A mock marriage ceremony that paired second-grade pupils of the same sex has drawn protests from some parents, including one family who now plans to home-school their son.
Many others supported the teacher who developed the "wedding of friends," and a school curriculum panel recommended 9-2 Monday that the district not change the class at Star Hill Elementary outside Dover.Teacher Ede Outten told the panel that the ceremony a few weeks ago was a creative way to get pupils to promise to care for each other as friends. The lesson went along with readings from "Carry, Go, Bring and Come" - a story about a West Indian wedding.
She likened it to the television show "Barney," where children sing "I love you, you love me."
"Even Barney's intentions would be suspect in Dover, Del.," said Mrs. Outten.
A local educators' group submitted 350 signatures in support of the teacher. But some of the 150 people at the public meeting voiced doubts about the ceremony.
Tiffany Kelty said it condoned homosexuality and that she now planned to teach her son Steven at home. She said the committee was filled with teachers and administrators and had made up its mind before the public testimony.
"I think it was one-sided," she said.