Updated 10/11/2011 08:52 PM
Lawmakers, LGBT Advocates Call For Inclusive Curriculum
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Advocated rallied on the steps of City Hall Tuesday to call for city schools to teach key moments in LGBT history and portray the contributions of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in American history.
read New Yorkers' thoughts on whether LGBT history should be taught in public schools and whether it will foster a safer environment for students.
Queens City Council Member Daniel Dromm, who is openly gay, introduced a resolution asking the Department of Education to implement such a curriculum and acquire the textbooks needed to teach it.
The announcement came on National Coming Out Day, an event held every year since 1988 that encourages gay people to open up about their sexuality.
Proponents said teaching students about the contributions of gay individuals would lead to a greater feeling of safety among all students regardless of sexual orientation.
"It's about time that the New York City Department of Education adopt a curriculum which is true," said Dromm. "All we're asking the Department of Education to do is acknowledge the truth and to stop putting LGBT people in the closet."
DOE officials said they already include the works of many gay artists in class discussions and even have schools named after gay leaders like Bayard Rustin and Harvey Milk.