The Gay Straight Alliance at Franklin County High School has sparked a big controversy in the small town of Winchester.
The Principal of the high school approved the group’s creation in December. Since then, several residents of the area spoke out about the group, saying it was inappropriate for the organization to be in a public school. On Facebook, one parent compared the group to the terrorist organization, ISIS.
Monday afternoon, dozens gathered outside the school to show support for the organization before the county’s regularly scheduled school board meeting.
“I just couldn’t believe that it made such a big deal,” Katy Franck said. “It’s just kids starting a club.”
During the public comments section tonight, the passion appeared to turn into anger.
“The GSA [Gay Straight Alliance] does not belong in our schools,” said Robert Widelick.
That comment came after Widelick claimed the organization has an agenda it imposes on those who attend the meetings.
“There’s really no place for discussion of sexual orientation in a public high school,” Widelick said.
Those who support the creation of the club said they started it because of bullying in the school. A parent who spoke out against the group told the school board he does not want any club in school that is non-academic and blamed them for not protecting students.
“If we had the safety at the schools that these two young men needed, then we wouldn’t have the need for the club,” said Chris Bell.
The school did not make a decision about whether to keep allowing the club, so it will continue to meet normally. Meanwhile, officials are looking through the policies for creating clubs on schools.
District officials said because of federal funding, they cannot decide to ban the Gay Straight Alliance. The only option would be to ban all schools.
