The administration has officially approved the formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance at our school. Your support made it impossible for the board to ignore our request or the legal requirements of the Equal Access Act. I look forward to seeing the club begin its regular meetings soon.
April 14, 2017
Final supporters
A Gay-Straight Alliance "is a student-initiated and student-run club in a public or private school. The goal of a GSA is to provide a safe, supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning (LGBTQ) and straight ally youth to meet and discuss sexual orientation and gender identity issues, and to work to create a school environment free of discrimination, harassment, and intolerance."
In other words, it is a support group, activism club, and/or a social group. Ideally, CCA's would be a mix of all three and participate in community events such as Pride and do sponsor school-based events as well.
Hi, I'm Gabe Kilgore, an 11th grade acting major and junior class vice president at Center for Creative Arts. I recently spoke to Mrs.Smith about starting a GSA, but was denied. By gathering signatures, I hope to help sway her mind about it.
For many years, students at Center for Creative Arts have attempted to form a GSA only to be shut down. That, however, is technically illegal. Under the Federal Equal Access Act, it essentially says that if a school has at least one non-curricular activity outside of school hours (we do), then a GSA should be allowed to form. Our principal has time and time again declined the request, but we need to pursue this - the law is on our side.
If you think CCA should have a GSA then please sign and share this petition. I ask though that you only sign if you are a CCA high school student, parent, or teacher as this is to show our principal that it is in demand. As the club would have to be high school only, please do not sign unless you are currently or will be a high school student next year. Please share!
Updates
March 31, 2017
The momentum behind this effort has shifted from a personal project to a collective mandate. It is clear that the student body recognizes the importance of legal equity and safe spaces within our school. We will now begin the process of presenting this support to the administration.
Reached 100 supporters
March 31, 2017
106 Comments
I can't believe you were denied the ability to start this club! I was in French club, chess club, literary magazine & never had to get a petition going for that so even though I'm outraged, I'm happy to sign & sharing this petition!!
I have dealt with homophobic staff myself and think this will be a way to open up their minds. I also think this would be a good, safe place for kids who don't have support st home.
I'm GSA president at Red Bank High School. I statutes the club at my school about 3 years ago. If you need any help feel free to contact me.
This needs to happen. Just because we are a creative arts school doesn't mean there isn't prejudice. There may not be as much as other schools but it's still valid. Plus this group can be used to educate younger individuals who are in denial of, or confused about their gender, or sexuality. This group can only be good.
During my time at CCA I saw multiple people try and start a GSA only to face the internalized homophobia of the administration. No matter how accepting CCA appears to be, students who have not yet figured out who they are need a community who is ready made to answer their questions, support them, and educate them about the LGBTQ community.
I'm in middle school but if this gets enough signatures then I could join it when I'm in high school so yes (I'm ace)
THIS IS SO IMPORTANT
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The administration has officially approved the formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance at our school. Your support made it impossible for the board to ignore our request or the legal requirements of the Equal Access Act. I look forward to seeing the club begin its regular meetings soon.
April 14, 2017
Final supporters
A Gay-Straight Alliance "is a student-initiated and student-run club in a public or private school. The goal of a GSA is to provide a safe, supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning (LGBTQ) and straight ally youth to meet and discuss sexual orientation and gender identity issues, and to work to create a school environment free of discrimination, harassment, and intolerance."
In other words, it is a support group, activism club, and/or a social group. Ideally, CCA's would be a mix of all three and participate in community events such as Pride and do sponsor school-based events as well.
Hi, I'm Gabe Kilgore, an 11th grade acting major and junior class vice president at Center for Creative Arts. I recently spoke to Mrs.Smith about starting a GSA, but was denied. By gathering signatures, I hope to help sway her mind about it.
For many years, students at Center for Creative Arts have attempted to form a GSA only to be shut down. That, however, is technically illegal. Under the Federal Equal Access Act, it essentially says that if a school has at least one non-curricular activity outside of school hours (we do), then a GSA should be allowed to form. Our principal has time and time again declined the request, but we need to pursue this - the law is on our side.
If you think CCA should have a GSA then please sign and share this petition. I ask though that you only sign if you are a CCA high school student, parent, or teacher as this is to show our principal that it is in demand. As the club would have to be high school only, please do not sign unless you are currently or will be a high school student next year. Please share!
Updates
March 31, 2017
The momentum behind this effort has shifted from a personal project to a collective mandate. It is clear that the student body recognizes the importance of legal equity and safe spaces within our school. We will now begin the process of presenting this support to the administration.
Reached 100 supporters
March 31, 2017
106 Comments
My daughter Meredith is transgender, a successful author, and an alumnus of CCA. It would have been wonderful to have this alliance when she attended!
I can't believe you were denied the ability to start this club! I was in French club, chess club, literary magazine & never had to get a petition going for that so even though I'm outraged, I'm happy to sign & sharing this petition!!
I have dealt with homophobic staff myself and think this will be a way to open up their minds. I also think this would be a good, safe place for kids who don't have support st home.
I'm GSA president at Red Bank High School. I statutes the club at my school about 3 years ago. If you need any help feel free to contact me.
This needs to happen. Just because we are a creative arts school doesn't mean there isn't prejudice. There may not be as much as other schools but it's still valid. Plus this group can be used to educate younger individuals who are in denial of, or confused about their gender, or sexuality. This group can only be good.
During my time at CCA I saw multiple people try and start a GSA only to face the internalized homophobia of the administration. No matter how accepting CCA appears to be, students who have not yet figured out who they are need a community who is ready made to answer their questions, support them, and educate them about the LGBTQ community.
I'm in middle school but if this gets enough signatures then I could join it when I'm in high school so yes (I'm ace)
THIS IS SO IMPORTANT
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My daughter Meredith is transgender, a successful author, and an alumnus of CCA. It would have been wonderful to have this alliance when she attended!