'campaign contributions' is considered by the courts to be free speech and is to be protected at all costs.
But students hanging a banner in their school that says, "be nice to your fellow students" is.... the end of morality as we know it.
Are these right-wing nut cases for real? "
But students hanging a banner in their school that says, "be nice to your fellow students" is.... the end of morality as we know it.
Are these right-wing nut cases for real? "
Harve S Magrane wrote on Jan 22, 2010 8:34 PM:
" Ah. I will the school board's critics as soon as a Berkeley high school allows a 2nd amendment banner from the NRA. Until then, let the community's sensibilities speak for themselves. "
Rex wrote on Jan 22, 2010 8:29 PM:
" Wheatland bans anti-hate banners. Now requiring all banners to be certified pro-hate.
And we wonder why young people leave Wyoming. Probably the same reason kids hate living in Iran. Too many clerics at the wheel. "
And we wonder why young people leave Wyoming. Probably the same reason kids hate living in Iran. Too many clerics at the wheel. "
School Board Needs Some School wrote on Jan 22, 2010 8:24 PM:
" I am not gay. But I have been a doctor for over twenty years, and I do know this: According to the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association, homosexuality is not a 'lifestyle choice.' It is also not an ailment or a disease. Approximately 8% of the human population is simply born gay. We do know that there is a range as to HOW gay. In some cases the issue is chromosomal, and it is the most severe. In others it is physiological, generally stemming from random hormonal reactions within the mother during pregnancy. Either way, because it is a naturally-occurring physical condition among a certain percentage of the general population, you will never talk a gay person out of being gay; any more than you can talk a straight person out of being straight. "
Fight It All The Way wrote on Jan 22, 2010 7:54 PM:
" This is a First Amendment matter, and ultimately the school board will lose. And they'll spend a lot of money losing.
This would be like some County Commission saying the Second Amendment does not apply there, because they don't like the NRA backing it. They find that backing 'offensive.' And their justification was, "well, we had a lot of pressure from our residents because we're an ultra-liberal community." It doesn't matter if you like the NRA or not, the Second Amendment stands; and it supersedes local tastes. The court case in DC just confirmed that.
Same deal here. This school board in Wheatland is out to lunch. "
This would be like some County Commission saying the Second Amendment does not apply there, because they don't like the NRA backing it. They find that backing 'offensive.' And their justification was, "well, we had a lot of pressure from our residents because we're an ultra-liberal community." It doesn't matter if you like the NRA or not, the Second Amendment stands; and it supersedes local tastes. The court case in DC just confirmed that.
Same deal here. This school board in Wheatland is out to lunch. "
Jeremy wrote on Jan 22, 2010 7:51 PM:
" Homosexuality is as much of a lifestyle as heterosexuality. Which is to say that it ISN'T a lifestyle. Being a vegan is a lifestyle choice. When did you choose to be straight?
What PCSD #1 did is send a message to its teachers that it's okay to teach hate and intolerance to the students of that school district. Yes, schools are in the business of teaching. So teach facts. If that's more important than teaching kids how to interact in a social setting, then I expect the sports teams to be gotten rid of. Teamwork and good sportsmanship aren't facts and therefore shouldn't be part of a curriculum or after-school activities. "
What PCSD #1 did is send a message to its teachers that it's okay to teach hate and intolerance to the students of that school district. Yes, schools are in the business of teaching. So teach facts. If that's more important than teaching kids how to interact in a social setting, then I expect the sports teams to be gotten rid of. Teamwork and good sportsmanship aren't facts and therefore shouldn't be part of a curriculum or after-school activities. "
Gotta Love Wheatland wrote on Jan 22, 2010 7:44 PM:
" The problem with the gays is that they flaunt their sexuality. Sexuality should be private. They should keep it to themselves.... like Pamela Anderson does. And Paris Hilton. "
I agree wrote on Jan 22, 2010 7:40 PM:
" Good for Wheatland! They have their right to stand against up for their beliefs too. "
Wide Stance and the Conservative Movement wrote on Jan 22, 2010 7:39 PM:
" There is no place in society for homosexuality. Unless that place is a bathroom stall at an airport. Or Ted Haggart's 'massage parlor.' Or any other closet where we can try to hide it. "
Really Wheatland wrote on Jan 22, 2010 7:31 PM:
