National Education Association (NEA) Ex-Gay Educators Caucus

Spotlighted News Stories from Exodus North America and Beyond

This week's Spotlights will feature an appeal from Jeralee Smith, who leads the new NEA-Exgay Educators Caucus. Ms. Smith shares the importance of having an open and bold discussion that involves the unique perspectives of former homosexuals. With compelling and heart stirring questions, Jeralee [a former lesbian], calls on all who have found freedom from homosexuality to speak up for the youth of today and tomorrow.

Jeralee Smith writes:

Until recently, the National Education Association (NEA) has been less than cordial toward ex-gay members who wish to have fair exposure of their personal stories and research validating that homosexual feelings and behavior can change. For two consecutive years, the NEA has refused discussion on the floor of the Representative Assembly, an approximately 10,000-member body of delegates convening yearly to make union policy.

Behind the scenes, ex-gay supporters were urged to drop business items that would open discussion to include ex-gay concerns in NEA sexual orientation policy. They were told that keeping this discussion as private as possible is advisable to avoid controversy and division. Ex-gay supporters did not shrink from public discussion. But neither were we invited to be part of NEA's less public Advisory Counsel on Sexual Orientation, recently formed to consult with NEA leadership. At least on the surface, the NEA seems to have had a change of heart recently by giving its official recognition to a new caucus, NEA-EXGAY EDUCATORS CAUCUS. (The purpose of all NEA caucuses is to affect the direction of NEA policy). What kind of fairness ex-gays will actually experience remains to be seen. Nonetheless, this is an unparalleled opportunity.

This opportunity deserves careful consideration by all ex-gays, parents of ex-gays and gays, and supporters, whether or not they are involved in public schools.

Today's generation of young people who seek support to eliminate or diminish their same-sex attractions have much less chance of finding hope and encouragement than the last generation did. The hope they seek is likely to be dashed by the politically correct, but inaccurate NEA position: that gays cannot change and attempting to do so is harmful.

Can we let the largest professional organization in the country (2.7 million members) remove the right to self-determination and sense of hope from youth who face our struggle? Instead of the professional approach of empowering youth to make informed choices and determine their own destiny, a youth’s "pursuit" of happiness will be outlined for them and critical information withheld, essentially violating this most basic constitutional right to pursue one’s own happiness.

For the sake of the next generation, please find some way to support the NEA-EXGAY EDUCATORS CAUCUS by filling out the below application form.

Non-NEA members can also join the caucus. Although you will not be given voting privileges, you will receive newsletter updates and other pertinent information.

Please support us and the next generation! They are the future. _____________________

Membership Form for National Education Association Ex-Gay Educators Caucus (888)532-4678

Name:

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Dues category: (Mark One)

_____$20 for Active voting membership (NEA members only, including Staff and Life)

_____$10 for Associate non-voting membership (non-NEA members)

_____$5 for Students or Retired

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Please mail form and payment to: NEA Ex-Gay Educators Caucus 2097 E. Washington St. 1E Suite 305 Colton, CA 92324

Make checks payable to Ex-Gay Educators Caucus.

Thank you!