GSA given greenlight in Central PA

 

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ENOLA, PA— A GSA at East Pennsboro Area High School was approved in a unanimous  vote (7-0) this evening by their local school board. Earlier this month, the East Pennsboro Area School District Board of Directors voted down (4-4) the formation of a GSA at EPA HS.

Realizing what they had done, and following a media firestorm, it was predicted that at the meeting tonight they would approve the formation of the student group.

East Pennsboro Area School District is located on the West Shore region in Central Pennsylvania – directly across the river from our capital city of Harrisburg. East Pennsboro Area High School LGBTQ and ally students have had  an informal group for several years.

PSEC Co-Founder Jason Fluke,  who is a student at Penn State – Harrisburg and recent graduate of East Pennsboro Area School District, was present at the vote this evening with other  supporters from the community. Fluke said “this is a small victory for the queer community, but a larger victory for any individual who does not fit the caucasian, heterosexual norm.”

Today, the Patriot-News published an incredibly supportive editorial in favor of the GSA’s establishment:
Gay Alliance – East Pennsboro should get it right this time.

There was minimal discussion by the Board members before the final vote. They had a greatly positive dialogue  this evening in contrast to just a few weeks before.

Following the meeting, Fluke said “with the public establishment of Coexist, hopefully now the students will feel safe and empowered to find their voices.”

We couldn’t agree more.

The East Pennsboro Area School District Board of Directors before the final vote to approve the GSA.

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