Tenn. School Criticized for Allowing Gay-Straight Alliance Club
A video of the Feb. 8 school board meeting can be seen below.
A high school in Tennessee is facing criticism after it permitted the creation of a Gay-Straight Alliance club in December.
Dozens of parents and community members condemned Franklin County High School’s support for the club at a school board meeting Feb. 8, according to CBS News.
A Facebook page has also been created calling for school board members to move the club off campus.
One Franklin County resident, Robert Widelick, questioned the group’s motives and told the school board that a public high school is no place for discussion of sexual orientation. Widelick’s statements were met with cheers from many meeting attendees.
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Board members said they must allow the club to organize because they receive federal funding. They also said the club’s formation followed the proper procedures.
Students said the club was largely created as a response to bullying. “It’s a safe environment for students to get together and just talk,” Franklin County Schools Director Amie Lonas said.
District officials made no major decisions about the club at their Feb. 8 meeting but will continue to review policies for creating clubs in schools.
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