That’s Debatable

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger this week signed a state bill declaring May 22 as Harvey Milk Day. Senate Bill 572 encourages schools and institutions statewide to commemorate Harvey Milk, the openly gay San Francisco city councilman who was assassinated in 1978, annually on his birthday. Last year, the governor vetoed a similar bill. Last month, the OC Board of Education voted 5 to 0 in favor of a resolution opposing SB 72. Do you think Gov. Schwarzenegger did the right thing?

I opposed the legislation as it was going through the legislative process and felt it was pandering to one, very politically vocal segment of the liberal wing of the Democratic party, which, in my opinion, is a poor reason to commemorate anyone.

Generally, I think we should reserve the commemoration of a person or event for only the most extraordinary circumstances. Many of us have had our lives impacted by something or someone memorable, but I do not necessarily believe that means the entire state or nation should honor that person formally. Such is the case with Harvey Milk Day.

Not withstanding the controversial nature of Mr. Milk and his accomplishments, I see no more reason to commemorate him than, say, Howard Jarvis for spearheading the anti-tax movement in California. It just isn’t necessary.

State Sen. Tom Harman

(R-Costa Mesa)

Research has found that student achievement is directly equated with the amount of time a student is engaged in academic learning.

Regardless of one’s opinion about Milk or the homosexual lifestyle, SB 572 inappropriately pressures schools to divert scarce resources and time away from educational needs, focusing instead on controversial, non-academic topics. In addition, SB 572 is one of the most contentious bills of the year in California.

Gov. Schwarzenegger last year vetoed Harvey Milk Day, which is opposed by his secretary of education. SB 572 also concerns me because schools and school districts that normally would have an opt-in choice, to have or not have Harvey Milk Day, will NOT have to send opt-in or opt-out notices to parents.

Assemblyman Van Tran

(R-Costa Mesa)

California schools, already struggling under too many Sacramento mandates, should focus on the basics. Honoring Harvey Milk does nothing to improve public education in California.

Assemblyman Chuck DeVore

(R-Newport Beach)