Clovis Unified board OKs students' gay-straight club

Fresno Bee ^ | February 14, 2002 | Jennifer Fitzenberger

[FresnoDA]

The Clovis Unified School Board voted 5-2 to approve the club, with members Richard Lake and Susan Walker dissenting.

Supporters say the club promotes tolerance and equality among students of varying sexual orientation; people against the club say it promotes homosexuality and has no place in the schools.

[FresnoDA]

 

NEW CLUB RECOMMENDED FOR BOARD

PARENTS/COWARD CLUB

The following statement was read by President Bengel following the action by the Board at the February 13, 2002 Board Meeting in relation to the Gay / Straight Alliance Club at Clovis High School:

 

Federal law, including the Equal Access Act, requires that school districts allowing school clubs on campuses treat those clubs equally without regard to the particular viewpoint of the club.  In approving the Gay Straight Alliance Club for the Clovis High School campus, the Clovis Unified School District applies the Equal Access Act without making any statement for or against the viewpoint of the Gay Straight Alliance Club.  Clovis Unified School District is satisfied that the Gay Straight Alliance Club Constitution, which advocates nonviolence, anti‑discrimination and anti‑harassment, and which does not provide for teaching of issues related to sex or sex education, is in compliance with the provisions of law requiring the District’s approval.  The Clovis Unified School District will work diligently to ensure that all of its clubs stay within the bounds of the Equal Access Act and all laws.  Other than the determination that it is legally required to approve the club, the District’s actions should not be interpreted as any indication of the District’s, or any individual Board member’s, views regarding the Club.

Governing Board

Sandra A. Bengel, President
Susan M. Walker, D.H. Sc., Vice President
Dr. Jim Van Volkinburg, Clerk
Brian D. Heryford, Member
Ginny L. Hovsepian, Member
Richard Lake, C,P.A., Member
Elizabeth "Betsy" Sandoval, Member

