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Moon Area board OKs groups; includes gay alliance
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Moon Area school directors have approved the list of high school activity groups including a new one, the Gay-Straight Alliance.
The approvals were unanimous on all of the groups except the new one, which was opposed by director Mark Limbruner.
"I voted no to the Gay-Straight Alliance because the club will be dealing with sensitive issues that are more appropriately handled by family members or our in-school counselors," Mr. Limbruner said, explaining his vote.
The club's purpose, as described by the district, is to "provide a forum for students of various sexual orientations to meet, discuss and address issues affecting them and their friends."
Amanda Hartle, the district's public relations officer, said the Gay-Straight Alliance was chartered as a club this year. She said its formation passed through all of the district's approval channels to become a recognized district organization.
She said the club will hold its first meeting this month, so it's not known how many students in grades 9-12 will participate. It's expected to include students of all sexual orientations -- not just gay or lesbian but also straight, she said.
Monica Ianarelli, the club sponsor, teaches French at the middle school.
The other clubs are:
• Tiger Track Club, which conducts fundraising in support of travel, purchasing apparel and awards, and provides general support of the needs of the track program.
• World Cultures Club, which provides students with a forum to learn and understanding people, geography and culture of countries around the world.
• Yearbook, which plans, develops and produces an annual commemorative book with photos of high school students, faculty and staff.
• Youth for Christ, which gives a forum for students to discuss, display and share their faith with each other and provides an opportunity for others to join.
Alan Bennett, director of fiscal and school services, said the district has reorganized the way it manages student activities.
He said it is more formalized in order to establish that they are bona fide, school-related groups.
First Published November 13, 2008 5:46 am
