CARNAL NATION

On May 21, we reported that the Ramona school district in San Diego County told sixth grader Natalie Jones that she could not give her oral report on openly gay politician Harvey Milk before the class because her fellow students did not have signed permission slips from their parents. The school principal cited a district policy requiring parental permission for any lessons involving sex. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) threatened to sue. It was announced today that the school district has reversed its decision and allowed the sixth grader to make her presentation just like everyone else in her class. “Harvey Milk always stood up for his beliefs and what was right, so I felt like I should do the same thing when my school told me they wouldn’t let me do my presentation,” said Natalie in a statement released by the ACLU.

The school district formally apologized to Natalie in writing and also sent a letter to parents of students in her class. In its letter to Natalie, district officials wrote, "On behalf of the governing board of the Ramona Unified School District and the staff of Mount Woodson Elementary School, we would like to extend our apology to you and your family for denying you the same opportunity as your fellow classmates to give your final Excel class presentation and for requiring parental permission for the presentation." Officials with the school district also promised to examine its current policy in order to eliminate the possibility of another similar situation happening again. Congratulations Natalie! The world needs more brave people like you in it. You can view Natalie's presentation here. Excellent job! This girl has a future!