Sep 19, 2008 12:49 pm US/Central
Gay-Friendly High School May Open On West Side
School Would Be Safe Haven For LGBTQ Students
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Officials and community leaders gather at the Center on Halsted to discuss a proposed gay-friendly high school campus on the city's West Side.
CBS
Chicago may be on track to opening a gay friendly high school, intended to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning youth.
Hundreds gathered Thursday night at the Center on Halsted gay and lesbian community center, 3656 N. Halsted St., to hear about the proposed Social Justice High School-Pride campus which may open on the West Side.
"I'm not gay, but I know how people feel. I have gay friends; they get harassed," said Chicago Public Schools student Andrea Jackson, "and I'd rather for them to have a place where they feel safe and comfortable."
The school would be open to everyone, but create a safe haven for LGBTQ students. Some backers say it is a magnificent first step, but argue that diversity and understanding are needed in all schools.
The plan was submitted by the Greater Lawndale-Little Village School for Social Justice, at 3120 S. Kostner Ave., according to the Windy City Times. If the school opens, it will join similar facilities in the country, including Harvey Milk High School in New York.
The Chicago Public Schools plan to decide on whether to open the school in October, according to the Windy City Times.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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