Kansas views on DCF discrimination, guns on campus, open records
DCF discrimination – Allegations are mounting that the Kansas Department for Children and Families is discriminating against gay and lesbian Kansans who want to provide loving homes and permanent families to the state’s most at-risk children. The allegations are serious and must be investigated by someone independent of Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration. They may indicate that the state is deliberately violating the rights of same-sex couples. At the least, they suggest a willingness to place ideological concerns – a disapproval of same-sex relationships – ahead of the interests of vulnerable children.
An audit should be conducted to determine whether the administration’s strong support for the traditional family environment, or other factors, are unduly influencing the Kansas Department for Children and Families’ placement and adoption decisions, and whether those decisions are in the best interests of children in need of homes where they will be safe and loved. DCF officials say their policies don’t differentiate between heterosexual and same-sex couples. Therefore, DCF should have no objections to an audit of its foster care and adoption processes.
A person’s sexual orientation has nothing to do with the quality of their parenting. It’s time those in Kansas government realize that and start putting the child’s welfare ahead of their own bigotry and ignorance.
Guns on campus – Books, check. Backpack, check. Laptop computer, check. Semi-automatic handgun…. Such could be the checklist of college-bound students if Kansas lawmakers don’t intervene to stop the insanity of an American – and even more extreme Kansas – gun culture gone wild.
Open records – The Kansas Open Records Act needs some work. Legislation dealing with official use of e-mail was introduced but not advanced earlier this year, and new legislation may be considered to clarify the requirement to release probable-cause affidavits and open other police records. A lawsuit seeking the release of documents related to the governor’s judicial appointments also suggests the need for additional legislative action. To ensure open government in the state, the Legislature should give these issues top priority when it convenes in January.
This story was originally published December 13, 2015 at 6:06 PM with the headline "Kansas views on DCF discrimination, guns on campus, open records."