Dowling OKs gay-straight student club

Dowling Catholic High School gave a green light on Friday to a request by students to form a gay-straight alliance at the school, called "One Human Family."

Students said they were surprised but pleased by the administration's approval, which comes two weeks after students protested the school's decision not to hire a substitute teacher full time after learning that he was gay.

Four students made the request for a gay-straight alliance the next day.

"I'm really excited to get this started," said Grace Mumm, a sophomore who organized the walkout, which sparked national media coverage. "I have a lot of confidence that the school is going to cooperate with us really well, and we've been working really closely with them."

In a letter sent to families on Friday, Dowling President Jerry Deegan said, "Pope Francis has challenged us to be sensitive and provide a caring, compassionate, respectful environment for all of our students on their faith journey." He went on to say the club will support students who may identify or have questions about same-sex attraction.

"Some will believe that One Human Family will not be progressive enough while others may believe the formation of this club is misguided," the letter said. "As the president of Dowling Catholic, I will always strive, along with our faculty, to make certain all students are given the support, respect, and guidance during their formative years. This club will add to that effort in a positive way."

Students said One Human Family will be a "safe place" for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students, as well as straight friends, to ask questions and support each other, from help with homework to personal problems.

"I feel really great," said Junior Liam Jameson, who started a petition that garnered 1,700 signatures in favor of the club. "I'm sure we're going to get some backlash, but it's a big step forward for students at Dowling and in the community in general."

Students said there's been no special restrictions placed on the club, and they hope to meet before graduation next month. They've already been in contact with the Iowa Pride Network, which helps support gay-straight alliance youth organizations, for suggestions on how to proceed.

"I think it was the right time, and the right moment, to push for this," Mumm said. "Because we had so much support in the community, I think it helped a lot in getting it started."