Pretty much all of our readers have spent some time of their youth in the classroom.  It is the one experience that pretty much unites us as a nation… we have all shared a school experience (some of us more awake than others).

Schools certainly can be a source of unity… but also a cause of division (and we don’t mean the math kind…).

School lesson plans that include controversial subjects can spark rebellion among teachers, parents and pupils.

For example, celebrating Christmas (a religious holiday for many) in public schools has been a hotly debated issue.

Religion also was a source of controversy recently when an Ohio teacher caught flack for trying to teach creationism in school using Lego building blocks.

In San Francisco, there is currently a simmering debate on another hot button subject…

The Alameda Board of Education was attempting to make its curriculum reflective of its community, with lesson plans discussing the diverse types of families, including single-parent homes and homes with gay parents.

One of these lessons was written specifically to address the bias against and the bullying of gay people.

Some chose to describe this as a “gay-friendly curriculum” thus sparking protests and outraged  (some say outrageous) TV commercials.

Law suits were filed (and thrown out) and the school board, in a controversial vote, has opted to amend the curriculum.

Typically, this has left no one happy. The gay community and the religious community still remain at odds over the decision.

Now we have a question for you… do you think talking about such controversial subjects should be avoided in the classroom?