HSE Students Could Face Discipline For Walking-Out March 14th

A national movement is forming, calling for students to walk-out of their classes March 14th for 17 minutes, in memory of the 17 student victims in Parkland, Florida.  The question that everyone is asking is this – will students be disciplined for participating in such a walkout?

Based on a letter addressed to HSE Students, parents, staff and community members from School Superintendent Allen Bourff, Hamilton Southeastern School District administrators reserve the right to discipline students choosing to participate in the walk-out planned for 10am March 14th.

“Students have a constitutional right to free speech and expression,” Dr, Bourff wrote in his message, “but those rights do not extend to the creation of a substantial disruption to the learning environment, which could occur in the event of a walkout.”

Bourff suggests other ways students can express themselves, such as 17-minutes of silence, writing letters to elected officials, or taking part in a social media movement prompting students to “Walk Up Not Out,” which involves supporting peers and school staff.

It appears HSE Schools are taking a different approach than at least two other nearby county school districts.

According to a story in the March 7th edition of the Hamilton County Reporter, Carmel Schools will allow their students to participate in this demonstration without
repercussion, according to district spokeswoman Courtney Taylor.  Westfield
Washington Schools will allow their students to participate in an “awareness walk.”

If you are wondering whether your student will be disciplined for participating in any walkout or protest March 14th, it appears administrators do have some leeway in deciding whether to impose penalties.

Below is a listing of the questions and answers included in Dr. Bourff’s message:

What if students wear armbands, t-shirts or other expressive clothing? What if they carry signs, banners?
Students may express political views that are not disruptive to the school setting. The student handbook contains more detailed guidance.

Will students be penalized if they exercise their right to freedom of speech?
Our students have the right to free speech and expression, but those rights do not extend to the creation of a substantial disruption to the learning environment. We encourage students to exercise their right of free speech in ways that will not disrupt the education of others.

Will students receive disciplinary consequences for walking out or violating any provisions of the student handbook? For example:

·      What if students plan to congregate inside of the school for a portion of the day, sometimes referred to as a walk-in or sit-in?

·      Will students have to leave the premises if they protest by leaving class?

·      What if students do not show up to class or arrive late as a protest?

·      Will students who walk out of the school/class be excused?

According to the student handbook, students are expected to be in their assigned areas during instructional time. Students who choose to leave class or school violate this policy. The consequence for being out of an assigned area, according to the student handbook, generally involves a disciplinary response. Administrators always talk to students who violate school policies, and administrators take into account extenuating circumstances before assigning consequences. HSE Schools sees disciplinary consequences as an opportunity to teach and not as a punitive experience.

How safe will students be if there is a walkout?
We will maintain our normal safety and security protocols.

May I protest with my child at school?
For the safety and security of our students, adults will not be allowed to protest on school property.

Will teachers continue to teach if students walk out?
Yes. Absent students will be required to make up any missed work.

What will happen if I call my son or daughter out of school on March 14 and bring them back after the protest is over?
Parents may follow the regular procedures for calling students out of school and re-entry into school. Delays may occur based on the volume of call-ins.

Are students allowed to pass out flyers about a protest event?
Students must follow the normal procedures for posting informational flyers, posters, etc.; however, schools must remain politically neutral.