Chambersburg Area Senior High School has been granted permission to form a Gay Straight Alliance, a month after the school board’s initial refusal. The formation of a Gay Straight Alliance was first voted upon on February 27, and denied with a 5-4 vote against the club. After the school was threatened with legal action from the Pennsylvania ACLU, the school board revisited the topic at a March 27 meeting, where another vote was taken. One board member changed their vote, bringing the school board to approve the club with a 5-4 vote in favor of forming a Gay Straight Alliance. Prior to official approval, the club was temporarily authorized to meet after the threat of a lawsuit.

Amber Fogelsonger, club president said of the decision,“To finally have us approved is like a weight lifted off our shoulders, so I think we’re all very happy that we got approved.”

Having a Gay Straight Alliance in place is essential to providing a safe environment for LGBTQ students. The Keystone Student Voice applauds the efforts of Chambersburg students and alumni who have worked to bring a Gay Straight Alliance to the school for years, as well as the Pennsylvania ACLU for working protecting the rights of students.