WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A West Des Moines Catholic high school has approved a request by students to form a school-based gay-straight alliance called “One Human Family.”

The Des Moines Register reports that Dowling Catholic High School gave the approval for the club on Friday.

The approval came just weeks after school officials drew criticism for opting to not hire a substitute teacher full time after learning he was gay.

Dowling President Jerry Deegan sent a letter to parents on Friday saying the club will support students who may identify or have questions about same-sex attraction.