Dist. 125 candidates a danger to clubs

The Cardella/Powell/Brady slate for the District 125 School Board election has claimed that there is a rumor that they are against the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA). For those of you not familiar, GSA is one of about 123 clubs available at Stevenson High School. This club, which includes gay as well as straight students, teaches acceptance and tolerance, two behaviors sorely needed in today’s society. Mrs. Cardella authored and read a letter to the school board on March 16, 2009, asserting that Stevenson “crossed the line” by allowing a GSA dance and should not host any “event that celebrates, encourages or affirms homosexual behavior.”

Even though he had nodded in agreement during its reading, when recently questioned Mr. Cardella, replied “I did not write the letter.” He said that if the GSA is allowed to host a dance, then so is any other club; however, he did state disapprovingly that it would be too expensive. What Mr. Cardella must not have bothered to find out is that the GSA itself raised funds to put on its dance (to which all students could attend) and that any costs which might have gone over budget (but didn’t) would have come from Student Activities funds which mainly come from vending machines. Oh, there might have been a cost for the electricity in the building, but with a building as big and as busy as Stevenson, surely a few watts of electricity wouldn’t throw the school into the red.

Maybe the Cardella slate can’t stop the GSA from existing, as it would be illegal due to anti-discrimination laws, but ask yourself this: Will they try to prohibit this club, along with others, from having the freedom to hold their own events?

Vote carefully. Vote for all “clubs”. Vote Moons, Lubin, Roberts, and Weisberg.

Susan R. Bauer

Buffalo Grove