| To the Editor: Jesse Helms� amendment to the recently passed federal education bill sends a clear and strong message to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth that they are not welcome in their own schools. Helms� amendment adds the federal government to the chorus of voices, from peers to pop culture, and even parents and teachers, that condemn these students for being themselves. It seems that no one in the Senate was brave enough to stand up to Senator Jesse Helms� dangerous and homophobic amendment to the federal education bill. The bill was long overdue, but it could have been passed without Helms� amendment. There is enough discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals already, without offering groups that discriminate federal aid. Helms� amendment will deny federal funds to the approximately 360 school districts across the country that charge Boy Scout groups for meeting space or deny them access to school grounds (most districts allow any group to use their facilities for a fee but also give the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and certain other groups free access). School officials that have decided to deny the Boy Scouts free access chose fairness and acceptance � values they�re employed to convey to students - over a well-meaning but and homophobic institution. The Helms Amendment, like other provisions in the bill, overrides states� ability to protect their citizens against discrimination as well as local control of education. It forces schools to support discrimination. A recent national survey by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Educator�s Network found that 68% of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students report feeling �unsafe� in school because of their sexual orientation. In addition, the US Department of Health and Human Services has found that gay and lesbian students are three times more likely to commit suicide than their straight peers. In the face of evidence like this, the Senate should be ashamed for letting the homophobic Helms Amendment slip by without substantial debate. As a recent high school graduate with many friends still struggling for acceptance in their schools, I am appalled that our elected officials feel comfortable talking about �America United� while passing a bill that hurts some of our most vulnerable youth. Sincerely, Maggie Crowley |