Medford High School Students Walk Out After Incidents Of Violence

MEDFORD, MA — Several Medford High School students staged a walkout on Wednesday over recent violence at the school.

In a letter to families, Principal Paul D'Alleva said there were two incidents on Tuesday that left students "shaken and concerned over how such unacceptable conduct could happen within our school."

D'Alleva did not elaborate on the nature of the incidents, but said, "we will not tolerate violence in Medford High School."

The incidents prompted a "significant" number of students to briefly leave school in frustration, D'Alleva said. The school met with two student groups on Wednesday, and administrators and counseling staff will be available in the coming days to meet with those who were impacted by the events.

"While it is imperative that our school continues to operate in an orderly manner each day so that students receive the educational services and support to which they are entitled, we understand and respect the genuine convictions that led to students taking this action," D'Alleva said.

The school is planning community-wide programming opportunities aimed at "improving the culture and climate of Medford High School," he added.

"The incidents of violence that occurred this week are completely unacceptable, and when instances like this occur disciplinary consequences are necessary," D'Alleva said. "But beyond our immediate response to what happened yesterday, we have a responsibility as a community to pull together and create the safe, secure, and affirming environment that we know is necessary for students to excel."