Essay | Separation of Gays and Straights

This fall, Harvey Milk High School is scheduled to open as the nation's first public school for gays, bisexuals, and transgender students. Named after San Francisco's first openly gay politician, Harvey Milk will enroll about 100 students, with plans to increase enrollment to 170 by September. Supporters of the school say that the high school is needed to protect gay and lesbian students from physical attacks. "This program provides them with a safe haven and a chance to get an education," states council member Margarita Lopez. However, is this system practical, or even legal? Many say no, causing heated debates between the two sides. One argument remains constant in support and logic: No student, regardless of sexual orientation, should be treated differently. Segregation is illegal, and should not be allowed, especially in our public education system.

Primarily, separating students on basis of sexuality is segregation. It is no different than...
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