" I would just like to say to the PCSD supporter that the people of Wheatland did not all speak. I in fact know of hundreds of people outraged by this decision. Being FROM Wheatland, my facebook is stacked with statuses about being outraged. We're all embarrassed to be from Wheatland. They wonder why all of their youth are graduating and moving away, well look at how you are acting. I refuse to move back to a place filled with such hate and animosity towards people they've never met. If you don't like gay marriage/ "homosexual lifestyle" then don't get one. "
keith douglas warren wrote on Jan 22, 2010 7:23 PM:
" I really hope that the ACLU gets in on this and rakes these bigots over the coals. They have no place in education with attitudes like this. And i'll put money on them considering themselves 'good christians.' riiiiight "
KHW wrote on Jan 22, 2010 7:16 PM:
" Clearly Wheatland is a place for hate. The four school board members who voted to remove the banners should be ashamed of themselves. They are not competent to direct the education of children. "
pcsd alumi wrote on Jan 22, 2010 7:08 PM:
" This is embarrassing. This board decision screams ignorance. This is a student's voluntary decision to improve themselves and their school and the board decides that because of a few ignorant parents that these students don't deserve to be recognized for their efforts. But then again if they had left the poster up, it would obviously be a lie because of the hate radiating from this situation. "
Jordan wrote on Jan 22, 2010 6:47 PM:
" That organization was set up by Jewish people, so 'ultra-conservatives' are okay with Jews just not gays? At least some part of their mind is open...I guess. As a Wheatland alumi, I know that program was very successful. Too bad they don't think it's necessary. "
In The Zone wrote on Jan 22, 2010 6:45 PM:
" This here is a hate zone. Long-term, we're going for murder and school shootings. Maybe some more teen suicides. But right now, we're just keeping it simple. You know, hate, discrimination, ignorance. Stuff like that. You gotta build up to it. "
Cory Fluharty Meyer wrote on Jan 22, 2010 6:41 PM:
" After reading this article I am ashamed to admit that I was a student of Platte CSD#1 from Kindergarten through 12th grade. I am thoroughly disgusted that the majority of the school board is unwilling to show tolerance and acceptance of ALL of their students.
I applaud the Anti-Defamation League for pulling their program out of a district where the school board clearly does not understand or agree with the basic premise of the program.
It breaks my heart to know that these are the people in charge of the education of HUNDREDS of children. "
I applaud the Anti-Defamation League for pulling their program out of a district where the school board clearly does not understand or agree with the basic premise of the program.
It breaks my heart to know that these are the people in charge of the education of HUNDREDS of children. "
no hater wrote on Jan 22, 2010 6:33 PM:
" You do kind of wonder if the school board members get the irony of their position. The entire purpose of the program is to promote respect for different points of view whether you agree with them or not. By taking this little banner down, they are making the very point for the program existing. So dumb on their part to have given these people a platform to make their point. You almost wonder if the school board members aren't on the gay folks' payroll? Too funny. "
Mark wrote on Jan 22, 2010 5:47 PM:
" Information like this is disappointing. It makes the Town of Wheatland look too entirely intolerant. "
Jay wrote on Jan 22, 2010 5:39 PM:
" Real telling. You would think Wyoming would have learned something from the murder of Matthew Shapard. The ignorance is overwhelming, and sad. No wonder any students with any sense get out of Wyoming as soon as they can. "
Tony J. wrote on Jan 22, 2010 5:39 PM:
" Thanks to all the parents and school board officials who stood up for our kids. They are still our children and we are the ones who should teach our kids morals, not the schools. Schools are for academic learning and the parents responsibility are teaching ethics, values and morals. "
mantican wrote on Jan 22, 2010 5:19 PM:
" This is really sad. It looks like Wheatland is speaking out though, on their glorified blog www.wheaterville.com and thankfully it seems like there are more people who are tolerant then intolerant. I hope someone does sue the school board. Thank you to the three members of the school board who voted for tolerance. "
disappointed wrote on Jan 22, 2010 4:56 PM:
" Wow, after all these years and everything that has happened I can't believe that an anti-hate program is being shut down by simple minded, ignorant people. I am not a homosexual, but I have friends who are and I find this disturbing. Are the posters saying "Be Gay! It's better that way!" or in any other way trying to force their lifestyles onto these students? NO! Didn't the people of Wyoming learn anything when Matthew Shephard died? The parents in Wheatland need to realize that the anti-hate message is a good thing and stop worrying that posters will turn their children into homosexuals! "
