But the reason I’m featuring Ralph Perry on this blog is because he revealed his homosexuality in 1995, when the Rhode Island legislature was about to vote on a bill to ban job discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Newspapers picked up the story and quoted Perry:
“My success and reputation in my field are not enough. Despite my recognition as a good teacher, I can legally be fired tomorrow for testifying here tonight. This is not right. We in the gay and lesbian community of Rhode Island hear many, many stories of discrimination, especially in employment and housing, but most people won't come forward for fear of receiving publicity and being identified.”
His courage and stature as an educator helped assure passage of the legislation in April, 1995. The House of Representatives vote was 57-41, and the billed breezed through the Senate; ultimately Republican Governor Lincoln C. Almond signed it, making Rhode Island the ninth state to extend civil rights to citizens on the basis of sexual orientation.
"Teaching a child how to read opens the door for all future possibilities and is indeed my proudest accomplishment," said Ralph Perry, who was responsible for spearheading the implementation of a system-wide First Grade Reading Assessment program designed to provide necessary information for future instructional reform. A frequent leader of professional development workshops, Perry helped other teachers improve their understanding of multi-cultural education, technology implementation and Internet use. In an effort to involve working parents in their children's reading progress, he developed a highly successful take-home reading program.
Perry retired five years ago after a distinguished 28-year teaching career.
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