Protesting for teacher rights, students assembled in a walkout outside of the school on September 26th during second period. The previous night, an online confessions page was focused on helping spread awareness about the situation. The messages were posted on the page telling students the details of the protest, or just general information. In less than 24 hours students created, planned, and participated in this event. Their intention was to keep it peaceful, share their voice, concerns, and to have a successful turn out.
“I was out here to protest,” senior Warren Stanley said. “It just isn’t right. I saw the stuff online about it and I just, think, you know, let the people speak. So, I brought the speaker and microphone out.”
The assembly of the walkout started at 11:10 outside of F wing in the senior parking lot. As students gathered, it soon became apparent that the turnout was bigger than expected. Well over 200 students gathered and marched their way from the back of the F wing to the front of the school near the cafeteria. Multiple students such as Stanley, and senior Rylee Montgomery got on top of a car with a microphone and posters, leading the protest.
Students were not going to tolerate teacher mistreatment. For what they are paid and how overworked they are, students believe teachers shouldn’t be also dealing with this. It is something they believe in, and the outcome was exactly what they wanted. With a good portion of the student body participating, this was only the start. They are not just stopping at this, the message won’t be conveyed enough in only one protest. The planning to continue future events like this for their voices to be heard are already in place. As well as contacting local news stations, students want their message to be recognized. And if that means persisting that’s what they will do.
“I really hope that they change stuff in administration,” senior Megan Denny said. ”Honestly, at a higher level. I just want this to get attention.”
The First Amendment protects the right for freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. Students used both of those rights to protect themselves legally and still have their voice heard. Under the U.S. constitution as long as they kept it civil, everything was within the law.
“I think everyone is entitled to say what they want to say,” junior Chael Brown said. “And they shouldn’t be silenced for what they believe in.”
