Woodbury BOE Considers Gay-Straight Alliance

November 18, 2004

WOODBURY, NJ — A group of students at Woodbury High School are seeking an endorsement of a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Club from the board of education.

Superintendent Judith Wilson explained to the board Tuesday night that with the help of a volunteer faculty advisor, the students pulled together a purpose for the club and outlined their objectives.

The objectives of the organization are very very positive, Wilson said. The types of activities they sponsor are mainly based on charitable work as well as work on understanding each other.

A few comments from the public during the Board of Education meeting were made to the effect that such a club could open up a can of worms.

Why not a club that encompasses several lifestyle issues, one resident asked.

A student representative also chimed in to say that the possibility of a GSA has been a hot topic for the Student Government, adding that they believe it could cause a division in the student body that doesn't currently exist.

This is very much student-based, Wilson explained. They sought an advisor and researched other high schools with similar clubs. This is all based on education and understanding. They're not proposing a club for gay students who just want to get together.

Board member Lynn Jennings Dennen said, There is clearly a voice saying, 'We feel a need for this club.'

Another member, Salvatore Ferraino said he thinks the board is, treading in a minefield with this issue and that parents in the district should be notified about such a club before the board considers its approval.

The board tabled the decision, pending a proposal presentation about GSA during the Dec. 21 meeting.

A number of other high schools in the state, including Eastern Regional High School in Camden County, also have GSA clubs or something similar available to students.

GSA objectives are typically to fight discrimination, harassment and violence at school, education for the community about homophobia, gender identity and sexual orientation issues as well as create safe environments in schools for students to learn about diversity.