	Sandra A. Bengel Member Phone: (559) 432-4995 Fax: (559) 447-1020 SandyBengel@clovisusd.k12.ca.us Ms. Bengel credits her active volunteerism in her daughters' classrooms with putting her on the road to the school board seat she has occupied for seven years. Serving in her second term, she is committed to continuing the tradition of excellence associated with CUSD. "It's a pleasure serving on the Board of such an outstanding district," Bengel says of her tenure on CUSD's governing board. A graduate of Dos Palos High School, Ms. Bengel received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising from California State University, Fresno. She is a local small business owner and, in the past, Ms. Bengel has been active in the Jr. League of Fresno, California Women for Agriculture, City of Hope and various District committees. Once awarded CUSD's Volunteer of the Year, she looks forward to continuing her service to the District's students in the coming years. Term Expires 2002
	Susan M. Walker, D.H. Sc. Member Voice: (559) 281-8871 SusanWalker@clovisusd.k12.ca.us Involvement in parent clubs, School Assessment and Review Teams (SART) and the Superintendent's Advisory Committee led Susan Walker to her current position on the Governing Board. In the midst of her third term, Dr. Walker feels that the Board's responsibility is to maintain a sense of unity among the community. "We are all in this together and want the best for our kids," she says about her board colleagues. Raised in Southern California, Dr. Walker received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from University of California, Riverside, a Masters of Public Health from Loma Linda University and a Doctorate of Health Science, also from Loma Linda. Working in the Nutrition and Health Science industry, raising her family and maintaining her school board responsibilities assure her an active and fulfilling schedule. "I like living in a place where family and tradition mean something," she says of Clovis and its residents. Term Expires 2004
	Dr. Jim Van Volkinburg Clerk Phone: (559) 299-8994 Fax: 439-9126 vanvol@pacbell.net An active parent club member and booster while his three children were in school, Dr. Jim Van Volkinburg's interest in the Governing Board stemmed from a desire to sustain the high-quality programs his children had benefited from while attending Clovis schools. Currently serving his second term on the school board, he also maintains a 26-year old periodontal practice in the Fresno/Clovis area. In addition to his school board activities, Dr. Van Volkinburg is a member of the Fresno-Madera Dental Society, American Dental Association, California Dental Association, California Society of Periodontics and the American Academy of Periodontology. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from California State University, Sacramento; his D.D.S. degree from Creighton University of Omaha, Nebraska, and his periodontic specialty certificate from the University of California at San Francisco's Medical Center. "We have a really unique school district, from our students, to our employees, to our community," he says of his experience on the governing board. "It is our job to maintain and improve the high standards the community has come to expect of CUSD." Term Expires 2002
	Brian D. Heryford Member Heryford Insurance: (559) 323-8091 Residence: (559) 299-4586 Fax: (559) 323-8095 BrianHeryford@clovisusd.k12.ca.us Serving his fifth year on the Governing Board, Brian Heryford has seen his involvement in the school district grow along with his children. Progressing from Parent Club President and Booster at the elementary and intermediate school level, Mr. Heryford ran for election to the school board in 1995. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from the University of Santa Clara and has run his own insurance company for the past 23 years. Mr. Heryford is active in a number of community organizations, including the Clovis Kiwanis, the Clovis Rodeo Association, Clovis Chamber of Commerce and the local Boy Scouts. "Clovis Unified is a great district and I want to keep it that way," he said in regard to his work with the Governing Board. Term Expires 2004
	Ginny L. Hovsepian Member Phone: (559) 434-8272 Fax: (559) 433-1576 GinnyHovsepian@clovisusd.k12.ca.us CUSD enjoys community support that extends generation to generation. Ginny Hovsepian, a fourth generation school board member, represents this tradition on the Governing Board. Graduating from Clovis High School, Ms. Hovsepian obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in research psychology at California State University, Fresno. She has also completed graduate level work at CSUF and University of Nevada. A lifelong resident of Clovis Unified, Ms. Hovsepian chose to pursue a position on the school board after being active in the District's parent clubs for a number of years. She is currently serving her tenth year on the board and is in the midst of her third term. Term Expires 2004
	Richard Lake, C.P.A. Member Phone: (559) 323-9000 Residence: (559) 298-4213 Fax: (559) 323-9435 richardlcpa@sbcglobal.net Richard Lake, a Certified Public Accountant for the past 23 years, is currently serving his ninth year on the District Governing Board. After attending elementary school in Clovis Unified School District and graduating from Clovis High School in 1969, Lake feels he has a long-term investment in the District. A graduate of California State University, Fresno with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, he returned to the area in 1980 to raise his children in the same school district he attended. "We have a community that desires their children to obtain a unique educational experience," he says of the Clovis area. Mr. Lake also serves on the Joint Powers Board for the Center for Advanced Research and Technology. Term Expires 2004
	Elizabeth "Betsy" Sandoval Member voice: (559) 299-9781 fax: (559) 299-9723 BetsySandoval@clovisusd.k12.ca.us A long-time Clovis resident and Clovis High School graduate, Betsy Sandoval maintains a career in the insurance industry as insurance agent in addition to her school board duties. Raising three children in Clovis schools, she has seen all three return to work for the District. While serving in her seventeenth year with the Governing Board, Ms. Sandoval also is a member of the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Auxiliary, Clovis Community Hospital Guild, and the Clovis Drug Abuse Council. Like many of our school board members, her interest in Clovis Unified began when her children attended elementary school and expanded from Parent Club involvement to her election to the Governing Board in 1981. After taking a two-year hiatus from 1993 to 1995, Ms. Sandoval returned to the Board in February 1996. Term Expires 2002

[FresnoDA]

PING!

[FresnoDA]

The mission of Clovis Unified School District, in partnership with the community,
is to provide quality in education through exemplary educational programs and
services that prepare students to be productive citizens in our democratic society.

---

Note the CUSD Creed!!

 

CHARACTER COUNTS!

Character really does count and at CUSD we've taken that to heart. CHARACTER COUNTS! is a national non-partisan character education program that has been integrated into the District's culture and curriculum. The program teaches kids basic values that transcend cultural, religious and socioeconomic differences. These values- trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship- are called the "Six Pillars of Character."

 CUSD's teachers, administration and volunteers have been trained to model these pillars in their daily life with students and the community as a whole. CUSD's curriculum emphasizes these values in a conscientious effort to instill the abilities that will help our students become responsible, honorable and caring adults. We do not seek to assume parental responsibilities, but to reinforce to our students the importance of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship as they mature into tomorrow's leaders.

 

[anniegetyourgun]

Federal law, including the Equal Access Act, requires that school districts allowing school clubs on campuses treat those clubs equally without regard to the particular viewpoint of the club.

Then they won't mind "Joining Jihad" or "Death to America" or "Beast Bedding" or "Fun with Fisting" or "Meth Making Methods" clubs.

[hattend]

But Athena Cruz, 16-year-old sophomore, said after the vote that she plans to leave Clovis High and be home-schooled by her parents: "I don't want to be anywhere in their influence."

Good for you, Athena. Homeschooling will be better for you in the long run anyway.

[cmsgop]

What the Hell is on his Face.......BUMP!

