Texas school bans all clubs to prevent gay-straight alliance being formed

[Ian David]

Texas school bans all clubs to prevent gay-straight alliance being formed

A school in Texas has banned all extra-curricular clubs in a move to deny a student’s request to form a Gay-Straight Alliance that would bring together lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight students. The group was to provide support and promote understanding between students.

<snip>

The principal of Flour Bluff High School, James Crenshaw, denied the request to found the GSA by student Nikki Peet, 17, in November, despite her fulfilling all the requirements to start a student club.

With no other reasons left to prevent the GSA from forming, Flour Bluff has now banned all extra-curricular clubs, asking existing clubs to meet off campus for the time being. The Flour Bluff Independent School District has backed the decision of the high school.

<snip>

Activists say the decision is in contravention of the federal Equal Access Act 1984, which requires schools to offer fair opportunities for students to form their own extra-curricular groups without discrimination, which the school has done until now. Christine Sun, senior counsel with the national American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) LGBT and AIDS Project said: “Officials from Flour Bluff School District deny they are subject to federal law, but in fact, they are held to the same standard as other schools and must treat extra-curricular groups equally, regardless of their students’ religion, political affiliation or sexual orientation.”

More:
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2011/03/03/texas-school-bans-all-clubs-to-prevent-gay-straight-alliance-being-formed/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Pinknews+%28Pink+News%29&utm_content=Twitter

[Ilsa]

1. Deep south Texas, right next to Corpus Christi. The fear and hatred are astounding.

The bigots would rather deprive all kids than allow them to consider their differences collectively and learn from one another.

[Ian David]

2. Let Nikki Peet Start A Gay-Straight Alliance in Corpus Christi, Texas

Let Nikki Peet Start A Gay-Straight Alliance in Corpus Christi, Texas

Flour Bluff Independent School District in Corpus Christi, Texas, has rejected a student's application for a Gay-Straight Alliance on campus. Not only does this prevent the formation of a safe space for LGBT students, it may violate federal anti-discrimination laws.
Update: Breaking news: the ACLU is intervening on Nikki Peet's behalf: http://bit.ly/hRrnFF · about 17 hours ago


More:
http://www.change.org/petitions/let-nikki-peet-start-a-gay-straight-alliance-in-corpus-christi-texas

[ladjf]

3. It is obvious that the wrong thinkers have taken over Texas politics.

nt

[ashling]

8. I teach US and Texas Govt at a couple of Community Colleges

here in Texas. I have posted a news story on this is\n the current events folder in my classes.

There are some stupid comments made, but some suprisingly supportive ones as well.

[mitchtv]

4. Didn't this issue come up in Utah a year or so ago?

seems they tried it in SLC or some god forsaken place like that

[RetiredTrotskyite]

5. This is like some of the anti-equality wingnuts...

they would rather destroy marriage than share it. Same crap and intolerance here.

[NoMoreUsernames]

6. Trying to reach post threshold so I can post a thread.

I remember hearing about this through a friend.

It's possible that the principal may be acting in the interest of the school. He may be completely okay personally with a GLBT; however, if gay person is violently murdered in Texas because of the GLBT exposing students - he may be held partially accountable and loose his job.

[mitchtv]

7. I believe that GSAs are mostly "out" gay and allies

I don't see how anyone could hold the district liable. besides a gay murdered in TX would hardly raise an eyebrow. Welcome to DU BTW

[susanr516]

9. Flour Bluff School Board votes to allow GSA

at least temporarily.

http://www.caller.com/news/2011/mar/09/flour-bluff-gay-straight-alliance-club-want/

I'm fairly sure the board will attempt to ban it this fall, but--for the moment--the GSA has prevailed.