The
October 6, 2000
“Gay/Straight
By Kristen Spence, Staff
Writer
A few weeks ago, Matthew
Hill, a freshman, requested permission to have a meeting to discuss starting a
chapter of the Gay/Straight Student Alliance. RJR officials have approved this
request.
Mr. Elrod said that he
would provide space for the meeting. Because the school system neither condones
nor discourages this alliance, the meeting must be student-led. However, by
federal law, as long as a group does not discriminate on the basis of race,
ethnicity, or sex, the school is required to provide time and space for that
group to meet.
Matthew said he wanted to
start this chapter to help understand other’s differences.
He said, “I think it’s
wrong that people pick on other people because they are different.”
The Gay/Straight Student
Alliance originated at
Students at Reynolds have
mixed feelings about this new addition to the school’s already abundant
after-school meetings. Junior Jessica Miller says, “I don’t agree with being
gay as a personal lifestyle choice, but I don’t think any less of a person if
they are. I feel that this new organization (the alliance) will not be helpful
or hurtful in any way.
People who already
stereotype homosexual (sic) will
continue to do so and people who support them will also continue.”
Cherria Moore, a junior, said, “I see this club as being
sort of a stepping stone for homosexuals. This will give them the opportunity
to be able to converse with people who are like them and people who are there
for them to support them in their alternative lifestyle. The club can also let
those who feel that they cannot be themselves to finally feel comfortable in a
hate-free environment without being ridiculed or stereotyped.”
Transcribed to computer
file: December 9, 2004