Area Teens: Let's Make It Better Now

EMU is having a contest around LGBT Bullying issues. Money is involved. Yes, a $500 prize! Plus--it looks fun!

EMU's first annual advocacy speech competition! The focus of the competition is LGBT bullying among youth, titled "Let's Make It Better Now" (a spin-off of the "It Gets Better" campaign). Participants are invited to write and record a 4-7 minute persuasive speech articulating how students can "make it better now" for LGBT students within educational institutions and beyond. Speeches are due by December 1st . Participants must be EMU undergraduates and/or Washtenaw County youth (ages 16-24). Visit www.makeitbetternow.weebly.com or contact The Center for the Study of Equality and Human Rights out of the CMTA department at msage@emich.edu for more information.

Find more details here: http://makeitbetternow.weebly.com/

Saline Non-Discrimination Policy: More News

Saline Schools Superintendent Scot Graden has a blog post that describes the recent history of the Saline Schools non-discrimination ordinance. Most usefully, it has current and proposed language, as well as information about what the bullying ordinance says.

This post also says that at the board's next meeting there will be discussion (not a vote, as previously reported) of the ordinance, and that it is scheduled as an action item (likely vote--but it could always get tabled) will occur on October 12th.

The bullying ordinance includes language about sexual orientation but not gender identity.

Of course there are concerns about safety, because hate crimes and bullying do occur based on individuals' sexual orientation.

But--just for the record: Not all bullying involves sexual orientation, or gender identity. And not all issues around sexual orientation and gender identity involve bullying.

Including this language is important as a matter of basic civil rights, fairness, and human dignity.

All meetings are held at the Liberty School Media Center, 7265 Saline-Ann Arbor Road, and start at 6:30 p.m.

Michigan League for Human Services: Tax Policy

My son read my blog the other night. He said it was good, but a lot of it was about topics that he didn't find very interesting. I will bet that a lot of us have our eyes glaze over when it comes to tax policy, and I include myself in that category! (Even though it drives so much of the state decision-making!)

That is why I am thankful for the work for the Michigan League for Human Services and for Michigan's Children.
The Michigan League for Human Services just put out a startling report on how much money we are giving away (without getting much back in return). Read it and weep. Or--share it with your state legislators.

Here is the report: Silent and Stealthy: Michigan Gives Away $35 Billion a Year.
Hat Tip: Michigan Messenger.

(Speaking of the Michigan Messenger, you might also find this article about student anti-gay "Straight Pride" days interesting.)