Gay-Straight School
Club Angering Parents
From 6 News-xlns.com
from the Web, November 6, 2006
A high school organization is
creating quite a commotion among Okemos High School parents. The club is
called the gay-straight alliance. While some parents say the club crosses
the line, the school district is standing behind the student organization.
In October, flyers were put up all around Okemos High School by a
school-sponsored group called the gay-straight alliance. The group and its
flyers are now creating quite a stir among Okemos High School parents.
A group of concerned parents have been sending email to inform other parents
about the club and urging them to take action. In the email, parents say
the gay-straight alliance crosses the line, and that the club promotes a
lifestyle they believe is unacceptable. Superintendent Lee Gerard says the
club is actually about promoting understanding.
Lee Gerard: "It's gay students, straight students working together to
create a safer environment, it's not promoting a lifestyle."
Gerard says any club is allowed to exist at the school, unless it promotes
causes like violence or discrimination.
Lee Gerard: "If a club wants to exist, we can not say no to this club and
yes to this one."
He says the gay-straight alliance is a club open to all students, and one
students can choose to join. It's the responsibility of the school to
allow students to make that choice.
Lee Gerard: "We feel, we know legally the club has the right to exist, we
know what the club's goals are and we are very comfortable with them."
Gerard says legally the school's hands are tied. The school district
believes there is at least a lesson learned from this situation.
Lee Gerard: "We will be on alert for things that are offensive to people,
whichever club it is."
The Okemos board of education will be holding their meeting. Parents are
allowed to attend and can speak during a public comment period.
|
