Oshkosh West students describe GSA as an open "safe spot" and plan outreach at homecoming

Silas, a student at Oshkosh West High School, told the City of Oshkosh Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee on Sept. 22 that the school’s Gay–Straight Alliance — known locally as GSA — is open to any student and is working to increase visibility in the community.

The student said the club meets during the school’s W hour and that “you don't even have to be part of the queer community to be in there. It's just a safe spot for anyone to go.” The student added that the GSA does not require membership to attend and that “anyone can just ... come to GSA. You don't need to be a member.”

The comments came during the committee’s public comment segment, when the committee had invited a GSA representative to describe the group’s activities. Committee chair Amanda Cram and several members praised the group’s turnout and outreach plans.

Silas told the committee that the GSA’s membership is growing: the club elected additional officers this fall after previously having only four, and the presenter estimated about 20 attendees at the most recent meeting. Planned activities mentioned include running officers’ tasks throughout the school year, entering the homecoming parade, producing an end-of-year slideshow of the club’s work, and expanding social-media outreach; the student said they are “running to be social media manager” for the club.

Club advisers identified in the meeting are Miss Bork (adviser) and Mr. Webster (assistant adviser). Committee members encouraged continued outreach; one committee member said the group’s visibility on campus and in community events is important and suggested using simple incentives like pizza to attract students.

Discussion versus formal action: the committee received the presentation as public information; no motion, vote or formal direction to staff or the school district was made during the meeting. Committee members invited the student and advisers to return to a future meeting and to share materials the committee could amplify on its DEI page.

Background and context: at Oshkosh West, W hour is a daytime period in which students choose activities or clubs; holding GSA during that time is intended to increase attendance by avoiding after‑school scheduling conflicts. The student emphasized that the club aims to be inclusive and social as well as to provide resources and advocacy within the school.

For follow-up: committee members and staff asked the student to share the GSA’s contact information and social‑media handles so the city can post events on the committee’s Facebook page, but no formal data sharing or city funding was discussed.