Students urge board to reinstate Diversity and Mentoring clubs; trustees cite funding and adviser rules

Student speakers from Sachem East and other high schools asked the Board of Education to reinstate the Diversity Club, describing it as a space that fostered inclusivity, multicultural events and community volunteering. A student identified as Finn said the club helped him celebrate his culture and ‘‘allowed me to come to school in traditional attire, educate my peers and teachers and speak with members of our school about our commonalities.''

Board members and administrators acknowledged the student appeals but highlighted constraints. Trustees reminded students that clubs require an adviser (and a stipend, which the meeting cited roughly as $1,375) and that districts must follow board policies regarding club recognition and sponsorship. The board suggested several short-term pathways: pairing students with existing district diversity committees, allowing students to volunteer at district multicultural events while fundraising for an adviser, and pursuing sponsorships from local businesses or community foundations.

Julianna Nuss, who spoke for the Mentoring Club, described the mentoring program as especially valuable for freshmen and new students and said past events and fundraisers supported the club's work. Trustees encouraged students to pursue sponsorship or community partnerships; one trustee said while the board cannot directly solicit funds, the district and community organizations can help students connect to potential sponsors.

The board asked district staff to help guide student leaders on fundraising and adviser recruitment and to review whether program consolidation (a shared adviser or joint club across schools) might be feasible. No formal vote to reinstate either club was taken at the meeting.