embarassed wrote on Jan 22, 2010 4:44 PM:
" The people are ignorant, and the board even more so for making the decision. The banners are about anti-hate, not pro-alternative lifestyle. Just because they say the words "gay" and "lesbian" on them doesn't mean they're pushing the youth of this community to act accordingly. People are people, and in The Equality State this should never have happened. "
A tourist wrote on Jan 22, 2010 4:37 PM:
" So I guess there is a place for hate in Wyoming. Too bad, it seems like such a pretty state to visit. I suppose I'll just go to Canada. Friendlier there anyway. "
formerstudent wrote on Jan 22, 2010 4:31 PM:
" I personally think that this issue has been blown WAY out of the water. So WHS refused to hang posters up based on a sponsorship by a gay and lesbian group...what's next? Hanging posters up informing of the dangers of drinking and driving, sponsored by Crown Royal? Posters promoting a vegan lifestyle promoted by PETA? Disregarding the requests of some of the parents and community members would open doors for other organizations to promote within the school system, and the board would ultimately have to let them...simply because of this aforementioned poster. Where do you draw the line? "
Wheatland Resident wrote on Jan 22, 2010 4:19 PM:
" Can we look any more ignorant and ridiculous?? Painfully ironic is right. I'm not in favor of the lifestyle, but they are people too--No place for hate. I'm ashamed to say I live in this redneck town. It's 2010 people, ridiculous... "
Julian Domain wrote on Jan 22, 2010 4:18 PM:
" I feel for the children in those schools that are LGBT they have nowhere that is safe. How could those parents do that to their own children? "
Ridiculous wrote on Jan 22, 2010 4:04 PM:
" It's not a program that promotes gay and lesbian lifestyle. It's a program that promotes being kind to other human beings. That's the message that is lost here. "
Peggy wrote on Jan 22, 2010 4:02 PM:
" I saw the poster and never noticed the gay and lesbian support. It's a good program and the school board should stop being so short-sighted. "
Equality State wrote on Jan 22, 2010 3:58 PM:
" And why is Wyoming still considered the Equality State? If they outlawed stupidity in the state, the population would decrease very fast. "
confused wrote on Jan 22, 2010 3:33 PM:
" I grew up in Wheatland and this sounds exactly like the kind of thing that would happen. I don't agree with it, but I also don't feel that just because you are gay or lesbian that everyone needs to know about it. I don't go around flaunting my heterosexuality so I sure don't need to see any flamboyance. "
DD wrote on Jan 22, 2010 3:31 PM:
" Thank god my child does not go to school in Wheatland, and thank god we don't live there. Welcome to the 21st century. This is the kind of thing that makes people from other regions not like Wyoming. We already have the Mathew Shepard incident and Broke Back mountain. Maybe Wheatland just wants to be in the news so they used the "Conservative small town against gay and lesbian people" headline. Too bad those other sponsors are not allowed to be advertised, what do they do? Maybe something that Wheatland people care about. "
Daryl G wrote on Jan 22, 2010 3:29 PM:
" The question here is not the content of the banners but the schoolboards decision to not allow them on school property. They have that right. That is within their authority.
Remember another group who are also not allowed free speech on school property "religion". The courts have ruled against the exercise of free speach as in prayer the words "In God We Trust" on school property,granted the First Amendment was twisted in one area to give credibility to the whims of another but the court ruled against free speach. Why would anybody else be above that rulling no matter who is backing the message? That would be a double standard! "
Remember another group who are also not allowed free speech on school property "religion". The courts have ruled against the exercise of free speach as in prayer the words "In God We Trust" on school property,granted the First Amendment was twisted in one area to give credibility to the whims of another but the court ruled against free speach. Why would anybody else be above that rulling no matter who is backing the message? That would be a double standard! "
PCSD Board Supporter wrote on Jan 22, 2010 3:23 PM:
" I would just like to say that we as citizens elect people to boards to make decisions. If they aren't making the decisions people like, then at election time put somebody else in the position. I am in full support of the School Board and would like to tell them Thank you for putting yourselves on the line to make those decisions. "
Mona Romero wrote on Jan 22, 2010 3:19 PM:
" The justification for not posting these statements is ridiculous. Have we learned nothing by Matthew's death? Refusing to speak out against hate condones it. "
Wyoming Home wrote on Jan 22, 2010 3:18 PM:
" Cheyenne Wyoming. A Community of "Limited" Choice.
