To the Editor:I have sent this letter to Martha’s Vineyard Regional School District’s superintendent’s office.
Recently in the national news, there have been several teen suicides related to anti-gay bullying. Also, the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell program in the military is under question.
My two boys who are both “straight” have already grown and had wonderful experiences all through their school years here on Martha’s Vineyard. I am one of seven children, and two of my siblings were gay, so I am writing for them and for the children of the future. I know we are a wonderfully tolerant community here on the Island, and so I would like you to be aware of some policies recently developed by the Williams Institute at the UCLA Law School, which I think would be a great addition to your bias policy. In this world, where someone can surreptitiously take your picture, post it, and ruin your life, a climate of tolerance must prevail.
This gay/straight thing is a human rights issue whose time has come. When those differences are respected and tolerated, it will lead to more tolerance for all our differences all around, and a better world.
Ellen O’Brien
Vineyard Haven
