Anti-Racism Rally Planned At Riverview High School Friday

SARASOTA, FL — Community activists and Riverview High School students are holding an anti-racism rally at the school.

The rally, called “Racism & Hate Have No Place Here,” comes on the heels of a Spirit Week incident where a group of Riverview High School students dressed as President Donald Trump and wearing MAGA gear marched through campus. Some students, unhappy with the display, heckled the Trump supporters.

Sarasota County Schools is investigating to see if the district’s code of conduct had been violated.

Community responses to the incident have been mixed. Some have supported the students’ right to free speech, while others say political events have no place in the schools.

Those attending Friday’s anti-racism rally — set for 1:30 p.m. at the school, 1 Ram Way — are asked to wear maroon- and white-colored clothing, as well as a face mask. Attendees are also asked to practice social distancing. Learn more about this rally at its Facebook event page.

Community organizations behind this anti-racism rally include Answer Suncoast, Black Lives Matter Manasota Alliance, Manasota Mamas for Change, Party for Socialism & Liberation, The Leaders Right’s Organization, and United Youth of Sarasota.

According to a press release from Black Lives Matter Manasota Alliance, “Racism is nothing new at Riverview High School but it’s getting more overt as the election approaches. The most recent incident of racism at the school highlighted the need to show our unconditional love, support and acceptance for our Riverview High School students and staff. To that end, it’s time to show up and support the Rams, and let them know that we support them by attending a peaceful rally. Students at Riverview deserve to feel safe in their learning environment.”

In response to the rally, a Facebook group called Sarasota County School District Transparency Project is organizing Freedom Friday. The group, which is working to "keep leftist indoctrination out of our schools," is encouraging parents throughout the district to keep their children home from school on Friday.

According to the group’s Facebook event page, “Radical teachers have joined forces with even more radical groups to push the divisive agenda of (Black Lives Matter) on our kids. These groups are dangerous and take advantage of young people. Show the Sarasota School District you will not tolerate this and keep your kids home that day. All schools. All grades.”