Congratulations Wheatland, Wyoming, Stuart Nelson, Lee Dunham and Joe Fabian. Your pathetic homophobia steak came through loud and clear.
Guess what? Now your bigotry has gone national. Enjoy the fallout.
America Blog: Friday, January 22, 2010, Wyoming schools can't hang anti-hate signs because of sponsorship by gay orgs.
http://gay.americablog.com/2010/01/wyoming-schools-cant-hang-anti-hate.html
5th Anniversary and counting. The 12/27/04 Unsolved Downtown Cheyenne Fire. Who set and profited from the fire? "
Congratulations Wheatland, Wyoming, Stuart Nelson, Lee Dunham and Joe Fabian. Your pathetic homophobia steak came through loud and clear.
Guess what? Now your bigotry has gone national. Enjoy the fallout.
America Blog: Friday, January 22, 2010, Wyoming schools can't hang anti-hate signs because of sponsorship by gay orgs.
http://gay.americablog.com/2010/01/wyoming-schools-cant-hang-anti-hate.html
5th Anniversary and counting. The 12/27/04 Unsolved Downtown Cheyenne Fire. Who set and profited from the fire? "
mike wrote on Jan 22, 2010 3:09 PM:
" The problem is people see matters like "Free Speech" as being a one way issue. Meaning, "I have the right to express myself, and you can't do anything about it". What they fail to realize is that in the act of free speech, you can't use derogatory language like the "N" word or other racial or offensive language. In that case, freedom of speech can be curbed. If the majority of a community is offended by a certain poster, billboard, displayed sponsor, etc... then that too must be taken into consideration. Funny; isn't it. They can dip a crucifix in urine and call it ART. They can burn the American flag and say they are "Expressing" themselves. They can change a Holiday that is celebrated by the majority of a country and not allow reference to Christmas. And that's all fine. But express yourself against the Koran, gay lifestyle, or anything not "PC"; and it's a hate crime. Bunch of hypocrites. "
Embarrassed WHS Grad wrote on Jan 22, 2010 3:06 PM:
" You don't anyone telling the students that they shouldn't hate other people? That seems to contradict everything that I learned in school. And what about the students who suffer real discrimination because they happen to be different? "
Naomi wrote on Jan 22, 2010 3:05 PM:
" Wow! Our school's should teach "No Hate.", not "No Hate, unless the person is gay, middle-eastern, African-American, lesbian, Catholic, Protestant, Low-income, Jewish..." If we start excluding groups of people...there will be no one left! "
Jed wrote on Jan 22, 2010 2:49 PM:
" Wow, what a sad story. Parents who actually teach their own children that religion and morality are best used as tools of social aggression.
Keeping Wyoming safe for Hate. "
Keeping Wyoming safe for Hate. "
David wrote on Jan 22, 2010 2:42 PM:
" So just the appearance of a logo constitutes promoting the "gay lifestyle"? The school district (and the parents that complained) actually proved that anti-gay hate exists. Great job! "
c twocats wrote on Jan 22, 2010 2:36 PM:
" This is utterly ridiculous! Wyoming learned nothing from the hate crime against Matthew Sheppard. This poster - having no gay symbols on it should not be banned; it's like saying hate is okay, especialy when directed at gay individuas. Wake up from your bigotry Wyoming this is 2010. "
yarrrr wrote on Jan 22, 2010 2:36 PM:
" Good for the school board... but who signed off on the program? Why did you take this groups money and then back out? "
Luke36 wrote on Jan 22, 2010 2:32 PM:
" If the "No Place for Hate" signs aren't used, then there's plenty of room for signs saying "A Great Place for Hate," a slogan that fits better with the Board's position.
