I graduated from MGSH in 2001, and unfortunately, groups like SAGE didn't exist at that time. It is easy to see why now... being gay was definately something that you kept secret there.

I am so amazed at the courage our young high schoolers display in the midst of harassment, inequality and discrimination. The display of these charateristics gives me immense hope for our future.

I hope that we can all offer our support and encouragement to these amazing MGSH students and the countless others across this country who display similar courage, determination and strength.

I am a student at MGSH and I'm involved in a group called TARS (Teen Aged Republican Students). There is also a group called Young Democrats. Neither of our organizations are allowed to publicize over the PA system about our groups. Either is FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Why should SAGE be able to, but not the rest of these organizations? I'm not against SAGE, they can meet at school if they want. But, they need to understand that its not because the administration is for or against SAGE, its just part of the system.

I graduated from MGSH in 2004 and was a member of SAGE when I was there.

Jayme - What the administration of MGSH is doing, both the SAGE and to all the other non-curricular groups they deny equal access, is illegal. The Equal Access Act states that, regardless of content, all non-curricular groups at any publically funded school must have the exact same level of access. Legally, the Spirit Council, Chess Club, and Asian Culture Group are non-curricular just like SAGE, TARS, FCA, etc.

Instead, MGSH is saying that only non-controversial groups like Chess Club and the Spirit Council have full access while more political or controversial groups are, illegaly, denied that access.

That means that all of the groups you mentioned have just as much right to sue, and in fact will gain just as much by the fact that SAGE has chosen to sue.

Ok I have a comment for you Marina. When naming off the non curricular activities you said "The Equal Access Act states that, regardless of content, all non-curricular groups at any publically funded school must have the exact same level of access. Legally, the Spirit Council, Chess Club, and Asian Culture Group are non-curricular just like SAGE, TARS, FCA, etc."
My question is why did you say "etc." ; you forgot about the young democrats? You see where I'm getting here? Now I'm not a democrat I'm just trying to prove a point, when you were naming them off you put "etc." instead of all those other non-curricular groups and you left out a few(well alot to be correct). Now thats just fine to name a few and put "etc." but this is exactly what MGSH is doing on the PA. They don't have room for every non-curricluar group so they just let a few on. Now you don't exspect them to let every single group do their thing on the PA because there is just not room for it. In the same manner I don't exspect you to name off every one of those groups in your comment. I hope you get some insight from what I've said here.

I graduated from Maple Grove in 2002 and I think it's shameful that these students are attempting to sue the school district.

Marina, the students are suing the school district, not the school. Maple Grove Senior High is not responsible for allowing support for various groups. I was closely involved with the school administration in high school, and I can assure you that these types of decisions are not made by the administration of the school. If anything, this is the district's responsibility.

The Osseo School District is not alone in this sue-happy attitude. I think it's ridiculous that students are doing this at all. One of my best friends from high school is gay, and she has told me that she felt no more hostility there than she did anywhere she went.

One event that really gave the SAGE group a bad image was when they launched this huge publicity campaign in 2000. The group decided to make a gigantic banner of a rainbow in the main hallway. First of all, bad idea, regardless of who you represent. Construction paper taped loosely on a wall? You are just asking for it to be defaced and ripped off. Hundreds of pieces of paper promoting the group were posted all over the school. Many of the papers were ripped off the wall because people were simply sick of seeing them on every inch of the walls. I know this because I remember walking through the hallways and seeing people ripping them off as the walked by. I was sick of seeing them, too. It becomes offensive when a group tries to SHOVE itself down your throat.

I am not denying that there are people who hate the group. But those students exist at every school in this country. This is not an isolated problem.

I am not homophobic, and I have absolutely nothing against the SAGE group. They have the right to be represented and get as much funding as other controversial groups. I agree that, in an ideal world, all clubs should get the same funding, but that is not the reality. Controversial groups cause problems. One thing leads to another and both the school and school district become fearful to "support" any controversial groups. This is why the non-controversial groups like Chess Club and Debate Club are supported.

When I was in school, the Christian Students club was not allowed to reserve a room in the school because it might cause discrimination lawsuits (although the majority of the students are Christian). For this reason, they gathered around the flag pole outside before school.

The most memorable event in high school was when a Jewish student (one of two in my choir class) tried to sue the school because we were singing Christmas songs. What she forgot to mention to administrators was that we were ALSO singing Jewish songs. Yet another example of childish behavior. It makes me sick.

These are public schools, yes. But because they are public schools, they must represent everyone. Giving SAGE more access than the Christian Students group is unfair. Controversial groups should be equally supported, and non-controversial groups should be in a different category (as they implicitly are).

And STOP with these ridiculous lawsuits. All these kids are doing is costing the taxpayers more money to pay for the darn lawyer fees. This is just an excuse to 1) be in the spotlight, 2) feel important, 3) to make a statement, and 4) to try and squeeze some money out of taxpayers. If you feel "discriminated" against, settle it like a mature adult and TALK to people. Don't go around suing people because your feelings are hurt. Ridiculous...

I believe these kids are getting special treatment because our school board doesn't want to hurt their feelings. The sensitivity in high school is oviously very low, but I think we try to overcominsate for the hurt people expecence. The fact is would our administration stand for the Christian kids in our school writing jesus loves you on the sidewalk? no, but it is just fine to write Gay is a ok and such. I guess I just can't see why they need to publize it and yes you can say I'm uncomforable with my own sexuallity but When you see two girls kissing in the halls and the administration does nothing but when a straight couple kisses they freak out you would see the majority of people are being descrimated against now.