I am wondering how our Board should handle this situation. One of our PTO officers has placed a rather offensive sign in her private home's front yard that is very derogatory toward a certain segment of our society (namely homosexuals). I am aware that this is an expression of her (or her husband's?) personal opinion, but I am worried about the reflection this may have on our organization, her being an officer and all. Also, this person is a very hard working member of our PTO, who seems sincerely interested in working for the benefit of our children. I am just not sure how her apparent outright support for discrimination against a particular segment of our society reflects on our organization, if at all. Any opinions on how (or if) to handle this?

Your stuck in between a rock and a hard place. I know that our by-laws have something to that effect and I guess it is assumed that ALL members and officers should keep this in mind even when your not working with the PTO. It makes you look bad and also the people that you associate with.

Sorry I was not much help. This is a real tough one. Keep searching I know that someone will have a great solution to your delima.

LOL,
Aggie

Refocus yourself... Let her be and the chips will fall where they may. I don't see how her personal opinion will reflect poorly on your PTO. If it does then don't the people with the problem have the same problem as the person posting the sign? The chip will fall..... stand clear...

Sounds like she's a really good member of your PTO. If she started trying to inject the personal opinion into your PTO that's one thing but it sounds like she does her PTO work really well. She's entitled to her opinion. I don't see any reason that your PTO has to deal with it unless she were using your PTO for her personal opinions.

My 2 cents... don't address this issue until it is an issue within the PTO. Anytime you have a group of people, there will be very different view points. Her personal opinions do not impact the PTO as a whole. I as a board member though would keep my eyes and ears open to make sure this woman (regardless of how hard working she may be) does not cross the line and inject this attitude into any of her work. The reason I go so far as to say that, is if this woman is willing to place a LAWN SIGN with her view points knowing how offending it may be to some, she obviously is very strong minded in her beliefs. Just stay on your toes.
Good Luck ~ Kay

[This message has been edited by Kaylee (edited 09-08-2000).]

What this woman does on her personal time by no means reflects what your organization does. You just have to be diligent in making sure she appears to be impartial at ALL PTO functions and does not share her personal opinions or views with the membership. Good Luck!