The Franklin County School Board voted to give parents more control over what clubs their children participate in.
It's a fight that's divided a community for months with supporters and opponents of a Gay Straight Alliance at Franklin County High School at odds.
With only one dissenting voice from board member Adam Tucker, who cited personal and legal issues with the policy, the Franklin County School Board approved new rules for school clubs. The policy includes requiring written permission from parents before their child can participate.
Monday's vote was in response to the recent firestorm of controversy surrounding the Gay Straight Alliance that was approved in December. GSA clubs are not uncommon at high schools across the state.
"The fact of the matter of this. The GSA is supported by adult, left-wing activists that seem to have only the progression of their political agenda at heart. Not the best interest of all students," said school board member Chris Guess during the meeting. Guess said he received emails from club supporters who threatened his position on the board.
The vote disappointed Gay Straight Alliance Co-founder Joshua Dailey, who says since he moved to Franklin County from New York he's experienced taunting and bullying including an incident when students threw holy water on him and yelled expletives.
"I just don't like that we're fighting for our rights while our county itself is so stuck in the past," Dailey said, "they don't get the concept of moving forward."
He says between 35 and 50 students show up to regular meetings. He does not expect the new policy to impact the club directly just yet. He believes most of the members are supported by their families who would sign their permission.
