High School itself, and there were 15 parents. Gray said that there were 25-30 parents in atten- dance, responding to letters and copies of the agenda sent home to the parents of all 585 students. Ten people comprised the panel, including Principal Gray, the assistant principal, the superintendent and the assistant superintendent, a member from the Vermont Human Rights Commission, two representatives from the Department of Education, an attorney represent- ing the state, the school’s attor- ney, and Charles Johnson from the Safe & Healthy Schools proj- ect. Gray noted that BJ Rogers was also present and spoke to the meeting, “and no one tried to stop him.” “Of all the panel mem- bers, one was a woman, one was of African American descent, and none were queer,” Rogers said. Since that meeting, said Gray, the students who wanted to form the gay—straight alliance have come by the office to request a form for the use of the building — required of all outside groups. The form itself has not yet been filed as of press time, however. , . “Our students here are pretty nice kids and they needed to go through this whole thing. We just tried to put the facts in front of them and take the emo- tions out of it. We let them know what the law is. I think our com- munity did a nice job,” said Gray. Gray is in his third year as princi- pal of Fair Haven Union High School, having come from Sunapee, New Hampshire. Otter Valley l’ve ever heard. the kind ofthing I’d like to hear from a pulpit.” He went on to characterize the talk as being about "getting along, respect, creating a safe space. You could never say it was about proselytizing, but to be kind to each other.” Principal Gary Taber is in his seventh year leading the Otter Valley Union High School, coming from Maryland. “I’ve ‘really been pushing the concept of civility, treating students with respect. Even when you’re really angry you can still treat people respectfully,” he said. Taber quoted a statement No GSA For Fairhaven >> continued from page 3 The Fair Haven ‘Union High School incident occurs in light of recent studies that show GLBTQ youth are more likely to engage in certain risky behaviors than their straight peers. The 2001 Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey states that GLBTQ youth are more at risk for depression, alcohol and drug use, suicide, and are more likely to be infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. However, a recent study by Institute for Gay and Lesbian Strategic Studies (IGLSS) showed how GLBTQ youth are benefiting from gay—straight alliances in schools. “With this study, IGLSS has substantiated the role that gay—straight alliances play in cre- ating safer school environments for LGBT youth,” said Stacy Roth, executive director of IGLSS. The study went on to state that creating gay—straight alliances is only one step in mak- ing schools safer for GLBTQ stu- dents. _ “Recent studies show that LGBT youth are at risk for harassment and bullying by their peers. Schools must create poli- cies that address these concerns,” said Dr. Pat Griffin, a principal investigator of the study. “With regular turnover of student lead- ership and adult advisors, and without policies and support from school principals and other administrators, the lasting effects ofa good GSA will be limited. The entire school setting must be involved.” V Faces Fight :3 >> continued from page that appears on the back ofthe student handbook and on docu- ments sent home with students: “A school climate that recognizes and values the inherent dignity of each individual is everyone’s right. Creating such a climate is everyone’s responsibility.” Because of the push for civility, he said, “In the 7 years l’ve been here, I can see a change . in the climate of the school.” Despite the confronta- tion with the school board, Taber does not anticipate any lingering fallout, although he noted wryly that he hasn’t yet signed a con- tract for next year. V tlloune Shorter Quartet with bonito Pérez, Brion Blade St John Potitucci Regina Carter Quintet Gt Flvishoi Cohen and the International Vamp Bond lerru Gonzalez 61 the Fort Hpache Bond Son Seals 61 Oh: Dora % Donald KBOOCII ‘The Iunkmon" with fieggle lllorlunon, Bobby Pmrito & II-Dog James Harvey Trio with Karl Berger V Greg Osbu/Jason Moron Duo Gt Jason Moron Trio David S. were Quartet Meet the fitlst Sessions with Bob Blumenthol and, don‘: miss The annual Jazz tom, Jumpirf Jazz, Dixieland Cruise fir latino Cruise! Gospel Tent. Jazz Parade Gr Picnic, Jazz on the Njorketploce, Saturday Night Block Porto, LUPTZ Block Party 5: more! 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