Forest Lake High School Students Rally for Club Support
In a display of unity and commitment, hundreds of students at Forest Lake High School staged a walkout to protest a proposed policy threatening the future of non-school-sponsored clubs for middle and high school students. The Forest Lake Area School District's proposal seeks to eliminate financial support and staff advisor oversight for these extracurricular groups, unsettling students who view these clubs as vital for community and identity.
Kate Nuebel, a student who organized the protest, emphasized the importance of these clubs as safe spaces for students, stating, "A lot of these clubs are needed to be there for safe spaces for kids." This sentiment was echoed by students from various clubs, including the Black Student Union (BSU), which plays a critical role in providing a sense of belonging for its members.
Mikaia Law, a dedicated BSU member, shared her perspective: "I go to it every Thursday and I like bonding with my people. And there's just no point in stopping this." Similarly, Deegan Claflin, part of the environmental club, highlighted the educational value provided by knowledgeable staff advisors. He stated, "Our advisor, he's very involved, and he's very knowledgeable, and students learn things from their advisors."
The drive for this policy change, spearheaded by School Board President Curt Rebelein Jr., stems from concerns regarding compliance with the federal equal access law, which prohibits discrimination against student groups based on the content of their meetings. Rebelein noted the heightened federal scrutiny and emphasized the necessity for the district to operate within the bounds of the law.
In contrast, concerned parents, such as Claire Luger, argue that the proposed changes are unnecessary, pointing out that surrounding districts successfully support middle school clubs without violating laws. "Not every student wants to be in soccer, not every student wants to be in football," Luger asserted, underscoring the diverse needs of students and the detrimental impact eliminating these clubs would have on their connections.
The clubs in question, often referred to as 'limited option forums,' are not tied to the school curriculum but serve as vital social outlets. Students are worried that should these clubs be forced to either maintain minimal function or go through a cumbersome application process requiring non-paid staff supervision, their existence would be virtually threatened.
Wrenn Fagerland, a senior at the school, articulated her fears regarding the long-term effects of the proposed cuts: "If they get rid of all the clubs, how are students going to gather and meet new people? Taking that away from us is just not right. It’s going to have a detrimental effect on students who go to Forest Lake."
The school board's proposed changes also raise questions regarding the dress code, with some parents expressing concern about potential alterations that might permit hate symbols on clothing. Rebelein has asserted that while the dress code is being re-evaluated for broader interpretations of appropriateness, explicit hate symbols will remain banned.
The policy changes are yet to be finalized, with discussions slated for upcoming school board meetings. Votes on these measures are anticipated in June. For now, Forest Lake students continue to advocate for the survival of their clubs, reflecting the essential role these organizations play in fostering community unity and support.
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