FULLERTON : Schools Soften Rules on Recognized Clubs

The Fullerton Joint Union High School District has revised an existing policy so any student club, regardless of subject matter, will be officially recognized at school.

In the past, religious and political groups were not recognized by the high schools. That prohibited some clubs from getting their pictures included in yearbooks. The policy also prevented the clubs from asking for student government money.

Now, any club will be recognized by the school if it has a faculty adviser appointed by the principal; if its constitution is approved by the student government; if it complies with school and district regulations; and is open to all students.

Teachers, parents and students have expressed overwhelming approval for the revised policy, said Ron Anderson, assistant to the superintendent.

“The concern of the parents, students and staff is that we have a lot of clubs that have a wonderful effect on our kids, and we don’t want to penalize them,” Anderson said.

“We’re convinced that at this point, our policy meets the federal appellate courts’ interpretation of the (United States) Equal Access Act,” he added.