Cioffi says nothing official has been presented
A group of Fannin County High School students is reported to be in the working stages of creating a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) club at the high school.
However, Principal Erik Cioffi said he has not been officially approached to create the club.
GSA clubs are organizations run by students that “unite LGBTQ and allied youth to build community and organize around issues impacting them in their schools and communities,” according to GSA Network.
The possibility of the club has faced opposition in the school and community. One example of this is a Change.org petition created by Emily Deal titled, “Don’t Let Homosexuality Be Pushed On Students in Fannin County.”
The petition had received 1,231 signatures as of press time.
“Some students have even gone as far as saying they would drop out of school if this does go through,” Deal said. “By signing this you simply state that you do not agree with this club and stand for what you believe in. They won’t let us bring religion into the schools so why is it okay to bring this into schools? Anyone can sign, parents, past students, everyone.”
A separate petition was created by Mason Rice titled, “GSA should be allowed at FCHS,” which had received 2,103 signatures at press time.
Former FCHS student Emily Powell signed the petition and said, “I’m a former student who saw firsthand the ridicule LGBT students get put through at FCHS, as well as how pushed Christianity is both during and after school hours. This club is a completely optional, all inclusive, after hours support group for kids needing a safe space to work through their experiences with others who can relate and support them. ... I can personally attest to how helpful a club like this could be for young people who feel alone.”
Cioffi addressed the matter in a letter to students, parents (guardians) and community members, which was posted to the high school’s Facebook page Wednesday, September 25. In the letter, he explained that the high school “will not discriminate against any club that has followed the guidelines to form.”
According to Cioffi, in order for a club to be formed it must be student initiated, have a certified teacher as a sponsor, have goals and purpose, have a minimum number of 10 participants and meet on school grounds with supervision, unless prior approval is granted for off campus activity.
In his letter, Cioffi wrote about the importance of appropriate discussions stating, “Although some of the comments and conversations have been healthy and appropriate, there have also been several that are inappropriate and harmful to our student body. I will first start off by reminding everyone, that the students walking our halls and attending our school today are the same students that have walked our halls and attended school yesterday, last week, last month, etc.
“One of my main responsibilities as Principal of FCHS is to provide a safe learning environment for ALL students who attend.”
He explained that participation in clubs is completely voluntary and that he hopes students can find appropriate ways to voice differences of opinion.
“Obviously, not every club will appeal to every student,” Cioffi said. “Participation in any club at FCHS has not ever been or will ever be pushed on any student. That is why they are all voluntary and not mandatory. As a school of education, it is our hope that we educate our students that they can have a difference of opinion and that there are appropriate ways to voice thoughts without using hateful and harsh comments.”