New LGBT High
School Proposed in Chicago

A new high school for LGBT students has been proposed in Chicago, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The project is not likely to get under way before 2012, and it faces significant opposition from a variety of groups across the political spectrum.

Social conservatives object to the idea of using public funds for the Social Justice High School-Pride Campus and say that the school would force school administrators to take a moral stance on homosexuality. To the left, some LGBT advocates say separating gay kids from their straight peers could be harmful and hinder the progress of understanding.

"If we're going to set up a separate school, let's put the bullies in the school and not our gays kids," said Rick Garcia, public policy director of Equality Illinois, told the Journal Constitution. "Kids should be able to go to school in a safe environment wherever they are."

Proponents of the new campus say it would welcome all students while putting special emphasis on fostering a safe space for students who might be targeted in other schools based on their sexual orientation. A public hearing to debate the idea will be held on Sept. 18. The proposal needs approval by Chicago Public Schools Chief Arne Duncan before it is sent to the school board for review. The City of New York opened a similar school for LGBT students in 2003, an experiment that has met with mixed reviews. (The Advocate)