re: Mom Kicked Out of the PTA for Position on Prop 8

Kathy — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:51:52 GMT

Reading with interest your blog--I am Kathy Adams, Robin's wife and Sebastian's other mom. I need not remind any of you that the news story is missing much information not the least of which is the process many gay and lesbian parents go through in trying to select a school for their children--as many other parents do. Parents are often faced with choices that are far from perfect. I myself, interestingly a former Catholic and Mormon, have experienced both the most conservative and progressive versions of both religions. St. Helen's is one of our local schools, we know teachers and staff there, helped at the school before Sebastian was born, and believed that this Catholic school tried to enact general principles of faith that honors the dignity of all human beings. This school knew from day one about Sebastian's family and we and his fathers - yes fathers - were very active as well as his maternal grandparents. He was the "poster" child of the school a very social and charming child he is front and center on their brochure. We talked at length with the principal prior to enrolling him and left feeling like we could place him there. The local public school did not have a pre-k class (pre-k in CA is not a right of all children) and St. Helen's had a pre-k. In addition, his birth father is a fourth generation Catholic. His pre-k year went great. Robin is not only a community college teacher she is also a very active local community activist thus very busy and she has amazing organizational skills and is a very effective fund raiser. Last spring she was being begged (and I am not exaggerating) begged by the principal to be PTO president--she would not let us out of her office until we said yes. Robin reluctantly agreed but again we are very involved at school silent auctions, walk a thons, visited his class regularly, donated resources etc.

Her activism against CA's Prop 8 was very public, and she never identified herself as a parent of St. Helen's etc. This public activism was not a problem until after the election and not even one week after the election the parish priest was calling her to tell her she was being forced by him to resign--"you are the public face of a conflict of interest with the Catholic Church."

I might add to remember as this story is blogged I have left many details out. Suffice it to say, we removed Sebastian the very day Father Sal called. I might also add that the official Catholic Bishop statement after the election specifically states that the Church does not disparage against anyone that opposed this proposition.

A final note--our story continues to unfold with a little boy who only wants to see his friends. Ironically today we learned he had, by a landslide, won the Sept. walk-a-thon, bring in over $1,000 dollars to the school. His monetary reward will be donated back to St. Helen's specifically given to his pre-K teacher and kindergarten teacher who loved him and cared for him while in their care.

One day Jesus will ask all of us, I gave you the greatest gift of all, love--what about love thy neighbor as thyself do you not understand?

re: Mom Kicked Out of the PTA for Position on Prop 8

leahsmom — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:39:26 GMT

"So why are McGehee and Adams subjecting their child to a place that teaches against their family?" - maybe because it was the best educational option for their children? American kids often are faced with choices like that - and sometimes, because it's so related to success, you send your kids to a place that teaches different values so that they can get the best education and chance in life - and talk about where you differ, in depth, at home.

re: Mom Kicked Out of the PTA for Position on Prop 8

Christine — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:35:18 GMT

As a member of a PTO I'm willing to say that more then likely they wanted/needed the help that she gave. And in this situation (to use a cheesy saying), they've very likely cut off their nose to spite their face. In reading the full article, the VP resigned as well.