Scenario+7

At LMN Middle School, there had been a number of concerning issues in the past of students bullying other students within the realm of sexual orientation and there had been discussion among administration and counselors about how to handle the growing number of students who are freer with their sexual orientation in terms of how to get the students and faculty to fully embrace and empower these students.

The students approached the Afterschool Specialist, Mr. Paul, about starting the club. However, he said, "A club of this nature needs to be approved by the Principal."

So, the students approached you, the Principal, and told them that they wanted to start a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) afterschool club. They mentioned that they already have a faculty member, Ms. Simoni, who will sponsor the club in her room and that they already have a number of students who are in support and want to be members. They also told you of their previous conversation with Mr. Paul.

The school has a number of different types of clubs: 1. Curriculum-Based: French Club, Science Olympiad, Math Counts 3. Non-Curriculum-Based: Scrapbooking, Drama Club, Lego League 2. Honor Societies: National Junior Honor Society

As Principal, discuss in your group the following: 1. For middle school students, what types of clubs are age-appropriate and not age-appropriate? 2. What rights do schools have in limiting the types of clubs? 3. If you want to also tackle this....If you decide that the students were allowed to have the club, then how do you handle the response Mr. Paul gave to the students?

1) GSA Is age appropriate because it is not considered a "sex-based" club, and can tie into sex education with the school. 2) If they let in one club, they have to let in all clubs. Must be open access to all 3) You express that it is a controversial issue, and Mr. Paul just needed to cover his bases. Since it is a sensitive topic, and there were previous legal issues in the country it is understandable that he would proceed with caution.