LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A consent order filed on Thursday is allowing a Gay-Straight Alliance student club to meet at Carver Middle School until the end of the school year, according to the Lake County School Board.
The order comes a day after the American Civil Liberties Union filing a lawsuit in Lake County, saying the delay of allowing the formation of a gay-straight alliance club at a middle school is a violation of free speech and equal access.
The lawsuit says the efforts by eighth-grader Bayli Silbertstein to form a student club at Carver Middle School for gay students and their straight allies has been repeatedly delayed by the school board.
"The discussion on this issue has been complex and longer than anticipated," said Dr. Susan Moxley, Superintendent of Lake County Schools. "The policy discussion will continue; however, this specific school and student request is being resolved within current laws and guidelines."
The school board will host a special meeting on May 6 at 3:30 p.m. to discuss revising "Student Clubs and Organizations," at Lake Minneola High School's auditorium.
The club will be allowed to meet through the end of the school year, which is June 6.