HS Students Unite to Create a Safe Culture and Climate for All

Kids should never be afraid to be themselves. They should know it’s okay to be different and should be able to walk down school hallways and smile.

These are the messages the students of the Gay Straight Alliance at the high school are working to spread. The group, which consists of 130 students from grades 9 to 12, all share the same goal of helping to make the high school a safe place for everyone, working to make a difference by changing the culture and climate in the school.

High school teacher Ryan Smith, who serves as the club advisor, said the GSA started a little more than a year ago when a group of students, which he referred to as “the army “ behind this idea, petitioned the Board of Education about starting this group at the end of 2009. Ultimately it's part of the safe school's inititiave, he said. Smith said many other school districts have GSAs including Hackensack High School.

Now that the group is in its second year members are working to continue their outreach, host fundraisers, bring in guest speakers and work with other high schools which have GSAs.

The response from the students has been overwhelming, he said. The first meeting the group conducted was set in one of the school classrooms. Such a large amount of students showed up they overflowed out of the room. “It was actually quite emotional,” Smith said of the response. Since then the group meets monthly in the auditorium.

“It’s my pleasure to be part of this worthwhile endeavor. It’s something I feel strongly about and I’m proud of the students in this school for embracing it as much as they can. It’s an awesome group,” said Smith.

Students filled the auditorium last Wednesday as the group gathered to discuss some fundraising ideas and programs that they can put together to keep raising awareness. One student suggested the idea of selling bracelets with a universal message like “All You Need is Love.”

In April 2010, the GSA participated in activities such as the Day of Silence, which Smith explained is a national activity to raise awareness for kids who are being bullied and may not have a voice due to GLBT issues.

The students want to get others to understand that certain language can be extremely hurtful to others. They understand that bullying can hurt someone so much that it can lead that person to no longer want to be on this earth and they all want that to stop. 

Student Anthony Stefanelli said he joined the GSA “because I feel bad for the people who actually have to deal with [bullying] and can’t open up because of it.”

Nicole Callen said she has a lot of relatives who are gay and by her being part of the GSA in her own school community she hopes that she won’t have to be afraid for her loved ones as it’s helpful to know they can be comfortable in their own lives.  Other students had similar reasons. One student joined in support of a friend who is gay. 

“I want to stop people from making judgements and[to know] it’s okay to be different,” said Tina Messery.

Priscilla Madera says no one has the right to judge someone for what his or her beliefs are or what one chooses to do with his or her life.

“No one has the right to take your life away from you. You should be able to walk down the hallway and smile. Everyone should have that chance,” said Brian Colton.