High school is said to be one of the most influential and rewarding times in your life. But starting it can be a bit scary. It’s often suggested that students join extracurricular activities that reflect their interests to foster support in their schools and meet new people.

For many, joining a Gay Straight Alliance club is one of the best tools to ensure a supportive and safe environment.

Back in 2007, Ashely Moffat transferred to Bellevue East High School when she realized – to her disbelief – the school did not already have a GSA established. She and other students went through the school’s required process of starting a new student club. However, when they applied for recognition they were met with an almost immediate and hostile rejection from administrators.

The students were met with words such as “What’s next? Orgies in the hallways?” and “it might spread gaysim.”

Moffat and the other students then contacted the ACLU of Nebraska, which quickly jumped in to help the students fight for their rights. Under the law, as long as a public school has some extracurricular groups, they must treat all extracurricular groups equally. 

Learn how to start a GSA in your school.

In 2008, the students were allowed to meet regularly after school in a classroom or on campus. But they were still not considered an official school club or afforded recognition in the student handbook or in the yearbook. 

After two years of working with the students – negotiating terms and filing a lawsuit – Bellevue East finally allowed students to have a GSA that was an officially recognized school club!

Unfortunately, instances such as the one that happened at Bellevue East happen all over our state. The ACLU of Nebraska has always fought for and will continue to fight for student rights and LGBT rights. 

LGBTQ high school students: Know your rights and what to do if you face harassment.


2016 is the 50th anniversary of the ACLU of Nebraska. We will feature several memories from our five decades of defending freedom in the Cornhusker state here. Do you have a favorite memory? Share it with us!