School board hears heated opposition to diversity plan.

Byline: Anne Williams The Register-Guard

SPRINGFIELD - The school district's proposed diversity plan hit a snag Monday night when at least 100 people packed the school board's meeting room, many of them there to oppose the plan for including "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" under the umbrella of diversity.

The plan, an agenda topic at two previous board meetings and a board work session, had been expected to sail through for final approval Monday, but late last week board members began hearing rumbles of discontent.

Of the 30 people who testified, 18 asked either that the plan be scrapped altogether or overhauled after the broader community has had an opportunity to weigh in. After more than two hours of testimony, the board agreed to table the plan indefinitely.

"They decided they needed time to digest, to meet with staff and discuss possible scenarios," district spokesman Jeff DeFranco said, adding that the public will have additional time to comment before the plan comes back for formal action.

Sherri Townsend, a mother of five who works as an educational assistant at Springfield High School, said she heard about the plan through her church, Calvary Open Bible. She told the board that, while she is against discrimination against anyone, the plan's nod to homosexuality conflicted with values her family holds dear.

She also voiced qualms about the potential for new curriculum on homosexuality.

Her friend Sally Mann, a teacher at Springfield High, agreed.

"This is pretty general language, but I see the open door for things to come in, and that's what concerns me," she said.

Reis Kash called the plan "patently unnecessary, patently dishonest and patently divisive," and accused the district of trying to push through a "pro-homosexual, anti-family-values manifesto."

The section that most worried opponents is included in a section at the front titled "Guiding Principles." It is one of four, and reads as follows: "Establish an understanding of diversity that encompasses a wide range of differences, including but not limited to age, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, language, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, physical appearance and physical and mental abilities."

Several speakers also criticized one of the plan's five stated goals, "attract and retain a diverse staff." They felt it endorsed a kind of quota system, whereby applicants who are gay or belong to a racial or ethnic minority group would have the edge over better-qualified applicants.

The board also heard from avid supporters of the plan, some of whom were on the committee that helped write it. Kate Wallace, a retired teacher and member of the Springfield Alliance for Equality and Respect, insisted there was no hidden agenda in the plan.

"The only motive is keeping our eyes on the prize - the safety and respect for all children, all staff members and everyone involved with the Springfield School District," Wallace said.