MCPS Releases Statement on Student Demonstrations
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) officials have released the following statement regarding recent student demonstrations:
“[On Monday] students at several MCPS high schools engaged in a public demonstration in response to last week’s elections. Participation in this activity was strictly voluntary and was not encouraged by school staff. MCPS Regulation JFA-RA, Student Rights and Responsibilities, states that students have a right to assemble for discussions of issues of importance to them and to demonstrate peacefully.
“Students who choose to exercise these rights during school hours are strongly encouraged to remain on school property when engaging in these activities so that we can ensure their safety and security.
“Students who were absent from classes as part of [Monday’s] demonstration will be marked as unexcused; parents may send in a note to reverse the unexcused absence.
“Staff have been reminded to respect student’s freedom of speech and expression and should make sure to avoid any imposition of their own personal political views on students as outlined in Board policies KEA, Political Campaigns and Political Materials, and JFA-RA, Student Rights and Responsibilities, section G Freedom of Assembly.
“MCPS is, and remains, a safe and welcoming place to have conversations about topics that concern students. MCPS has provided resources to our educators to assist them in discussing issues raised by and processing reactions to the discourse that has surrounded this year’s election season. We will continue to draw on the expertise of the Equity Initiatives Unit to help forge stronger understanding of the many perspectives in our community, state and nation.”
MCPS has issued the following statement regarding recent student demonstrations: https://t.co/vYa0Sgcq88
— MCPS (@MCPS) November 15, 2016
Every one of those kids should receive a F !!!! Just a excuse to skip school…blocking traffic IS NOT A PEACEFUL DEMONASTRATION…once again no accountability for stupid actions. They need to put their big girl and boy pants on and act like they have sense.
First, it seems like you don’t understand much about our current education system, as students would not recieve an F for skipping some classes, their absences would just be unexcused. Second, a school is more than just a place where kids go to take classes, it is a diverse community and a safe place to express yourself. Third, it is not necessary for us to encourage walkouts or other methods of peaceful protest, but we should not discourage it. And finally, when regarding the wellbeing of the nation, we need to remind ourselves that how we treat kids, (who are undoubtly the future) will have a big affect on that, so by writing off all of their attempts at organized protest as “fails” or senseless acts, we perpetuate a lack of political efficacy in our citizens that could destroy the effectiveness of our democracy.
Perfectly stated! They should have a place where they can voice their opinion. MCPS did an outstanding job explaining how they can do it peacefully, without them being off campus and accounted for.
Another libertard spewing wrong messages to our children the election is over, why was protesting not done during campain
MCPS JFA-RA
Freedom of Assembly
Students have a right to assemble for discussions of issues of importance to them and to demonstrate peacefully.
1. Students have a responsibility to consult with the school principal to determine:
a) If the activity will be allowed during the school day.
b) The time and place of these assemblages including holding the activity outside the school day or during lunch if the principal has reason to believe that holding it during school hours would interfere with the regular school program.
c) The type of supervision required, if any, and which staff members may be assigned to monitor the activity.
2. Students also have a responsibility to:
a) Work cooperatively with school staff members and take reasonable steps to ensure the activity is orderly.
b) Make up missed work.
12 of 18
Did the students consult with the principal? Was permission given? How could this ever be considered an excused absence? Please cite for me the MCPS code that allows this as an excused absence. I couldn’t find it.
To the extent that this activity interfered with the instruction of students who did not participate, how did school administration protect the rights of those students who abided by MCPS JFA-RA? How were the students monitored?
As I see it, this was an illegal activity that interfered with the rights of those students who complied with MCPS JFA-RA to receive an education in a peaceful non threatening environment. I demand a response form the MCPS administration with regard to corrective and disciplinary action to be taken against students, faculty and staff who allowed this breach of rule and order to take place. All I can see here is that the Principal is condoning anarchy. He should be removed from office and access to our children. At a minimum, poor judgement was exercised. At a maximum, our children were placed in danger through lack of proper supervision.
“Just a excuse to skip school.” I know at least one person who skipped a little school in their day.
This should never of been allowed. This had absolutely nothing to do with their classes. This activity is outside the school system prerogative to allow. It is also outside of there perogative in allowing the children to step out of school during the school day. In fact, does not the school system require the parent or guardian’s signature to be on file for the to leave campus during the lunch hour for junior and seniors? Freshman and sophmores arent even extended that privilege. Then there is the fact that by allowing this to take place and not taking a strong stand to the structure of the school day, the system by there in action supports civil disobedience. And you are gifted the right to educate our children?? You cant even manage to educate them on the appropriate time place and method to demonstrate. Permits??? Blocking traffic .. interupting peoples work day.. endangerementof children… costs to the police department… delays in emergency workers as a result of traffic… no not impressed at all. Huge fail.
This should never of been allowed. This had absolutely nothing to do with their classes. This activity is outside the school system prerogative to allow. It is also outside of there perogative in allowing the children to step out of school during the school day. In fact, does not the school system require the parent or guardian’s signature to be on file for the to leave campus during the lunch hour for junior and seniors? Freshman and sophmores arent even extended that privilege. Then there is the fact that by allowing this to take place and not taking a strong stand to the structure of the school day, the system by there in action supports civil disobedience. And you are gifted the right to educate our children?? You cant even manage to educate them on the appropriate time place and method to demonstrate. Permits??? Blocking traffic .. interupting peoples work day.. endangerementof children… costs to the police department… delays in emergency workers as a result of traffic… no not impressed at all. Huge fail. And no a parents note should not be accepted along with no SSL hours. They should be penalized for going out side the margins of time they were told. Only during lunch, then a return to the class.
So much support for these kids using their voice in a non-violent way (unlike the racists writing “kill blacks” and swastikas all over our schools since Trump’s election), and engaging in peaceful protest. Even more support for MCPS and their handling of it, respecting the kids right to free speech and expression while keeping everyone safe and maintaining a supportive environment. Thank you, MCPS!
As to the other comments, your white tears are delicious.
Every student who participated should be expelled! NO exceptions
It was painful to read the two comments above… Irony hurts my head on the regular.
March on students! You are my future, and I support you!
I support these students and I support the administration allowing this. These students are showing us the future of activism, standing against hate, and engaging in peaceful, civil actions. Many cheers to them and many cheers to the school system.
So very impressive to support civil expression of opinion within an educational, non biased atmosphere. Participants in this type of participation in the political process should get “As” in their civics class. What a marvelous opportunity to learn how to have a voice and participate in a nonviolent and safe environment. This is the type of school I would have chosen for myself and my children. The leadership in the school deserves support and thanks!