One reason we have public schools is to teach young people how to become good citizens. Part of that teaching centers on respect for and appreciation of the United States Constitution. Banning certain clubs because students' views are unconventional or unpopular guts the very point of the First Amendment and the Equal Access Act. The Constitution and this federal statute would not be needed if only majority, well-established views were allowed to be heard. By honoring the core principles of the Constitution and the Equal Access Act, schools set an example of respect for the law and for freedom of expression.
Student clubs are a valuable part of teenagers' junior high and high school experiences.
By creating a forum for voluntary, student-initiated clubs that meet on school grounds when classes are not in session, school officials give teenagers the opportunity to learn how to create and run an organization, how to plan political, social, cultural, religious, or recreational activities, and how to get along and interact productively with one another. Abolishing all non-curriculum related student clubs just because a club with a controversial political or religious perspective has been established would be a tragedy for and disservice to all students. As with other groups, meetings at school during non-instructional times provide a safe, central place for students with similar concerns and interests to gather. By junior high and high school, students are becoming aware of their own sexuality. They are also aware of sexual orientation issues, both in the political sphere and more personally.