Hudnall said he has also been swamped with phone calls from news reporters seeking comment about the club.

Considering the heated response thus far, he said, he wouldn't be surprised to see the board vote next month to ban all clubs so they won't have to approve the gay-straight alliance club at Provo High.

Hudnall said the district has been told politically active conservative groups are marshalling forces to quash the proposed policy that would allow the club.

Hudnall said the parent approval slip required to attend club activities will put some teenagers in a bad spot — basically serving as a participation barrier for students who do not want to address deeply personal maturation issues with adults.

District officials believe it would be unwise to withhold club participation information from parents.

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E-mail: lhancock@desnews.com; jeffh@ desnews.com