Dr. Morcease J. Beasley, CCPS Superintendent of Schools, Offers His Thoughts in Anticipation of National School Walkouts
Recently, I have been spending much time in reflective thought about incidents of irresponsible violence against our children in places where the expectation is one of safety and security. I think that people of goodwill should do what is necessary within our laws to make our schools places where our children can learn and grow into the leaders of our future. We must also understand that simple solutions are not the answers to complex issues. Ultimately, in addition to local responses, actions must be taken at both the state and federal level to address these matters.
Over the past week or so, I have been asked about the school districts’ reaction to the anticipated actions by Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS) students in support of the National School Walkout that is scheduled for Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Please know that CCPS Leadership is fully supporting efforts of staff/students to participate in peaceful demonstrations associated with this event.
I join with other members of CCPS leadership in a belief that it is important to give our students a voice concerning critical matters that have a direct impact on their lives. They should be allowed an opportunity to participate in the democratic process to display their opinions within an instructional non-disruptive experience. It is our goal, as an institution of public education, to provide CCPS students an opportunity to think critically about issues that impact them, to react in a responsible manner if it is believed that change is needed and to maintain a safe and secure platform that allows them to voice their concerns/opinions.
The CCPS Administration is preparing to support “Student Voice” demonstrations on our campuses on March 14 in keeping with the national expectations: they should occur during the school day morning, beginning around 10 a.m. and should last 17 minutes to honor the 17 students and staff members killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018.
Our school leaders are working with teachers and students interested in participating in any planned activities. In addition, as we provide support to school leaders and collect demonstration plans from each school, we have advised all school principals to govern these events and support them as needed and appropriate. Know that through our stated support of these activities, students can participate without fear of administrative penalty, while we also perform our due diligence to ensure a safe and secure environment.
It is my heartfelt hope that through these peaceful, thoughtful, and organized “Student Voice” demonstrations our students, their families, our community and our nation can begin and sustain a healing, while also providing an impetus that will lead to a brighter, safer future for everyone in America.
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