LGBTQ Club Forms In Ocean City Schools, 'We Belong' Say Students

OCEAN CITY, NJ — The PRISM Club, a club dedicated to LGBTQ+ students, was officially formed in the Ocean City School District.

The club's formation follows the recent election, where four newcomers ousted incumbents on the Ocean City Board of Education. Elizabeth Nicoletti, Catherine Panico, Kevin Barnes and Robin Shaffer were elected, and Nicoletti, Panico and Shaffer have openly opposed the controversial sexual education standards. Read More: Sex Ed Opponents Oust Incumbents In Ocean City Election

Nicoletti, Panico and Shaffer were also apparently part of a rally against the standards that emphasized the LGTBQ education aspect. This led to a petition being created to affirm that LGBTQ students belong in Ocean City, which has garnered more than 5,000 signatures as of Nov. 22. Read More: Petition Supports LGTBQ Students In Ocean City After Protest

Before the school board meeting, a vigil for human rights was held at Veterans Memorial Park by the group We Belong Cape May County, which calls itself a safe space for LGBTQ people and allies.

The PRISM Club was needed, current and former students, parents and teachers said at the meeting.

Jakob Pender said that previously as a student, he had tried to form a gay-straight alliance at Ocean City High School, but said he was told by "multiple staff members" it was not wanted in the school.

"It could not have happened at a more needed time," said Nate Ginet, who was instrumental in the club's formation. Board member Jacqueline McAlister asked for the club's formation to be removed from the consent agenda and voted on separately to honor Ginet's hard work.

The club was approved unanimously.

Senior Keely Calloway said she was "overjoyed" to see the club's formation, but asked the school board to denounce bigotry and hatred of all kinds, especially focusing on LGBTQ youth.

"Thank you very much for realizing the need and importance of this club," said Lisa Mansfield.