Article: Dist. 207 OKs group for gay, lesbian students.(Neighbor)

Maine Township high school officials have approved formation of the first school group for gay and lesbian students.

In a 5-1 vote, with member Ben Herman dissenting and member Ralph Johnson absent, the Maine Township High School District 207 board recently approved of the Students Preserving Unity and Diversity club at Maine South High School.

Organizers said the club is needed, in part, because many gay and lesbian students "commit or attempt suicide."

According to a 1989 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services study, nearly 30 percent of teen suicides were gay or lesbian youth.

"We were thinking the school needed it. The issues ...

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