Three months after the Granite Board of Education adopted rules governing student clubs and organizations, no students have petitioned the district to form a gay-straight alliance.
Students have, however, formed a "Baywatch Club."Martin Bates, assistant director of policy and compliance, said he is unsure what members of the "Baywatch Club" do at their meetings, professing he has never watched the television show touted to be the most watched program in the world.
"Whatever they do, it's in harmony with the policy," he quipped.
Bates, addressing the school board Tuesday night, said the numbers of student clubs had increased at seven of Granite's nine high schools under the new policy.
"There hasn't been a chilling effect of any kind," Bates said.
In July, the school board voted 3-2 to adopt a limited open forum, which allows student organizations tied to subjects taught at school, as well as "lawful noncurricular clubs." Junior high students are limited to curriculum-based clubs.
The board action came after Cottonwood High students inquired about forming a gay-straight alliance like one that was proposed at Salt Lake's East High School.
Other high school clubs granted charters this academic year include chess clubs, ski clubs, a paleontology club, Young Democrats, sign language club and Key Club.
Students had until Oct. 15 to submit club charters for consideration. The few petitions rejected involved noncurricular clubs proposed at junior highs.