Controversial LGBTQ Acceptance Week begins at San Ramon school

SAN RAMON, Calif. (KGO) -- A controversial LGBTQ Appreciation Week at Windemere Ranch Middle School in San Ramon got underway Monday morning and it appears some students are choosing not to take part, even after the school modified the curriculum due to parental concerns.

More than 100 kids' parents still don't want their kids to hear the message, so they will go to the multi-purpose room during the lesson or will just go home early.

They have a pass for that so they won't be pulled out of class and singled out - a concern of many parents.

RELATED: East Bay parents threaten to boycott LGTBQ Acceptance week

"We have about 10 percent of our students whose parents have opted them out of the lessons this week," Principal Dave Bolin said.

The student leadership team came up with the idea to dedicate the week to issues facing the LGBTQ community.

One mother said her daughter is on that leadership team but she will not be teaching the lessons with the rest of the team because of religious reasons.

"The teacher told me she had to teach to students about LGBT so I am not comfortable with that, because my daughter is a Christian, she grow up in a Christian environment, so we are not comfortable," parent Cindy Seo said.

Other parents worried middle school kids are too young for the subject. "We talk about things pretty openly, I have my views. He's going to develop his views. I kinda figure, well, I wish it was maybe a little later into high school period of time but it's here, it's what it is," parent Phil Lim said.

But Lim decided to send his son, as did the majority of parents. Their kids will watch videos and have discussions at the end of each school day this week.

"What we are talking about is four days for about 10 or 15 minutes each day, not talking about all day long. It's probably less than an hour that we are talking about this. We are talking about acceptance and respect for everyone," Bolin said.

Bolin said Friday will be a Day of Silence to recognize what some gay and transgender students experience.

One parent did make good on the promise for a walkout and is keeping the student at home for the entire week.

So what do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below.