Cumberland Valley School Board member Pamela Long, has prompted the school board to delay the reinstatement of the school’s GSA, a move which should be routine and uncomplicated. Especially given that school boards are prohibited by law from discriminating against gay student clubs as long as the school has other noncurricular clubs.
The school had an active GSA several years ago, but it was disbanded after active members graduated. The move to block reinstatement demonstrate the growing activism of anti-gay force through school board action.
What is most appalling to me (the blogger) is the way Long tries to equate the GSA with a Nazi group.
Board member Pamela Long asked if the club had a clear academic purpose. But others said that clubs don’t need to be strictly academic.
“We do have clubs like the Frisbee club,†district business manager Michael Willis said during Monday night’s meeting.
But does the club’s philosophy matter? Long asked. “So like if a Nazi club wanted to come …,†she said.
For her, the cooperation of gay and straight students to create an environment of support and tolerance is a philosophy?
One of Long’s objections is because the groups suggests holding a “Pink Prom.” and her concern is if this group can have its own prom, any group can have its own prom. I’d be in favor of having the group take that out of their application, if Long signs an agreement that as a school board member, she will work tirelessly to make sure that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trans teens are encouraged to attend the school’s sanctioned prom with the date of their choice. Wonder how far that idea will go…
Youth are coming out, or at the very least exploring their sexuality in more open ways younger than ever before. Without adequate support in the school environment many youth experience severe hardship, alienation, and even violence. One answer are GSA’s where gay and straight students together, work to generate an environment where all students are welcome, and encouraged to be themselves.
Thx for posting a comment!
When i first read that news article, I was appalled about her comparison to student's starting a Nazi club. I understand how this issue may conflict with Mrs. Long's personal world view, but her position on the school board comes with the responsibility to protect students, to believe in them, and to empower them to explore the world in their own way. She has not only failed in her responsibility, but she has made it clear that some students are different, are not supported, and are not welcome at the table. I hope Mrs. Long is able to comprehend the damage she has caused, and can pursue reconciliation with the student body. If she can not, I think it would be appropriate for her to resign from her position on the school board.
Thanks for adding your comment and deepening the discussion.
The pink prom is not a prom. It is a social gathering. It is just called a pink prom. If the school board did their home work thwey would know. this gathering is designed particularly so gay couples(males) would have a place that they could be comfortable and possible dance together. At any dance, no one cares if girls dance together but if 2 guys dance together they get seperated and ridiculed. This is not designed as a formal prom or even dance. It is a way for gays to have a social interaction without being ridiculed. There is no Agenda or statement other than to let the kids relax. This is something that can be discussed at a later date. I am James Nestler, Alyssa'a Father (the lesbian in the story). They just want someplace for kids to go that does is comfortable and where otehr kids without accepting parents may find answers to tough questions instead of feeling they haveto go it alone. Or worse feel they can't go on at all.