This story has put Wyoming on the map again in the news world. It's sad that the stories like this are what WY is known for: intolerance and hatred. "
This story has put Wyoming on the map again in the news world. It's sad that the stories like this are what WY is known for: intolerance and hatred. "
torqueflite wrote on Jan 22, 2010 2:27 PM:
" Being gay is no more a "lifestyle" than is being left-handed. Wyoming kids will have to leave this shortsighted town to learn that their gayness is as normal and blessed as is heterosexuality. Good luck to them. "
What a surprise wrote on Jan 22, 2010 2:17 PM:
" Good to know the state of Wyoming has learned its lessons from Matthew Shepard. The equality state? If you're a white, republican, christian, straight male. "
PCSD Supporter 2 wrote on Jan 22, 2010 2:13 PM:
" The School Board has not listened. Many more individuals have voiced their support for the Banner and Program than against it. Please give credit to the three board members who voted for what was good for students. "
Q wrote on Jan 22, 2010 2:11 PM:
" So essentially from the title...this means that they are allowing hate banners...idiots! "
Mrs. Shepard wrote on Jan 22, 2010 1:56 PM:
" The Anti-Defamation League's going to pull out what a bunch of quitters. It a poster cant you meet in the middle. "
First Amendment Issue wrote on Jan 22, 2010 1:27 PM:
" While I disagree with the PCSB's action, claiming a first amendment right might not be the best method for redress. The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that schools are a unique situation and that the First Amendment does not apply. Most of those cases involve school papers; however, the precedent for First Amendment incursions appears to exist in schools.
I'm not an attorney, and I would very much appreciate a more learned scholar's take on this issue...not some partisan's rant...but an evidence-based interpretation. "
I'm not an attorney, and I would very much appreciate a more learned scholar's take on this issue...not some partisan's rant...but an evidence-based interpretation. "
Jack wrote on Jan 22, 2010 1:24 PM:
" Good job school board!
They have no right to push their garbage with our tax dollar paid facilities. "
They have no right to push their garbage with our tax dollar paid facilities. "
Jason wrote on Jan 22, 2010 1:12 PM:
" It doesn't bother me that a homosexual rights advocacy group is a sponsor. The problem is that a public school is not a place that should be teaching morality at all. The government should not advocate for any position be it "anti-hate" or "pro-hate". "
Homer wrote on Jan 22, 2010 1:04 PM:
" It is the kinds of statements made by Mr. Fabian and Mr. Dunham that ultimately lead to the violence against people perceived to be lesbian or gay. "
awareness wrote on Jan 22, 2010 12:53 PM:
" Who really cares what sexual orientation, breed, or gender a person is? Fact is, unfortunately, that our world is full of hate, but parents/teachers and other authoritative figure should keep awareness, regardless of personal opinions. "
Wow. wrote on Jan 22, 2010 12:48 PM:
" That's disgusting. Seriously. This state is already set far behind the rest of the country and Wheatland just set it back further, thank you. I'm seriously disgusted and am firing off an e-mail to them now once I find their e-mail address. "
Tim wrote on Jan 22, 2010 12:28 PM:
" Maybe the school could quit collecting taxes from all the gay people in the area and state. I went to high school in Wyoming (96-00) and would have LOVED to see some sort of supportive message, instead of homophobic jocks threatening to beat me up every week until I finally moved to not have to be emotionally intimidated and abused every day of my life for who I was.
This school has an obligation to provide a safe space for all students, not cater to the loud shrieking of a few closed minded homophobes. This action reinforces the intimidation, homophobia and atmosphere that creates violence and discrimination of gays. Very disgraceful.
When one of your high school students is hurt or killed for being gay, will you still be self-righteously on your high horse proud for taking down words you don't like? "
This school has an obligation to provide a safe space for all students, not cater to the loud shrieking of a few closed minded homophobes. This action reinforces the intimidation, homophobia and atmosphere that creates violence and discrimination of gays. Very disgraceful.
When one of your high school students is hurt or killed for being gay, will you still be self-righteously on your high horse proud for taking down words you don't like? "
dachillmaster wrote on Jan 22, 2010 11:53 AM:
" I am sorry I work in a district that thinks taking something down just because a few disagree is ok. Now there's a lessson we can teach our children. There is no place for hate here, but this banner disgusts me. "
Flint wrote on Jan 22, 2010 11:44 AM:
" Good for the school board. This has nothing to do with tolerance and everything to do with forcing an agenda down a communities throats. Schools should be controlled locally not by outside interests who care more about PUSHING a lifestyle than about tolerance of a lifestyle. I know many will say that this is just about stopping hate and who would be against that? The truth is this is all about pushing the gay agenda. Leave the signs down as the board ruled but take time during the school day to teach the students that you can disagree with someone or even not approve of someone without hating that person. To me that would be a more honest approach to the issue. "
Disgusted wrote on Jan 22, 2010 11:39 AM:
" As mentioned by Mr. DeBosky, the actions of the board are "painfully ironic." It's sad that STUDENTS at the school asked to have the banner back in support of tolerance. Parents and other adults in the community of Wheatland need to take some lessons from their kids! "
Myers wrote on Jan 22, 2010 11:25 AM:
" I'm embarassed by Eastern Wyoming today. There are so many mind boggling quotes from Dunham and Fabian that they'd be wise to leave town before they choke on their feet. The Wheatland parents either need to enlighten themselves or start paying more attention to what's happening in the schools.
