from Gay Activism in the Schools

Dr. Throckmorton and associates Noe Gutierrez, Jeralee Smith, and Chad Thompson, produced "Respect and the Facts: A Response to 'Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation and Youth,'". "Just the Facts" was produced by the NEA and several mental health groups.

In the introduction to this paper, Dr. Throckmorton states: "This white paper reviews the essential claims found in 'Just the Facts,' suggesting a need for caution in the presenting of dogmatic claims about sexual orientation to school children."

He notes four problematic areas in "Just the Facts": There's no consensus in current research to show that sexual orientation is fixed or inborn; there is credible research showing that sexual orientation can be changed; no credible research is available that shows that attempts to change sexual orientation are harmful; and the research on sexual orientation has become entangled with the issue of safety in schools for children who experience same-sex attractions. "We favor both a zero tolerance policy toward harassment and the presentation of accurate information," said Throckmorton.

In the conclusion of this paper, the author says: "Without consensus [on the nature of sexual orientation], it becomes necessary to inform students of the varied opinions on the subject with ample opportunity for equal presentation. For instance, if a proponent of the essentialist position speaks to school students, we believe that someone who has found change in sexuality should be invited to present the constructionist/developmental viewpoint."

NARTH has also published a rebuttal to the "Just the Facts" paper. "NARTH's Response to 'Just the Facts about Sexual Orientation and Youth'" is available for downloading from the NARTH web site. NARTH's "Gay Activism In The Schools" provides additional materials on the gay agenda in our nation's public schools.