Seneca Valley OKs Gender and Sexuality Advocacy Club

The Seneca Valley school board has approved the establishment of a Gender and Sexuality Advocacy Club at the high school, but not without some protest.

School board members voted Monday to approve the club in the same motion with cooking and fishing clubs. Board members James Welsh and Reid Moon were opposed.

“I disagree with any type of sexuality advocacy club within the school district,” Mr. Welsh said. Mr. Moon did not comment.

Mr. Welsh’s daughter, who is a student at Seneca Valley, also spoke against forming the club during the public comment portion of Monday’s meeting.

“There are so many rules at Seneca Valley to discourage inappropriate behavior,” Kaitlyn Welsh said. “I do not believe that the school is a place to promote lesbians, gays or transgender people. What are the intentions of this club and how would there not be discrimination?”

Parent Lauren Buccelli of Forward said she doesn’t believe the club has a place in the district because it isn’t academic or sports-related.

“As a parent, I don’t think the school is supposed to promote anything with sexuality,” she said.

Board member Fred Peterson disagreed.

“I do not believe the aim of the club is advocacy for the lifestyle. I believe it is to advocate on behalf of our children who have lost their identity,” Mr. Peterson said.

Linda Andreassi, district spokeswoman, said the establishment of the club followed the same procedure as other clubs in the district. All new clubs must have at least 15 interested students and a faculty sponsor.

The Gender and Sexuality Advocacy Club has 40 interested students, and senior high teacher Carrie Potter-Murray was named sponsor.