Campus protests won’t be allowed, North Thurston officials say in message to parents
After student protests at North Thurston and River Ridge high schools last week, district officials now say that campus protests will not be allowed because they are too disruptive, according to a joint statement sent to parents late Friday.
The statement was issued by North Thurston Public Schools Superintendent Deb Clemens and school board president Dave Newkirk.
“School policy allows students to peacefully protest, as long as they do not interfere with normal school operations,” the joint statement reads.
“We have honored that right this week (the week of Jan. 31). However, student chanting has become disruptive to the work and learning environment of staff and students. The students enrolled in our life-skills program have been particularly impacted.
“Therefore, we will no longer allow students who are participating in the walkout to protest on our campus. Beginning on Monday, February 7, 2022, all students on campus are expected to attend classes as assigned.”
About 200 Black Student Union members and their supporters protested at North Thurston and River Ridge high schools on Jan. 31 over concerns about unaddressed racism and sexism at the schools. The demonstrations continued the remainder of the week at River Ridge.
The protests were interrupted by a false active shooter threat Thursday morning that resulted in students being sent home for the day.
Clemens and Newkirk acknowledged that the message sent by student protesters shows the district has work to do.
“NTPS investigates all allegations of racial harassment, sexual harassment, and/or assault reported by our students,” their statement reads. “Harm has occurred in our school district. We are listening to student feedback on the investigation process and reviewing opportunities to update our protocols.
“NTPS has a draft response for all short-term goals presented by the students who participated in the walkout. We will continue to work with the representative group of students. Our staff remains dedicated to developing strong relationships with our students so that they feel safe at school, and safe sharing their concerns.”
Clemens and Newkirk say the district will soon finalize a plan to provide students, staff, and families with a safe space to have their concerns heard.
The district’s Director of Equity and Languages, Antonio Sandifer, also will coordinate Community Café events and share that information with NTPS families, according to the joint statement.
In addition, district officials say they will provide all students with the opportunity to have trained advocates present during investigations regarding sexual assault, racism, and disciplinary conversations, as well as mental health counseling services to support students.
The North Thurston school board is set to gather at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, at Salish Middle School, 8605 Campus Glen Drive NE. Meetings can be attended in-person or by watching You Tube.
This story was originally published February 6, 2022 at 1:53 PM.
