Chancellor of the New York City school system, JOSEPH FERNANDEZ. He's been a controversial figure: he's made condoms available in the public schools, and approved a multi-cultural curriculum, "Children of the Rainbow," that teaches respect for gays and lesbians. FERNANDEZ is Puerto Rican and grew up in Spanish Harlem. He was a gang member and a heroin addict. Later he joined the Air Force, where he kicked the habit, and attended college on the G.I. bill. He's got a new book, "Tales Out of School: Joseph Fernandez's Crusade to Rescue American Education" (Little, Brown & Co.).
Copyright 1993 Fresh Air