Kern High School Board Rejects Harvey Milk Day

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The Kern High School Board of Trustees has voted against commemorating the life of assassinated San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk.

A special meeting was held in the district's board room Wednesday morning, after board Vice President Ken Mettler proposed a policy that would prevent schools within the district from recognizing Milk in the classroom.

With three yes votes, one no vote from President Joel Heinrichs and an abstention from Chairman Bill Perry, the motion was passed.

But it wasn't before the public got a chance to weigh in on the issue.

"I want to speak out against making Harvey Milk Day a recognized holiday," said one man.

"Make no mistake, you will be sending a message to gay students that they don't matter, and their positive role models don't matter," said Carol Lair.

May 22 was designated as Harvey Milk Day after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the legislation into law last October.

It is not considered a national holiday; however, the state Legislature is encouraging schools to hold lessons remembering the politician and his accomplishments.BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The Kern High School Board of Trustees has voted against commemorating the life of assassinated San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk.

A special meeting was held in the district's board room Wednesday morning, after board Vice President Ken Mettler proposed a policy that would prevent schools within the district from recognizing Milk in the classroom.

With three yes votes, one no vote from President Joel Heinrichs and an abstention from Chairman Bill Perry, the motion was passed.

But it wasn't before the public got a chance to weigh in on the issue.

"I want to speak out against making Harvey Milk Day a recognized holiday," said one man.

"Make no mistake, you will be sending a message to gay students that they don't matter, and their positive role models don't matter," said Carol Lair.

May 22 was designated as Harvey Milk Day after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the legislation into law last October.

It is not considered a national holiday; however, the state Legislature is encouraging schools to hold lessons remembering the politician and his accomplishments.