Dr. Umar A. Johnson, a certified school psychologist and recognized authority on the connection between learning disabilities among black youth and educational achievement, was uninvited by the Portland Public School Authority (PPSA) after his views on homosexuality were discovered in a series of disturbing YouTube videos. The PPSA District chief equity and diversity officer, Lolenzo Poe admits they should have vetted him better. “It wasn’t vetted well, it clearly wasn’t vetted in a way it should have and will be in the future,” Poe was quoted in The Oregonian. “We were so appalled and offended because it doesn’t reflect the feelings of this district.”
In one clip, a questioner asked him views on the LGBT community to which, as a member of an organization that now regards homosexuality as a normal variation of the human condition, stated, “When I talk about homosexuality and lesbianism, I also try to add my disclaimer that we should not marginalize them because the only way we can change ‘them,’ to change the mindset, is to treat them. See, homosexuality is a mental illness just like drug addiction or anything else. So I believe in treatment. I never advocate extermination. Although I know there are some black homosexuals and lesbians who may take issue with the fact that they [weren’t] born that way, that cannot preclude me from speaking the truth [out].”
But despite his views, Johnson was subsequently questioned by a local radio personality, Reggie Aqui, and spent his time denying the statements he made in the videos on Youtube. When confronted with his view that homosexuality is a “mental illness,” Johnson responded: “Let me clarify that. What I said was that homosexuality was considered by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) up until 1973.” He was cut off by Aqui as he reminded him that his views were recorded but Aqui was dismissed by Johnson who said he was not being allowed to fully air his views.