[ChicagoRepublican]

I don't see whats wrong with this. In most high schools any kids can form any club as long as they have teacher approval. I don't see anything wrong with Gay-Straight alliance. Of course now I'm going to be flamed, told I'm going to hell just because I tolerate other people's sexuality and told about all the evils of public school.

[FresnoDA]

						CC D5 Championships

 

Time for a change???

[oc-flyfish]

Must be some sort of mutant.

How's it going? Haven't heard from you in a while.

[Khepera]

So what activities does a Gay club have?

[lormand]

Typically Kalifornia!

I'm wondering when we will see the LAST schoolboard in Kalifornia pass this? Very soon probably.

[randog]

Equal-access laws say the district cannot discriminate against a student or student organization on the basis of gender, ethnicity, religious belief or sexual identity.

I was gonna ask if pedophiles counted before I realized we're talking about the public school system.

[Yeti]

Gay Straight Alliance Club Constitution, which advocates nonviolence, anti-discrimination and anti-harassment, and which does not provide for teaching of issues related to sex or sex education, is in compliance with the provisions of law requiring the District’s approval.

Okay, sure.

[FresnoDA]

No flames my friend, but the predomininant opinion of those parents present were that they opposed this trend. The board asked for those opposed/favor of the motion to stand. 30 (mostly husky women) stood in Favor, 300 plus parents stood in opposition. The board took the position they did to avoid legal entanglements! In fact, the 30 in favor were asked to identify themselves, and most had no residence in the school district, nor children in the school district. They were simply Homosexual Activists who admitted that they had targeted Clovis Unified because of the conservative majority of familes in the district!! As for your concern of flaming for your sexual tolerance, you have already asked and answered. FresnoDA

[mountaineer]

I thought Avery Schreiber had died. Turns out he just joined the school board.

[concerned about politics]

"It's a normal thing to be afraid of someone who is different than we are. The more that you get to know people ..., the more comfortable you'll be around them,"

Tell a lie often enough, and it will become truth.
Parents need to get their children out of there now. They need to take a stand. If they don't stand up to this, their children may be damned.

Anal fetish has no place in a school full of young children. Why not teach animal sex, masocistic sex, sex with students in lower grades? It's all the same.

[goodieD]

So much for the touted superiority of Clovis Unified! Thank God my kids don't have to deal with either Fresno or Clovis Unified.

[ChicagoRepublican]

Thanks for clearing the issue for me. If the parents did who help finance the school voted against the club the school should oblige to follow their lead.

My old high school had one of these clubs and there was never any controversy. It only had 3 or so member and no one else had any interest in joining.

[let freedom sing]

Here we go again-- now we need a club for pedophiles and future child abusers,-- name your sexual orientation-- we need to be more accepting of those who are different, who need a safe place where they can feel welcome. LOL

[cmsgop]

Oh Hey Bud!.....Went to South Coast with my Dad "Bierpioretties"(sp) Long Gone.....But Right across the way that new place called "The Members Club" or something owned by Robert Wagner and select partners. The Food is Great ,Prices are Good.....Have you been there?

[cmsgop]

I thought Avery Schreiber had died. Turns out he just joined the school board.

Thats what I thought....LOL!

[cutlass]

Then shouldn't someone start a White Pride World Wide club? After all, White students should have a place where they are taught about the great achievements of their ancestors. Seriously, back when I was in high school, we would have welcomed a club at school for homosexuals. That way, we would know who the homosexuals were, to make it easier to whip the hell out of them!

[concerned about politics]

It would be perfect to have all 300 parents yank their children out of this school of sodomy. That would be so cool!

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

It is a hate crime to harass anyone for their religious beliefs. Pushing gay rights is against Christian beliefs (and others). The 300 parents still have time to stand up to the 30 out of town bullies. If not now, when? Can you see these parents across America saying NO to these bullies...let thousands of American Moms go to jail over this issue...PLEASE!

[mrfixit514]

Not approving the club could lead to unwinnable lawsuits against the district, Behrens said.

They should have the courage to fight it anyway! Just because things look unwinnable doesn't mean you should give in to evil. With God, all things are possible!

[Theodore R.]

The problem here is with the people of Fresno. Fresno was populated years ago by mostly southern and border-state Democrats, coming from WV, OK, AR, and TX. These Democrats expect the national government to provide them with cradle-to-grave services. So they have voted for nearly every liberal who has appeared on their ballot. Did they, for instance, support Edmund Brown, Sr., and Edmund Brown, Jr., in the gubernatorial campaigns of 1958, 1962, 1966, 1974, and 1978? (Is this part of the Condit House district?) In voting so routinely for liberals, they have also chosen heavily Democrat school boards even if the board members were elected on nonpartisan ballots. These Democrat school boards are the best-kept secret in American politics. Even in some of the most conservative places in the country, Democrat liberals running on "improving education" platforms routinely win low-turnout school board elections. Conservatives just don't recruit their own to run for school board seats and don't organize against the liberal elites running these boards. These elites also tend to hire mostly Democrat teachers and administrators too. They don't ask them outright if they are Democrat, but they have subtle ways of phrasing the interview questions to select a Democrat they prefer. So the fault is in the people -- who either actively chose liberal school boards or passively allow them to be elected. I am not optimistic about the people of America, or in Fresno for that matter.

