ACLU to Pa. school: Allow Gay-Straight Alliance

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union is threatening legal action against a central Pennsylvania school board that denied students' request to form a club that would bring together gay and straight students.

The Chambersburg Area School Board last month voted 5-4 against a group of students who asked to create a Gay-Straight Alliance.

The ACLU says that's a violation of federal law. In a letter sent Tuesday, the ACLU says the school district has until Friday to reverse its decision or face legal action.

Without approval, the group can't use the school's morning announcement system, post fliers advertising its activities, or hold events or fundraisers.

So-called GSA clubs exist in many high schools. The goal is to provide a welcoming environment to gay students and supporters and work against bullying.