Michigan School District Reprimanded for Ordering Teachers to Dismantle Gay History Month Display

(CHICAGO, Tuesday, December 4, 2001) —A Michigan arbitrator has ordered a local school district to apologize for misconduct against two gay teachers whose gay history month displays promoted safety and respect in their school, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund said Tuesday.

The arbitrator found the district had violated its union contract, as well as one teacher’s constitutional right of free speech. In addition, he determined the district discriminated against the teachers because of their sexual orientation and subjected them to unwarranted public harassment.

Openly gay Plymouth-Canton Community School teachers Mike Chiumento and Tom Salbenblatt challenged their school district’s order that they dismantle school displays that commemorated the historical role of lesbians and gay men, and addressed anti-gay harassment. The displays were in keeping with the school’s theme of respect and dignity for all, and followed similar lesbian and gay history month displays that previously were created by a staff member who is not gay. When Chiumento and Salbenblatt created displays at their schools in 1999, however, the interim superintendent and members of the Board of Education attacked them for supposedly “promoting” their personal “lifestyles.”

Salbenblatt decided to create the display when the parent of one gay student came to him, asking what he could do to help create a safer, more welcoming environment for gay students. The parent later said the display positively affected the child, by showing contributions gay people have made throughout history. However, when the district ordered removal of the display, the student began noticing more anti-gay slurs and harassment at school.

“For a school to have a campaign of ‘respect and dignity for all’ that excludes lesbian and gay kids is very damaging to these students who already face harassment and violence,” said Heather Sawyer, Lambda senior staff attorney who represented the teachers. “The arbitrator’s decision sends a message that rejects discrimination against gay students.

The arbitrator also found that the District discriminated against Chiumento and Salbenblatt because of their sexual orientation.

“It is painfully apparent that [the superintendent’s] real reason for ordering grievants to take down these displays was that they themselves are gay....” said Arbitrator Paul E. Glendon in his ruling.

In direct response to the removal of the display, students at Plymouth-Salem High formed a gay-straight alliance club to support gay students at their school. The group has since thrived, and now has 25 members.

“Clearly the school district’s actions withheld important and necessary information from these students,” said Lambda Legal Director Ruth Harlow. “The school administration should now put this behind them and commit to a truly respectful learning environment.”

The grievance was prosecuted by union lawyers Tracy Stablein-Brooks and Daniel J. Hoekenga. Lambda acted of- counsel to the union in the arbitration proceedings.

Contact: Heather Sawyer 312-663-4413 x 22
Amanda Scioscia 212-809-8585 x 241, 888-987-1976 pager