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Would a public school that caters to gay and lesbian teens be a welcome addition to CPS? That was the question at hand during a meeting of about 200 people yesterday at the Center on Halsted who discussed The Social Justice High School – Pride Campus with leaders of the Gay Liberation Network. The idea for this new school, born of a push from Greater Lawndale Little Village High School for Social Justice, is that it would provide a safe learning environment for LGBT teens who are frequently victims of torment.
"[We want] to continue to provide a college-prep campus for students who are often overlooked," said Chad Weiden, an assistant principal at the Social Justice High School who would be the principal of Pride Campus. "Gay, lesbian and transgender students are often overlooked in our district. And this is a school for all students."
The school would welcome students of any sexual orientation, with a goal to have an approximate 40/60 split between straight and LGBT students. A high population of minorities is also expected.
Naysayers are concerned that this is a form of segregation, and that it alleviates our school system from its responsibility to educate and provide safe space for all students. Andy Thayer, a co-founder of the Gay Liberation Network, says, "My fear is that the rest of the system will be let off the hook…The notion that the Pride Campus is a silver bullet to set aside all needs of [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] youth is mistaken."
The idea behind this type of campus was trailblazed by the Harvey Milk High School which has thrived in New York, although not without encountering similar controversy. Considering the suicide rate among gay youth is sky high, this could be a welcome alternative to typical public high school for many gay students in Chicago.
We’re concerned this may fuel the fire of some already-homophobic community members that could see this as validation that gay people are somehow abnormal. That said, enrollment at Pride Campus would be voluntary, and we’re all for having choices. [Trib]
Photo by mhaithaca.
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Simply based on the suicide rate, yes.
Most of my friends are GLBT and with only a rare exception high school was more than the usual shitty experience for them. Gay-bashing remains one of the last great "acceptable" ways for aspiring bigots to get their hits in. Teachers can turn a blind eye. One lesbian friend of mine went to the principal after being jumped by some girls for being a "dyke" and he told her to "try acting more like a girl". This was in the late 90's.
A school where GLBT kids could relax and just have all the normal horrible worries of being a teen? Hell, I would have wanted to go there as a high schooler, think of the theater program!
Hmm... I am a pretty progressive guy, but things like this really get under my skin.
As certain groups struggle for equality (LGBT, Minorities, Women), there are factions that seem to think a segregated solution is the answer. I personally find this a bit hypocritical and "DOUBLE-TALK".
Granted I am on the other side of the agendas here "White male", but I wouldn't want to just goto an organization for white males. I feel you loose out on the experience of integration into society thru segregationist agendas like these.
I would have less of an issue if there was no public money being considered for such a venture, but I still believe that awareness and education is a better solution.
I see this as one step in a positive direction.
I feel so strongly about bullying in schools. I have a ZERO, ZERO, ZERO tolerance for any type of bullying and it just dumbfounds me how often teachers turn the other way or have the attitude of 'kids being kids' or it's just a 'right of passage'.
I don't see this as alleviating other schools' responsibility towards providing education and a safe place for all students...I think that this school could be a tremendous success and serve as inspiration and example to other schools.
I really hope this happens.
dj skilz
You don't have to be gay to go to the school, so it's not like it's totally segregated. They said they want a 40%-60% balance.
And what are you losing out on when, at any other school you may possibly have to hide your sexual orientation or risk getting beat up or verbally abused the whole time you're there?
It's 4 years...and those four years can possibly be the worst four years of one's life, or at a place like this they can be a positive experience.
I just don't see this as segregation.
I agree that it doesn't seem to solve the problem in general. Gay-bashing arises partly from homophobia, and partly, just because high schoolers are assholes and will pick on anyone who's "different." Creating a special school seems to be creating a false environment for the gay kids, and doesn't address the homophobia/bullying issue at all.
I think that high school *period* is the true 'false environment'.
It's a four year microcosmic pyramid scheme meant to inflict pain
on the sensitive or different.
I don't see these schools as being nirvana, but it's nice to know that a school could exist where students don't have to worry about getting beat up every day.
this page contain the entire information about the high schools
High schools for teens give the quality based education to the youths. Instructors of these schools are well educated and have a many years of experienced in the field of teaching. They give the personal attention on each and every student. These colleges provide good residential facilities and give well-rounded education to the teens.
http://www.teensprivateschools.com/schooltypes/High-Schools/index.html