Our district requires all students of all clubs to have parents sign permission slips before the student can even attend any meetings. When our club first became official, the classroom was packed for the meeting. When we passed out the permission forms, over half of the students said there was no way their parents would sign. They looked so disappointed and haven't returned. Here is our form:
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Your student, __________, would like to be part of this year's Gay-Straight Alliance Club (GSA).
( )HS GSA Club membership is available for all interested persons belonging to the student body of
( )HS, whether gay, straight, transgender, or anywhere on the spectrum of identification. The purpose of GSA Club is to promote a supportive and affirmative environment that is friendly and respectful of all students of ( )HS regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. The goal for GSA Club is to end all forms of discrimination. Club activities will focus on service and support to students and the community.
( )HS is committed to providing its students with a safe and caring environment. Discrimination is the main cause of bullying among youth. Research suggests that the presence of a GSA Club in a high school reduces bullying and other discriminatory behaviors among the entire student body, even those not involved in GSA Club.
The GSA Club will meet on campus, once a week after school for approximately 1 hour. Please be aware that in our meetings, students may share their personal views and experiences, as appropriate to the discussion, activity or topic that day. Every effort will be made to respect family privacy, and there is no intent to discuss inappropriate issues or topics; however, the law requires that we remind you that unexpected subjects may arise as students express their feelings. (Ex. Religious beliefs, family relationships, politics, emotional difficulties, income, etc...). Also, if a guest speaker has been invited to attend a meeting, a 2-week prior notice to parents and students on the details of the speaker and the topic being covered will be given via e-mail. All upcoming events and meeting agendas will be posted on the ( )HS GSA Club's website.
The GSA Club advisor is ( ). Please call or email with any questions or concerns you may have at ( ) or ( ).
Please sign this form indicating whether you give permission for your student to participate in GSA Club this year. Thank you!
____ I give my student permission to participate in the GSA Club for the 2013-2014 year.
____ I do not want my student to participate in the GSA Club for the 2013-2014 year.
Parent/Guardian Printed Name: ______________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________ Date ___________
Parent email: ____________________________________________
Student Signature: ________________________________________ Date ___________
Student email: ___________________________________________
