SPECTRUM

is a gay-straight alliance to promote respect and equality for ALL students, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or disability. While public schools have an obligation to provide an equal opportunity for all students to receive an education in a safe, nonhostile, and nondiscriminatory environment, we feel that some students, particularly those who self-identify as gay or lesbian, are not treated fairly.

Because we are part of the human race, and see it as a large inclusive circle, united in spirit, we feel diminished when ANY person or group of people is denied dignity and respect for their lives.

We wish to raise public awareness and promote tolerance and understanding by:

 

• Providing a safe forum for discussion of issues related to sexual orientation and homophobia;
   
• Teaching by our example respect for all people;
   
• Educating those in the school community and the general public about these issues through our everyday interactions, our website, and our participation in workshops and discussion forums.

This is about respect for human beings.