<color><param>0100,0100,0100</param>The argument that efforts to withhold funding from
the Boy Scouts reflect a
disrespect for diversity is simply ludicrous. Does diversity require a tolerance
for bigotry? Would the Minneapolis school system be required to provide
facilities for a white supremacist group or a Nazi group? The basis of the Boy
Scouts case before the Supreme Court was that their anti-gay policies were
part of their organizational philosophy. If so, than they are a bigoted group
and institutions with non-discriminatory policies should not work with them -
whatever good that may do with "at risk" kids.
Eva and Dana are absolutely right. It is very disappointing to see the
Burnsville School District and the Duluth United Way and Medtronics take
principled stands on this issue, while we hear nothing from the Minneapolis
School District or the Minneapolis United Way. (Yes, I know that the
Minneapolis United Way is allowing contributors to designate that their money
not go to the Boy Scouts. But that is meaningless if they just shift funds
around and give the Boy Scouts the same amount they would otherwise have
received.) And what about it school board members? You ask gay people
for support on your referendum, but your silence on this issue is deafening.
Allan Spear
Ward 10
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