Posts Tagged ‘tolerance’
Tilton’s club bill stifles expression, tolerance
Published in the Daily Herald on February 3, 2007.
Imagine a high school club that intends only to educate the student body and the community, promote tolerance, create a safe environment for open discussion, and fight discrimination and harassment in our schools.
Sounds ideal, right? At worst, it is definitely more useful than, say, the “Order of the Phoenix Club” (yes, it is real). What could possibly be wrong with Utah high school students becoming more open-minded?
If such a club were called “Republicans and Democrats United” or “The End to Racial Discrimination,” Utahns would most likely approve of it. But when a handful of Utah high schools approve the creation of a Gay-Straight Alliance, the opposition spreads like wildfire.
In the Legislature, Rep. Aaron Tilton, R-Springville, has proposed a bill putting draconian limits on the creation of all high school clubs in order to suppress the GSA. Keeping an eye on student’s extracurricular activities is certainly a good thing, but Tilton’s bill goes well above and beyond what is necessary. When a group of students must create a constitution and budget report, report the content of all meetings to the administration to get together and, say, play dodge ball (a new trend in high school clubs), something is definitely wrong.
Tilton’s bill lists many reasons why a school’s administration can shut down a club. Most of these reasons are fair, such as if the club promotes criminality or bigotry. However, this clause inadvertently allows administrators to shut down clubs for basically any reason they see fit. This is obviously unfair.
Many, like Tilton, have voiced their fear that the Gay-Straight Alliance is a means to “recruit” students, as if there were a quasi-cold war between heterosexuals and homosexuals. In reality, this club is meant to bridge the gap between the two communities. Not only does the GSA promote tolerance of homosexuals, but of different races, religions, ethnic groups and classes. There is no “recruitment” involved, just active promotion of forbearance.
However, if the French club teaches students French, then what does the GSA do? What exactly goes on in the GSA’s meetings? The organization’s Web site includes many suggestions for activities, including picnics, sports, arts and crafts, and senior graduation parties. These activities are meant to create a place for anyone who feels socially removed or can’t find a place to fit in, most obviously because of their sexuality.
If a student feels out of place in his or her school, and there is a club that would welcome them to fun activities with open arms, we should not repress that organization. Certainly, these fun activities are meant to reel in more club members, but not to make them question their sexuality. They are created to educate and encourage understanding.
The GSA originated in San Francisco; there it played a large role in organizing “ground-breaking” legislation that “prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity,” as stated on the GSA’s Web site. Once again, we provided the yin to California’s yang, by presenting legislation that could possibly dissuade students from becoming more tolerant, and perhaps promote discrimination. If any bills should be passed on this subject in Utah, they should follow California’s example.
It is often difficult or even embarrassing for high school students to advocate change. Teens are faced with this challenge no matter where they grow up; not just in Utah or other conservative states.
The GSA is an ideal medium for students to practice their political influence, allowing for students to educate not only their peers but their teachers on controversial subjects. By being active in this club, students can fight against homophobia, sexual discrimination and harassment, a rare opportunity in Utah.
Too often one’s experiences in high school cause them to reject unfamiliar views or opinions. Any institution in our high schools, no matter how controversial, that urges students to open their minds, become more tolerant or learn about different walks of life is exactly what our community needs.
Tilton’s bill would destroy any chance for the GSA in high schools and in doing so would quash many high school student’s hope for social acceptance.
