http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/8846994/detail.html
LEXINGTON, Mass. – There is more controversy at a Lexington elementary school, where once again a parent is upset about gay themes being inserted into the curriculum.
This time, the mother of a second-grader is upset that her son’s teacher read the class a book highlighting two gay princes.
NewsCenter 5’s Gail Huff reported that some parents of students at the Estabrook Elementary School are upset that the students were read a book called “King and King,” the story of prince who is interested in the brother of the princess.
“My problem is that this issue of romantic attraction between two men is being presented to my 7-year-old as wonderful and good and the way things should be,” parent Robin Wirthlin said. “We feel like 7 years old is not appropriate to introduce homosexual themes.”
The Estabrook School is the same school that garnered attention last year after another father, David Parker, was arrested when he protested the school’s decision to have his 5-year-old son’s class read a book depicting gay families. Parker was arrested and banned from school property for refusing to leave without a promise from school officials that he would be notified in advance if similar material was going to be taught.
Although school officials said their goal in exposing the children to such topics was to be inclusive as possible, Parker’s position was not tolerated.
“We want all of our families and all of the children to feel that they’re welcome and included there, and one of the ways to do that is to show different kinds of families,” school committee member Helen Cohen said.
The school superintendent, Paul Ash, issued a statement about the latest controversy saying, “The Lexington school system cherishes diversity … we welcome children and families of all backgrounds, including families headed by same-sex parents.”
Wirthlin said she and other parents should be notified in advance when such topics will be addressed so they can remove their children from the class.
