- How you would respond to a parent/family member who informed you they did not want anyone who is perceived (or self-reported) homosexual or transgender to be caring for, educating, and/or interacting with their child
I would let them know that we do not promote discrimination also remind them that they would not like anyone to discriminate against their child or family member. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and as long as the children are here receiving the proper education, what the staff person does in their personal life has nothing to do with the educational environment. I believe it would also be helpful if you give the parent and example of discrimination including their child and see how they would feel if the roles were reversed.
- If you have ever used or heard homophobic terms such as "fag," “gay,” “homo,” "sissy," "tom boy," or “lesbo” as an insult by a child toward another child? Or, by an adult toward a child? Describe what occurred. How might these types of comments influence all children? (Note: if you have not had a personal experience ask a family member, friend, or colleague)
One time I witnessed several school age boys playing basketball on the basketball court. One of the young men shoved the other by accident and the boy that was shoved called him a “fag”. During this altercation the word “fag” was thrown back and forth. I went to break up the situation and ask the young men what the word means and neither one of them knew the exact meaning. After discussing in more detail it came out that these are words they heard at home. Many times families do not know that things said at home children tend to use outside the home so we as adults need to be careful of the things we say.
