I marvel at the ability of many Americans to turn a deaf ear to the obvious social engineering occurring in public schools today. Please understand that I do not wish to engage in hyperbole nor am I a great fan of "conspiracy" theories. Hyperbole and conspiracy theories aside—the reality of social engineering has once again arrived in the great state of California and eventually will be coming to a public school classroom near you.

Since it is now "old news", I'm sure most of you have already heard of Senate Bill 777 signed into law last October by California Governor Schwarzenegger. Introduced by Senator Sheila Kuehl, (the first openly lesbian woman to be elected to the California legislature), and sponsored by Equality California (California's statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights advocacy organization), this bill was given the sanitized title of "The Student Civil Rights Act". Drilling into the text of the bill reveals alarming redefinitions of those whose "rights" are being protected. Note the following direct quotations from the bill.

SEC. 4.  Section 210.7 is added to the Education Code, to read:
210.7. "Gender" means sex, and includes a person's gender identity and gender-related appearance and behavior whether or not stereotypically associated with the person's assigned sex at birth.

SEC. 9.  Section 212.6 is added to the Education Code, to read:
212.6. "Sexual orientation" means heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality.

In addition, it also includes restrictions upon curriculum content, making notation that instructional material may not "reflect adversely" on these lifestyles. It also specifically states that content must not include "any sectarian or denominational doctrine or propaganda contrary to law". This effectively eliminates the ability to teach traditional family values in the classroom setting.

Some will argue that this only applies to California and that their state is not affected. An October 12, 2007 article posted on WorldNetDaily.com states: "World Analysts have warned that schools across the nation will be impacted by the decision, since textbook publishers must cater to their largest purchaser, which often is California, and they will be unlikely to go to the expense of having a separate edition for other states."

This is but one moral issue that is being forced upon public school students. Time will not allow elucidation on other topics that are equally as alarming. Suffice it to say that certain individuals in our country recognize the value of training young people at an early age and are utilizing the public school classroom to perpetrate their values.

I am reminded of Jeremiah 13:23 that states, "Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots, then may ye also do good that are accustomed to do evil." Accustomed can also be translated as "discipled or taught". Compare this with Isaiah 54:13 that illustrates what should occur in every Christian school classroom. "And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy children."

Upon a recent visit to a small church-sponsored school, the administrator joyfully pointed out students who had come to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ while attending their school. A few weeks later, she wrote a short note stating, "The five students who have accepted Christ will thank you for eternity for playing a part in their accepting Christ." Bill & Collen Pearl opened up New Hope Academy this year as an act of faith and have already seen lives changed for the glory of God. Excerpts from Colleen's letter to AOP are included in this issue.

The size of your school makes no difference. Whether you have 2, 20, 200 or 2,000 students in your care, it matters little to our God! The fact that you are daily touching and molding lives in the name of Jesus Christ does! While it may appear that the "social engineers" are winning the "Civil War of Values", don't ever underestimate the effect your school is having on your community, your state, our nation, the world and ultimately, eternity. Continue to forge ahead in your ministry with confidence, knowing that we at AOP stand behind your efforts and are here to assist you in every way possible.

Roy Faletti
Vice President of Educational Services