Milford Offers Position On Planned Student Walkout Next Week

MILFORD, CT — The principals of Joseph A. Foran, Jonathan Law and The Academy schools sent a joint message to students and parents concerning the planned nationwide student walkout of schools on March 14 over the recent violent episodes at schools across the country.

In the letter the three principals say, "Many students and youth across the nation are collectively calling for action to demand safe schools. There are a variety of demonstrations and walkouts that are being planned by organizations and by individual groups of youth. The faculty at our three schools continue to work with and coach students as they brainstorm various ways to make their voices heard in a highly impactful yet minimally disruptive manner."

"One of the designated national dates is March 14th, on which students from various high schools across the country are planning walkouts to demonstrate solidarity with the victims of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and to call for safe schools. This is a youth-organized, student-led movement. At our three schools, some students have reached out to the administration and teachers to communicate their desire to participate in a structured voluntary student walkout in which students will remain on campus."

"The administration and faculty will supervise our students and continue to be vigilant about school safety. To that end, on March 14, each of our campuses will be closed to visitors from 9:30 to 11:00, and there will be a heightened police presence. Those students who choose to participate in the student walkout in a peaceful, respectful manner within that time period will not be disciplined for doing so."

"There will be teachers/staff who will stay in the building to supervise students who choose not to participate. The rest of the day on March 14, which is a half day of school due to parent conferences, will run normally. We support the voices of our students as they work to build a safer school and society."

The letter is signed by Law Principal Fran Thompson, Foran Principal Max Berkowitz and Sarah Scionti, director of The Academy.