Thursday, July 2, 2015

Aish Hatorah's Director General Steven Burg Helps Bring Resolution In Favor Of Gay Text Books In Schools





This hearing led to this resolution by the New York City Council. So Aish Hatorah's new Director General "Rabbi" Steven Burg is responsible if this passes.  Giving such a speech at such a hearing is an endorsement of this action.  For the record Yeshivas will also be using New York text books


Resolution calling upon the New York City Department of Education to implement a curriculum and to acquire textbooks and trade books that include key moments in LGBT history and accurately portray the contributions of LGBT individuals in the history of the United States.
 
 
By Council Members Dromm, Arroyo, Chin, Cohen, Constantinides, Johnson, Koslowitz, Rosenthal, Mendez, Rodriguez, Torres and Menchaca
 
Whereas, According to the 2011 National School Climate Survey conducted by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), 81.9% of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT)students reported being verbally harassed at school because of their sexual orientation; and
Whereas, The survey further noted that 38.3% reported being physically harassed and 18.3% reported being physically assaulted at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation; and
Whereas, In addition, more than half of LGBT students were cyber-bullied, or harassed or threatened by their peers via electronic mediums such as text-messages, emails, instant messaging or posting on internet sites;  and
Whereas, Of the respondents to the survey, the majority of students who were harassed or assaulted did not report the incident to school staff believing that little to no action would be taken and the situation might even become worse if reported; and
Whereas, Additionally, only one-third of students who did report an incident claimed that  staff effectively addressed the problem; and
Whereas, Many advocates argue that the high rates of harassment and assault are often exacerbated by school staff not adequately responding or intervening on behalf of LGBT students; and
Whereas, Studies have shown that teaching LGBT history in the classroom leads to fewer instances of harassment at school and can lead to a greater feeling of safety among all students regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression; and
Whereas, New York City should enlighten its students about the role and contributions of LGBT Americans to our City, State and nation in the course of history; and
Whereas, The history of the United States could be considered incomplete and inaccurate without the inclusion of the social, political and artistic contributions of notable LGBT individuals such as Bayard Rustin, Harvey Milk, Stephen Sondheim, Truman Capote, James Baldwin and Gertrude Stein; and
Whereas, In addition, the history of our nation should include key events and organizations that have been in the forefront of the LGBT American movement for equality; and
Whereas, The Daughters of Bilitis, the Mattachine Society, the Stonewall Rebellion, the HIV/AIDS crisis, Bowers v. HardwickLawrence v. Texas, "Don't Ask Don't Tell" and the struggle for the recognition of LGBT families are all important and should be included in American history; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York City Department of Education to implement a curriculum and to acquire textbooks and trade books that include key moments in LGBT history and accurately portray the contributions of LGBT individuals in the history of the United States.   
 
Is anyone going to inform Aish Hatorah about their new director?

Any answers from them of interest, please comment or email the blog


Thought it was important to note Gertrude Stein was also a Nazi collaborator

2 comments:

  1. Match or mismatch?July 3, 2015 at 2:17 PM

    Aish HaTorah means The Fire of Torah. The name didn't get there by accident. Rabbi Noach Weinberg z"l chose it for a reason, to reflect a certain Torah philosophy and approach.

    Where is the fiery enthusiasm/zeal for Torah in this fellow Burg? A cool YU/NCSY politician like him doesn't seem to fit in with the path of R. Weinberg z"l.

    ReplyDelete
  2. NY - WAKE UP!!
    YOUR CITY IS ON FIREֱֱ

    ReplyDelete