Gun Violence Protests: Dearborn Schools Plan For Walkouts

DEARBORN, MI – High school students here will be allowed to participate in demonstrations in the wake of the deadly school attack last month in Parkland, Florida. Dearborn Schools Superintendent Glenn Maleyko said the district is "legally and morally obligated to honor" students' right to free speech.

And, as long as they remain peaceful and do not disrupt the educational environment of the schools, students will not be disciplined for taking part in the demonstrations, Maleyko said.

The first of the nationwide demonstrations will happen at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, when students at schools across the nation are expected to participate in a 17-minute walkout of their classrooms and schools in a show of support for the 17 students and staff members who died in the shooting on Feb. 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

>>> See how a student demonstration unfolded in Minnesota

In a letter to parents posted on the district's website, Maleyko said the district wants its students to be critical thinkers and "seek out teachable moments" outside of the classroom. The demonstrations provide such opportunities. He also suggested that parents talk with their kids about the walkouts before they occur.

Meantime, faculty members have met with student leaders to get a feel for what and how they intend to participate in the nationwide demonstration.

"After talking with our students, it appears that all of our high schools will focus their assemblies on remembering and honoring the 17 people who were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School," Maleyko said. He expects students to hold a moment of silence for those killed, displays with posters and photos of the victims and their names, and reading statements of support for students impacted by the mass shootings.

"The students have made it clear that they want their demonstration to be meaningful and any student who isn’t willing to take this seriously should not take part," he wrote. Students who do not take part may remain in a supervised area of the school.

The Dearborn schools staff and faculty, as well as the Dearborn Police, will supervise the events, but not participate in them. Access to the schools will be restricted, and only students and school staff will be permitted on the school grounds that day. Parents, community members and media will not be allowed on school property during the 17-minute walk out.

Students at the middle and elementary level are not expected to be part of the walkout, but the schools are prepared to address each situation on an individual basis.

File photo by William Bornhoft/Patch