S.C. school district OKs clubs instead of banning gay group

By MEG KINNARD
Associated Press Writer
Published: June 23, 2008

IRMO, S.C. (AP) _ A South Carolina school district has voted to allow all student clubs rather than risk a lawsuit by banning a gay-friendly student organization.

But another part of the policy approved Monday night by the Lexington-Richland School District 5 school board gives parents the option of not letting their minor children participate in any school club.

Another provision prohibits student clubs from discussing sexually explicit topics in keeping with the district’s abstinence-based curriculum.

The district had considered banning clubs that don’t relate to academics or sports to shut down a proposed group called the Gay-Straight Alliance.

Irmo High School principal Eddie Walker said last month he would quit at the end of the next school year because the group conflicts with his beliefs and religious convictions.