http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2011/feb/01/01dorch2side/
The attached article entitled "Schools' Gay Straight Alliance survives board look at non-academic clubs" reports that a local school's club known as the Gay Straight Alliance, or GSA, survived a school board meeting held on Jan. 31, 2011. Apparently the club came under some scrutiny because it was a "non-academic" club. If I remember correctly, there were more than a few clubs when I was in high school that were not academic in nature, but were worthwhile nonetheless. It's funny then that this particular club should get noticed.
I don't want to sound too negative about this because at least for the time being, the school board was wise enough to let the GSA continue, and furthermore recognized that an extracurricular activity doesn't necessarily have to be academic to have merit. With suicide always being a major issue, especially for those who are homosexual and find themselves on the receiving end of a barrage of bullying (see many recent news headlines), groups like the GSA are essential for providing students an outlet in which to vent their thoughts and emotions. Additionally, straight kids are encouraged to join as well, and this should help to build a bridge between the two groups so maybe some of that bullying can be mitigated. As long as this group doesn't infringe upon the rights of any other students, there is no reason to shut it down.
All in all, I would definitely mark this as a victory for students' rights, and a victory for the local school community (especially because a couple years ago a principal elsewhere in the state lost his job for a similar club). Since this is the first time the group is really making headlines though, I doubt this is the last we'll hear about this issue.
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