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Fulton board approves Club America chapter after students speak in favor and express concerns arise in follow‑up
Summary
Students from two high schools asked the board to allow a Club America chapter; the board approved the club (Action 6.03, passed 5–0–1). Later a different student raised concerns about founders’ views and potential impacts; the superintendent offered to follow up.
The Fulton City School District Board of Education approved recognition of an extracurricular Club America chapter after two student speakers described the club and its activities and later public comment raised concerns about inclusivity.
"We are asking you to fulfill your duties and board members to allow us to have our club as we're required to do under the Equal Access Act and give our club equal treatment," student speaker Josephine Smith told the board as she requested formal approval. Josephine identified herself as a junior at G. Ray Hoddley High School and said roughly 45 students had expressed interest in starting a chapter at that school.
Myla Wojtazek, introduced as president and founder of a Club America chapter at Central Square High School, told trustees the club focuses on First Amendment discussion and civic topics and described national growth of the program. "We are growing, and it's not gonna stop in Fulton," she said, urging the board to approve equal treatment for student‑led groups.
Board members moved and seconded Action 6.03 (approve the extracurricular Club America). The motion passed with the vote recorded in the minutes as 5–0–1 in favor.
During a second public forum later in the meeting, student Luca Piquet said some peers were worried about Club America because of viewpoints associated with the group's founders and asked the district to make sure the club remains inclusive and safe for LGBTQ and other students. "I just don't wanna see anything bad with the people that may be interested," Luca said, describing prior bullying incidents experienced by peers. Superintendent Lawrence and the board invited Luca to leave contact information so the administration could follow up.
The board also reminded that all school groups are required to follow the student code of conduct and have advisers to support compliance with district rules. No board member rescinded the approval; the formal vote stands as recorded.