"They wouldn't want the organization, the Anti-Defamation League, dictating to their children that an alternate lifestyle is a normal lifestyle." Someone missed the point. "
"They wouldn't want the organization, the Anti-Defamation League, dictating to their children that an alternate lifestyle is a normal lifestyle." Someone missed the point. "
Really wrote on Jan 22, 2010 11:17 AM:
" I am amazed and appalled that the district is allowing parents and board members to hijack a message of respect.
So by Joe Fabian's thought process,anyone who is different shouldn't be accepted as normal?
"They wouldn't want the organization, the Anti-Defamation League, dictating to their children that an alternate lifestyle is a normal lifestyle," he said.
God help you if you are different in any way...does this include single parents? Different religions? Mentally and physically handicapped?
What a sad commentary. "
So by Joe Fabian's thought process,anyone who is different shouldn't be accepted as normal?
"They wouldn't want the organization, the Anti-Defamation League, dictating to their children that an alternate lifestyle is a normal lifestyle," he said.
God help you if you are different in any way...does this include single parents? Different religions? Mentally and physically handicapped?
What a sad commentary. "
snowydaywinter wrote on Jan 22, 2010 10:57 AM:
" Question: how do they know there are gay students in school? To know that the students conduct is bad including boy-girl couples. Gay "life style" is not normal - do some research - and you do not condemn the gays only the actions being displayed. There are too many so called gays who are making a purposeful display - which is very wrong. The decent gays which there are many, would not condone such behavior. Mr. Fabian is correct in his statement - love the person hate the sin. I have friends who are gay - I don't shun them because of it. The whole issue with the banner is the gay agenda and don't believe for a second it is not. "
dachillmaster wrote on Jan 22, 2010 10:44 AM:
" I am sorry I work in a district that thinks taking something down just because a few disagree is ok. Now there's a lessson we can teach our children. There is no place for hate here, but this banner disgusts me. "
Marie wrote on Jan 22, 2010 10:43 AM:
" Not everyone at PCSD #1 supports the board decision. It was the decision of the board and not the decision of the town or the schools. "
PCSD Supporter wrote on Jan 22, 2010 10:31 AM:
" You are right, you do have a right to freedom of speech, and we have a right to choose what we listen to and the people of Platte County choose! "
Lindsay Myers wrote on Jan 22, 2010 10:27 AM:
" Normally, I am proud to be from the great small town of Wheatland. Not today. You do realize homosexuality is not something you can "catch," Mr. Dunham and Mr. Fabian, right? When did the two of you decide to be heterosexual? "
To Fairness to All wrote on Jan 22, 2010 10:18 AM:
" Why is it hypocritical? As a different example, I don't believe in a vegetarian lifestyle (humans are omnivores...not herbivores) myself, but I don't have anything against them.
The first is personal opinion of a lifestyle, the second is a live and let live attitude (acceptance).
Personally, if the MESSAGE of the posters that were taken down promotes anti-hate, and the literature/program that goes with it is not encouraging someone to change their lifestyle...then I see no issue with it. The posters should be returned.
However, if the material being presented is not what the PARENTS want THEIR CHILDREN being exposed to, then that is their choice until the child is of legal age. They should be able to opt their kids out of the program.
It's not like this is Math/Science/History/English that we are talking about here. Anti-hate (or more to the point acceptance of others) is something that used to be taught at home. Of course, some would argue that bigotry was taught at home too.
But the school are NOT the parents. and the PARENTS need to make the choice. "
The first is personal opinion of a lifestyle, the second is a live and let live attitude (acceptance).
Personally, if the MESSAGE of the posters that were taken down promotes anti-hate, and the literature/program that goes with it is not encouraging someone to change their lifestyle...then I see no issue with it. The posters should be returned.
However, if the material being presented is not what the PARENTS want THEIR CHILDREN being exposed to, then that is their choice until the child is of legal age. They should be able to opt their kids out of the program.
