Why we've banned nigger, but still tolerate fag

This makes me really sad

Youth Suicides, Andrew Shirvell, and America’s Tolerance of Anti-LGBT Hate

I used to work as a substitute in my younger brother's school (Jr. High) and consequentially, my alma mater. I discovered that some of the boys he hangs out with would should "Hiland's Gay!" (his name, then gay), in the hallways or lunch room. My mother went in and talked to the principal who started to "crack down," but I don't think he made much of an impression on those boys.

In one of the classes I was teaching shortly after this occurence, one student asked my opinion of gay marriage, I told him my opinion, and then he told me "I think it's gross," and he continued to tell me other homophobic opinions of his. I told him off, and my tactic, was to tell him "Kids kill themselves every year because of homophobic comments and bullying like that. Kill themselves. I don't tolerate that sort of language or attitude," (or something very similar). I think that kids should be aware that homophobic attitudes (bullying) cause suicide, and that no matter how not serious they think their comments are, they are serious.

But here's my big question, why are more teachers not opposing these comments? My 8th Grade health teacher ("Coach," she thought other titles made her old...), was the first person to ever in my life present to me the opposing viewpoint that being gay was not a bad or, god forbid, gross thing. She made a speech on one of the first days telling us how she would not tolerate any homophobia in her classroom. I can honestly say, that it was this defining moment that changed my attitudes. It was seriously that simple. It was obvious to me she had a point, and all it took was one person to convince me. Why did it take until the 8th grade for me to hear this? And why do I think nothing has changed.