Andover High Students Protest, Petition Over Fight Fallout

ANDOVER, MA — Andover High students protested again Friday, this time before classes started and with apparent permission from the administration. Additionally, hundreds of people signed a petition asking for the administration to "reconsider" a police officer's role as resource officer at the school, alleging "illegal searches, profiling and intimidation," culminating in Wednesday's incident when one student was taken to the hospital without injuries following a fight. The protest and petition stem from an incident Wednesday, when a fight between two students resulted in one, a Hispanic student, being taken to the hospital for an evaluation and given a two-week suspension, according to the student's mother.

District spokeswoman Nicole Kieser confirmed that there was a protest Friday before school, but was "not able" to comment on the petition. As of Friday evening, the petition had over 440 signatures.

"The administration worked collaboratively with the students to ensure a safe environment for all," she said of Friday's protest.

Students will also have a meeting with Principal Philip Conrad Monday to talk about the week's events, according to a report in the Eagle Tribune.

That is in contrast to actions Wednesday and Thursday. Students face potential discipline for painting the rock in front of the school and walking out of classes without permission from the administration, Conrad said in an email to parents Thursday.

Wednesday night, students painted "Black Lives Matter" onto the rock Wednesday night, in protest of the treatment of one student following a fight at the school Wednesday. The mother, Wendy Presinal, said her son was taken to the hospital for an evaluation after the apparent fight, and received a two week suspension. No details are available on the other student's discipline. Conrad's email said discipline is still being determined for involved students. Presinal's son is "Hispanic, dark-skinned," she said.

Students initially went to the principal about the rock, but painted it without receiving permission. The students who painted the rock, James Call and Ethan Gasse, told NBC 10 Boston that they had the support of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, which had painted the rock rainbow over the previous weekend. They were suspended for two days.

"I asked for the students to wait until we were able to meet and hold a collaborative conversation. They disregarded my offer and painted the rock without permission," wrote Conrad.

The latest re-painting of the rock comes after it was painted three times in the last week, twice with permission.

"The 'rock' is on school property and the administration had always welcomed the students to create positive messages for the AHS community to see as they enter the building. Anyone painting on the rock needs the permission of the administration prior to doing so," he continued.

The walkout occurred around 11 a.m. Thursday. It's unclear how many students participated. Any students involved in the walkout are similarly liable for discipline, Conrad wrote.

"Thursday morning, some students walked out of class.This walkout had not been communicated to us in any way and therefore cannot be classified as a student demonstration that had been mutually agreed upon. Therefore, any student who left class and/or the school may be subject to discipline as classified in the AHS handbook. All student information and discipline is considered private, and I am not able to comment further."

The recent cycle of rock painting began last Friday, when it was painted rainbow colors for National Coming Out day, with permission. That coat of paint was "defaced" overnight, according to a separate email from the Superintendent Sheldon Berman. Photographs show the words and acronyms "MAGA 2020," "NRA," and "F--- AHS."

"Those who vandalized the rock have not been identified," according to Berman.

The vandalism was painted over by facilities, and then "the AHS Gender Sexuality Alliance, along with members of the community, restored the rock to reflect the symbolism of National Coming Out day, which is a day to celebrate and promote inclusion and acceptance," Berman's email continued.

"The support the public showed for these students is reflective of the best of our community."
No details are available at this time regarding the cause or extent of the fight. Conrad's email was brief regarding the fight.

"There was a physical altercation between two students during a morning class. First responders were called to the school. I am still in the process of determining discipline for the students involved. Additionally, there were students present during the time of the incident who interfered with the first responders; they may also face disciplinary actions."

The student petition for one school police officer to be "reconsidered" says that issues with him "culminated" with Wednesday's fight.

The rock at Andover High has been a frequent flash point in recent years; students have used it to protest the dismissal of a hockey coach. Historically, the rock is often painted with messages marking graduation and big sports victories. The rock is considered such a central part of the school's culture that a road relocation project was modified in 1996 to preserve the rock.

Christopher Huffaker: 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.