Teachers Cite 'Clergy' Privilege to HIde Lesbian Teaching
Bob Unruh - WND
May 8, 2009
© 2009 WorldNetDaily
 Castro Valley High School |
Parents of students at Castro Valley High School in Castro Valley, Calif., have filed a lawsuit against the educational institution after teachers there summoned a lesbian minister to speak to math and science classes, then tried to keep that information hidden from parents, according to officials with the Pacific Justice Institute.
The public interest law firm said nearly two dozen parents signed onto the lawsuit that was filed yesterday against the school and its supervising district organization because the school required their children to undergo whatever indoctrination the lesbian provided, but then refused to tell them what happened.
In fact, when school officials were asked about the lesbian's presentation to the school's math and science classes, the school flatly refused to provide any documentation on the event, the law firm said.
"To the astonishment of PJI attorneys, the district invoked the clergy-penitent privilege – ordinarily used to shield ministers from testifying in court about confessions made to them in private," PJI reported.
"It's a mystery to use why the district chose to take such a hard-line approach with these parents who simply wanted all the information they are entitled to about this minister's visit," said Kevin Snider, the chief counsel for PJI. "But the parents have a strong right under California law to examine the curriculum and materials associated with in-class presentations, and we intend to vindicate that right."
The organization said it has filed a writ petition in Alameda Superior Court to compel release of all records pertaining to the lesbian's visit to the public school and her teaching there.
Students had reported that the lesbian spoke about her lesbian "wedding" and similar events under the subject of "Out for Good." Pacific Justice had asked on behalf of the parents for all records related to the minister's presentations, as well as any records demonstrating the connection between the minister's discussion and the math and science curriculums used in the school.
"Parents are the first and foremost educators of their own children," said Brad Dacus, president of the Pacific Justice Institute. "Castro Valley's refusal to honor these parents' request for basic information reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the school's proper role as helping – not replacing – parents."
A receptionist in the school's administration office today confirmed to WND the special message to students about the lesbian lifestyle was part of the school's "Day of Diversity," but she declined to answer further questions. A WND message left for the school's curriculum supervisor was not returned.
