At the risk of stating the obvious, it isn’t easy being a Christian student in a public school these days
Every day, these young people go to classrooms and cafeterias where discussions center on sensitive topics like homosexuality, transgenderism, gender identity – and most of the time, the conversations are one-sided.
That’s partly because an increasing number of teachers and school officials suggest there’s only one right way to think about topics related to sexuality.
Now, I know that’s a big claim, so let me back it up by giving you an example of how the “new” sexuality is being promoted in public schools.
The “Day of Silence” is an event sponsored by one of the nation’s largest homosexual advocacy groups. It’s billed as “student-led” – at least in part because most parents don’t like the idea of valuable classroom time being used to promote sexual agendas.
But take a look at this year’s “Educator Guide” and you’ll see that teachers are encouraged to share books and materials that introduce kids – even kindergarteners – to “LGBTQ and gender-diverse people” through picture books and books. GLSEN is even suggesting that teachers plan a “school-wide assembly” that day.
Can you imagine being a Christian student in a school that is actively promoting homosexuality? Would you feel like you could share your Bible-based point of view during classroom discussions if your teacher or professor ridicules faith-based views on sexuality?
And yet, despite the cultural opposition, many Christian students desperately do want to talk about their beliefs – and I admire them. These brave teens have told us, time and time again, that they want to lovingly share a biblical perspective with their classmates who have serious questions related to sexuality and self-identity.
That’s why, six years ago, we decided to make free speech tools available to Christian students through our Day of Dialogue website and free-speech event.
And while we make these resources available to teens, it’s entirely up to the students to take the initiative to plan and create events in their own schools.
Because one thing is for sure – the double standard prevalent in today’s public school system means it would not be tolerated for teachers and school officials to promote Day of Dialogue. It’s completely up to the students to have the vision and do the work.
And that’s what happens every year. Christian public high school and college students across the nation download free Day of Dialogue guides, articles, discussion questions and explanations of their free-speech rights, and use them to host an event at their school.
And that’s what I appreciate most about the teens who host Day of Dialogue. They’re not trying to silence those who don’t agree with them. And they’re not aligning themselves with provocative speakers who use inflammatory language to fight censorship attempts.
Far from it! These teens are motivated by love for their classmates. They want to use their First Amendment rights to listen, engage in conversation, and to connect with their peers at a heart-level.
This year, Day of Dialogue will take place on Friday, April 28.
If you know of a Christian teen who might be interested in hosting an event at their school, please give them our URL: www.dayofdialogue.com. At our Day of Dialogue website they’ll learn how they can carve out a safe place for students to ask questions, share ideas, and hear about God’s heart on marriage and sexuality.
Students who are interested in participating can fill out our sign-up form and register to participate and download their free guides at www.focusonthefamily.com/empowerstudents.
Please help us spread the word about this life-giving event – and please be in prayer for the thousands of young people across the nation who will be participating in Day of Dialogue this year.
I’d like to hear from you: What do you think about efforts to promote homosexuality and normalize transgenderism in schools? Do the Christian students in your life feel like their Bible-based opinions on marriage and sexuality are welcomed in their schools? Let me know in the comments section, below.
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