Subj : Confusion
To   : CURTIS JOHNSON
From : CONSTANCE RAWLEY
Date : Thu Nov 02 2000 09:52 pm

 
 Curtis,
 
 Your posts didn't offer "Clarification." You quoted an article
 and provided commentary, but you failed to distinguish one from
 the other. You should have called it "Confusion."
 
 TH> I just got through reading some reports on a school that held a
 TH> seminar to GRAPHICALLY instruct high-school kids on homosexuality,
 TH> "fisting", and other such things.
 
 You confirmed this by citing the account and commented:
 
 CJ> Note that: 1) this took place at a private university,
 
 The definition of "school" includes groups, organizations and places
 where people gather to be educated. That includes workshops and
 seminars held at Tufts University.
 
 It's alleged that "fisting," anal intercourse and other questionable
 behavior was/is being taught to children. THAT is the issue.
 
 CJ> Incidentally, if this workshop was "For Youth Only, Ages 14-21,"
 CJ> the question is raised about Whiteman's age. If he were older
 CJ> than 21, would he not have been crashing a workshop he was not
 CJ> supposed to attend?
 
 The workshop was for students and teachers and was reportedly open
 to the public. According to the article, Whiteman registered, paid
 a fee to attend and was admitted.
 
 THE ISSUE is what's being taught to children.
 
 CJ> Well, well, if it required registration for the event,
 CJ> this makes it even farther removed from teaching in a
 CJ> public high school classroom.
 
 Tufts University isn't a high school. Does that mean workshops for
 children which violate state or federal laws can be held there?
 
 CJ> And if it were indeed open to any public who wanted to register,
 CJ> then the teens could well have come there on their own.
 
 Does that excuse the people conducting the workshop from abiding
 by laws? No, it doesn't.
 
 Were children required to have parental permission to attend this
 workshop? Were parents informed?
 
 > Abels and Gaucher, according to Whiteman, both discussed the
 > practice of "fisting" -- putting one's hand inside the anus or
 > vagina of a sexual partner. Gaucher taught the children how to
 > make a fist. He also discussed the pros and cons of ingesting
 > male body fluid during oral sex.
 
 ...
 
 > According to PRC's Camenker, "In the Boston press and elsewhere,
 > GLSEN officials don't deny these things happened. They stand behind
 > the conference. They're trying to say these kids were just asking
 > questions and being told honest answers. This is a complete
 > lie. The tapes prove that beyond a reasonable doubt."
 
 CJ> Interestingly, there is no indication from this story about
 CJ> whether they've let anyone else listen to Whiteman's tape.
 CJ> Indeed, it would seem we only have his word that such a tape
 CJ> even exists, much less that it indicates that this wasn't a Q&A.
 
 A superior court judge in Boston has attempted to ban distribution
 of the tape. It exists. Copies are available.
 
 > Pressley agreed that it would be a violation of policy for HIV
 > teachers to tell children about fisting, ingesting body fluids
 > and anal intercourse.
 
 CJ> And it is against official policy, to boot.
 
 
 And yet?
 
 
 Constance
 
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