It's not like this is Math/Science/History/English that we are talking about here. Anti-hate (or more to the point acceptance of others) is something that used to be taught at home. Of course, some would argue that bigotry was taught at home too.
But the school are NOT the parents. and the PARENTS need to make the choice. "
Wheatland Mom wrote on Jan 22, 2010 10:12 AM:
" I think this was a case of school board members reacting to complaints of a few individuals. In our home we teach biblical values that include not "hating" someone for their differences. That teaching (and this may be a surprise to some of the "No Place for Hate People") is nothing new or unique. My daughter is a Christian and also one of those who asked to leave the banner in place. "
blargh wrote on Jan 22, 2010 9:56 AM:
" How is religious extremism healthy or 'normal'? We should be teaching tolerance and understanding to our children, not that it's ok to sensor opinions based on religious doctrine. I don't believe that that kind of closed minded attitude towards different sexual orientations has any place in our state funded schools. "
B wrote on Jan 22, 2010 9:47 AM:
" They were told they couldn't hang up a banner, not express themselves. That is not blocking free speech. The schools are being prohibited from partaking in the program because of a banner? Who is being predjudical there? "
Excellent decision by the board wrote on Jan 22, 2010 9:42 AM:
" Schools are not advertising mediums or for pushing one's agenda. i am married to a woman with 3 children. However I do not believe in or would I endorse the school having anything to do with promoting my heterosexuality. My children are there to learn to read and write not to learn about what someone else thinks is a proper lifestyle. It is the papernts job to, and I quote "teach young people about tolerance and respecting differences." "
Hmmmmm wrote on Jan 22, 2010 9:37 AM:
" How sad. Hate is aimed at many people and groups. Students need to feel safe at school, ALL students. Come on, Wyoming. Anti-hate banners aren't in step with your town? Isn't your town in Wyoming? You should have welcomed the banners, and their sponsors, with open arms and thankfulness that the world didn't turn against you 12 years ago. "
wondering why wrote on Jan 22, 2010 9:36 AM:
" I first would like to congratulate the schools for standing tall and not being pushed into support of one group over another. Best be known if I started a group that said LOVE THY NEIGHBOR and put a sponsership BY THE "STRAIGHT" I would get plenty of flack. Why cant we just preach NO HATE and let it go does it matter if you are gay, black, brown, married, not married, This is our problem too many specialty groups and not one as a whole. Someone always wants to seperate and bring attention to their own needs reguarless of others. What a farce where is equality in that???? "
PCSD Supporter wrote on Jan 22, 2010 7:24 AM:
" The people spoke and the elected board listened! Good for PCSD#!! "
Let the Court Decide wrote on Jan 22, 2010 6:56 AM:
" It raises First Amendment issues because it's based on the contents of the poster," Moats said.
Litigate the matter is what this non-attorney says. It would serve the Wheatland school district well to spend lots of money defending their position in court. I'm against tying up the courts with senseless litigation, but this blatant discriminatory matter has merit. LITIGATE! "
Litigate the matter is what this non-attorney says. It would serve the Wheatland school district well to spend lots of money defending their position in court. I'm against tying up the courts with senseless litigation, but this blatant discriminatory matter has merit. LITIGATE! "
coverage for all wrote on Jan 22, 2010 6:56 AM:
" The last time I checked the First Amendment is inclusive, free speech is free speech. You have the right to speak your mind, it does not say that you should speak your mind. There is big difference between the two.
Sponsorship by a group or organization to exercise their right to free speech has nothing to do with lifestyle choices.
Especially if the message promotes anti hate. "
Sponsorship by a group or organization to exercise their right to free speech has nothing to do with lifestyle choices.
Especially if the message promotes anti hate. "
milwife wrote on Jan 22, 2010 6:54 AM:
" What a sad sorry group of parents to take issue with a message like this. I feel for their children. If they are so ignorant as to think that teaching respect is the same thing as "indoctrinating a homosexual lifestyle" they are a truly sad group. "
Leave Your Comments
|
There is a 200 word limitation per post Comments are not posted until after being approved by WTE staff. Comments may be rejected by the WTE staff at their discretion. The comments posted on the Reader Comments section are not necessarily those of the WTE. If you would like to report an offensive post, please contact us. |
Student From Wheatland High School wrote on Feb 26, 2010 1:12 PM: