Debate continues over high school's Gay-Straight Alliance

WINCHESTER, Tenn. (AP) — Supporters and critics of a Franklin County High School group that meets to talk about issues among gay and heterosexual students at the school will discuss the organization at the county school board's upcoming meeting.

The establishment of the school's Gay-Straight Alliance has generated debate in the community about its intent and necessity, the Daily News Journal reported (http://on.dnj.com/1XcazfL).

A social media page created last month called for school board members to move the club off campus.

"We have a complicated county, and we have lots of differing points of view," said Jennie Turrell, the faculty adviser for the organization, "and valid views and powerful views on both sides of this conversation."

Franklin County Schools Director Amie Lonas said the organization, which was created to promote tolerance and acceptance, followed the proper procedure to establish the club. The group was granted approval to form by school officials in December.

"It's a safe environment for students to get together and just talk," Lonas said.

While the Gay-Straight Alliance was allowed to form, some critics said that no organized meetings were held before members of the community began to question its motives and intent.

Lonas said the board is not set to consider any action about the group at Monday's meeting.

In response to the call for group opponents to gather at the county's school board meeting, school alumni received a permit to have a pro-LGBT rally before the meeting, Katy Franck, a Franklin County High alumna who is helping organize the rally, said.

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The Gayly - 2/7/2016 @ 5:26 p.m. CST