Boston, MA, October 1, 2007 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has filed a "friend of the court" brief supporting the Lexington, Massachusetts school district's right to include books teaching about different types of people and families, including families with parents from the same gender, in its mandatory elementary curriculum.
 
"Teaching young children about living in a diverse world is a critical step in preparing students to becoming engaged in today's multi-cultural society," said Andrew H. Tarsy, New England Regional Director.
 
The brief filed in David Parker v. William Hurley, et. al., argues that teaching about diversity is of critical importance to creating an open and welcoming society – and that such lessons are most effective when the training begins in students formative years. 

Relying on ADL's experience running a celebrated diversity education program, the brief makes the case that once students are educated regarding diversity, they can be powerful agents of change for transforming their school environment, and ultimately, society.
 
The case is an appeal from a decision from the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts earlier this year supporting the school's use of this curriculum.
 
The brief was prepared by the law firm of Ropes and Gray.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.