Family isn't a 'dirty word'

Their Word
Daily Mississippian (U. Mississippi)

(U-WIRE) OXFORD, Miss. ˜ Oftentimes, teachers and other school officials play a significant role in shaping what children consider to be right, wrong, good or bad. Regrettably, this particular role of schools can be damaging as in the case of a 7-year-old second grader in Youngsville, La.

While waiting for recess Nov. 11, Marcus McLaurin, a student at Ernest Gallet Elementary School, was overheard saying the word "gay" while answering a classmate's question about Marcus' mother and father, according to a report by The Associated Press.

The boy told his classmates he had two mothers, not a mother and a father, because his mother is gay. Marcus then explained to the classmate, "Gay is when a girl likes another girl," the AP reported.

At this point in the conversation, a teacher overhearing the children's conversation scolded Marcus and told him "gay" was a "bad word" and sent him to the principal's office. The punishment also included coming to school early the following week and repeatedly writing "I will never use the word 'gay' in school again."

This is ridiculous. Marcus wasn't attempting to be vulgar. He wasn't acting out in any way. He was simply explaining the composition of his family to another child.

In this particular situation, the teacher had the opportunity to step in and explain to the two children that the word "family" encompasses many different things. There are what are considered traditional families with a mother, a father and children. There are single-parent families with only a mother or a father. And in the case of Marcus, and many other children, there are families that include either two mothers or two fathers.

Regardless of the teachers' personal feelings about homosexuality, Marcus' needs should have been a top priority. It could be emotionally damaging to Marcus to be told that an adjective describing his parents is a "bad word."

Because of a majority of society's feelings on the issue of homosexuality and the cruelty of some school-age youths, Marcus and other children of same-sex couples are in a uniquely sensitive situation. It is the job of teachers and administrators to be more compassionate to his situation and to provide moral support for him if he needs it.

Their job was never to tear down children or punish a child for what is beyond their control.

These views do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Egyptian.

Copyright 2009 - Daily Egyptian