What to Do If They Say No...

A GSA is considered a student organization. We typically begin to think about these things when a student approaches us looking for sponsors. Teachers don't usually go around looking for extra things to do on top of what they already have. 

The best approach would be to start collecting a small group of kids who are interested in bringing it up to the administration themselves. The students will approach administration on their own while you are their sponsor for the club. You can help them research talking points and ideas that they have for the school. Tell them about the negative stereotypes and practice with them explaining that those stereotypes are not their purpose for the club.

I would send a notice to the principal in charge of clubs and set up a meeting for the kids to speak with them about starting a GSA instead of the kids walking in their office in a group unannounced. This will allow start the role of the sponsor communicating between admin and the students. School admin never want to be surprised on anything happening in their school and they will appreciate the heads up especially if they don't know what a GSA is or if they need to check with others like district admin or the district lawyer.

 

Chances are that the kids will get a yes and you can relax and start planning the first meeting.

If they are told no....(being told that they can only meet off campus is also a no) there are options to go from there.

First, I would go to the admin on your own and get their side and understand their position. It might be a simple misunderstanding. Remember that you are the liaison between the students and admin and it could be a matter of language and wording that the kids didn’t have down. They may have questions for you about what the club is and share their concerns about a parental backlash. (A conservative district means that there will be parental complaints about anything non-traditional or controversial) If they bring up negative stereotypes or concerns about discussing inappropriate topics in class, you could explain that you would feel very uncomfortable about sponsoring a club like that and reinforce that those are just negative stereotypes. Talk with them about topics that you would moderate like anti-bullying and suicide prevention. 

If there is still a solid no... ask to have another meeting with the district's attorney because from the research there's usually a lawsuit that follows because of the Equal Access Act. This is much better than a simple threat of a lawsuit and just walking out of the office. This is a persistent, "I want to work with you on this so that there are no surprises."

The students can contact organizations such as the ACLU who will more than likely begin with a letter to the school admin explaining that if they to do not grant permission, legal action will be taken.

As a reminder.... things do not usually go this far. This hasn't happened in Texas for several years. The most recent one I found, the school allowed the club on "probation" after the letter from the ACLU was sent to the school.

Always remember that this is the students' fight as much as you want to fight for them. You are not going to sue the school yourself. Lawsuits about a student organization need to come from a student. These students are usually backed by an organization supportive of the GSA. However, you can help them find their own resources and help them do their own research on lawsuits about school clubs and organizations.