[TLBSHOW]

I thought David Crosby was on tour?

[TLBSHOW]

Sounds like FReep TIME!

[mrfixit514]

told I'm going to hell just because I tolerate other people's sexuality

The only thing that sends people to hell is rejection of Jesus Christ as their saviour. But your attitude regarding sin speaks volumes about where you stand in relation to the Lord.

[FresnoDA]

Three members, not able to procreate, I can understand how the numbers never changed!! Thanks for the reasoned response! FresnoDA

[Walrus-8]

So, FresnoDA, wouldn't you agree that untying those 'legal entanglements' might be the direction to take...as opposed to bashing the Board for following these questionable laws? Silly me....I thought you might be a real 'D.A.'

[Lancey Howard]

LOFL !!!, California !
Hahahaha..... man, that place is another planet.
A perverse, sick, decadent planet.

C'mon, earthquake!!!

[FresnoDA]

Oh man TLB, you would make our day out here in Fresno. The Clovis School's are the biggest business in the City of Clovis. I have a good friend who taught school there, and he said, they think of the Students as employees, and of course covet the federal dollars each kid produces for them. A good old fashioned EMAIL Freep would be a God Send!! Bless you....FresnoDA

[Amerigomag]

Of course now I'm going to be flamed, told I'm going to hell just because I tolerate other people's sexuality and told about all the evils of public school.

Since FDA was so nice to you let me do the honors:

Couldn't have said it better myself!

[semaj]

"The more that you get to know people ..., the more comfortable you'll be around them,"

De-sensitization of aversion towards abnormal behavior.

[Walrus-8]

Oh, puh-LEEZ, goodie twoshoes. That's a cheap shot...but don't you just love the anonymity of this board. Crawl back under your rock. You are truly part of the problem.

[goodieD]

What cheap shot? and talk about anonymity? Let's see..who here has ever heard of YOU, and who here knows me personally? Just because you obviously love fags is not my problem, why don't YOU crawl back into the DU muck you came from?

[concerned about politics]

The only thing that sends people to hell is rejection of Jesus Christ as their saviour.

Read the last page of Revelations. Bad news for you.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Now you know what happened to former Today Show movie critic Gene Shallot.

[FresnoDA]

Sign of things to come???

CLOVIS UNIFED IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE

NEW STUDENT CLUB

THE VAN DAM SWINGERS CLUB

MEETS EVERY FRIDAY/SATURDAY NIGHT

TIME:    Midnight until whenever.

PLACE:    Our garage

CALL:    800-323-SWNG

[oc-flyfish]

Nope not yet. I am boycotting North County for their El Toro airport stance. :-)

Phantom of the Opera will be playing at the performing arts center this year so maybe I can hit the place then.

[Helix]

What the Hell is on his Face.......BUMP!

I've heard those referred to as "High-Impact Cushions".LOL

[Amerigomag]

The problem here is with the people of Fresno. Fresno was populated years ago by mostly southern and border-state Democrats, coming from WV, OK, AR, and TX.

Are you talking about Fresno, California?

If you are you need to visit the Secretary of State's web site and review the Fresno County voting results from the last few general elections.

[Migraine]

So what activities does a Gay club have?

I suppose they read Fairy tails, eat fruit loops -- you know: odds and ends.

[concerned about politics]

So what activities does a Gay club have?

No one knows. They shut and lock the door after they grab some 1st grade boy.

[afraidfortherepublic]

How did Edison get in first place???? What's going on in Fresno? Is Edison some kind of magnet school now? FHS 1956 -- when we were the best school in the city

[let freedom sing]

TFFW

[afraidfortherepublic]

(Is this part of the Condit House district?)

No! And they are not all liberals in Fresno, as you portray. The population comes from every State in the Union and every country in the world. Educate yourself before you sound off.

[afraidfortherepublic]

Is Pete Mehas still Superintendant? I went to high school with him, when high schools were fun and the clubs concerned themselves about politics, sports, journalism, science, photography, etc.

[let freedom sing]

What about club advisors?

Please close the closet after coming out.