Posted by
Billy email MADBillyD@aol.com on Monday, November 10, 2008 9:08:24 PM
There's no denying that those who frequent the Gay-Straight Alliance group's weekly meetings at Bellevue East High School are a diverse bunch.
But they chafe at the school district's suggestion that they meet as the Diversity Club.
Bellevue Public Schools officials say the group can call itself the Gay-Straight Alliance. But if the organization wants to be sponsored by the school, it must operate as the Diversity Club.
"The school needs to have equal treatment across the board for all noncurricular clubs," ACLU legal director Amy Miller said. "Right now, some get in the yearbook and get to invite speakers, and some apparently do not."
Sponsored, or curricular, clubs are eligible for yearbook coverage, a paid adviser and funding for events and field trips, according to the district.
ACLU threatened to sue the district in November 2007, when the alliance couldn't get the school to provide a meeting place or permission to announce meeting times, Miller said.
(I wonder if this group would allow a Bible based Christian who believes the gay life is sinful to join their group? I don't think so. School is not the place for a group like this. Perhaps groups like this is a key reason why many parents are removing their children from these government schools. Read more on this issue Group is diverse, but just don't call it that.)