Student punished after making anti-gay remarks

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

A Westmoore High school student was punished this week for what his peers called a threatening condemnation of homosexuality.

The student left a note addressed to the school's Gay-Straight Alliance inside a teacher's classroom. The note read: "The Bible meant for it to be Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve, but hey, it's your choice to burn."

Members of the alliance said the student-run organization is used opposition, but this student's opinion went too far.

"I'd like to think if I was a homosexual then I'd have a place to go and take about it," Senior Nick Stanley said.

Jo Hazelton, also a senior and straight member of the alliance, said she agrees.

"It should be OK to go to high school and not be scared," Hazelton said.

Moore Superintendent Deborah Arato said the student was punished for "improper communication with a teacher."  

Alliance members said they are satisfied with the outcome but realize more trouble is possible because not all students think the group belongs on campus.

Julia Brown said she is one of the students that doesn't agree with the group.

"I just didn't think it was appropriate, but if they want to do it and the school is going to let them, then go for it," she said.

There are about 25 members of Westmoore's Gay-Straight Alliance. Officials said there are hundreds of the alliances around the country and several throughout the metro and in the Tulsa area.

Attempts to locate the student who wrote the message were unsuccessful.