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LA Schools To Teach LGBT Curriculum In Anti-Bullying Effort

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Students in the Los Angeles Unified school district may soon be taught "age-appropriate" curriculum promoting positive images of homosexuals and their contributions to society.

KNX 1070's Claudia Peschiutta reports the district approved an anti-bullying program aimed at reducing harassment at school for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students.

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The resolution approved on Tuesday directs officials to come up with an implementation plan within 90 days, the Associated Press reported.

One mom present at the school board meeting recalled the reaction her son Elliot received at school when he openly declared himself to be homosexual at age 13 in front of hundreds of classmates.

"Students called him names, hit him, kicked him, and one student threatened to kill him," she said.

The resolution comes on the heels of the California Legislature approving a law requiring school districts to include the contributions of LGBT Americans in their social studies curriculum.

In addition to curriculum changes, the plan also calls for LGBT sensitivity in education and training for students, parents and staff members.

District officials said the program would teach middle school students studying history about San Francisco gay rights leader Harvey Milk, while elementary school students with same-sex parents could be allowed to make two Mother's or Father's Day cards.

Despite the bullying, Elliot, who is now 16, said he feels relieved that he no longer has to hide being a homosexual.

"Remember, you are who you are," he said. "No one can take that away from you."

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