Caldwell University Won’t Penalize Protesting HS Students

CALDWELL, NJ — Another college in the Essex County area has officially declared that it won’t discriminate against students who choose to peacefully protest and exercise their 1st Amendment rights.

On Thursday, Caldwell University officials announced that high school students that have been disciplined for participating in “peaceful” gun violence protests will not encounter negative points in the admission process.

According to Caldwell University’s Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management Stephen Quinn:

“Caldwell University supports the First Amendment rights of students to peacefully protest gun violence. Student involvement from these activities that may result in disciplinary action can be reported to Caldwell University without any fear that it might negatively impact an admission decision.”

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Caldwell University’s Thursday announcement comes two days after its neighbor, Montclair State University, declared the same.

“Montclair State University respects students' rights to protest peacefully,” MSU administrators said. “A student receiving disciplinary action resulting from participating in such an activity would not be penalized in the admissions process at Montclair State.”

• See related article: Montclair State Won't Penalize 'Peacefully Protesting' Students

NEW JERSEY SCHOOL WALKOUTS FOR PARKLAND

School walkouts in support of the Parkland victims have taken place in several New Jersey towns.

Students at West Orange High School held a walkout on Feb. 21. The students won't be disciplined for the protest, the district's superintendent stated.

• See related article: West Orange Students Hold School Walkout For Parkland Victims

About 200 students and faculty members walked out of Middletown South High School. "In the wake of recent tragedies related to school violence, we respect our students' right to express their feelings," the district superintendent said.

• See related article: Walkout At Middletown South High School Over Gun Violence (Video)

Some students at Eastern Regional High School conducted a walkout to protest gun violence on Feb. 21, according to the Voorhees Police Department. Police responded to the scene to ensure the safety of students, staff, and public, and the walkout ended without any incidents or disruptions, authorities said.

• See related article: Walkout At Eastern Regional High School

The same day, about 200 students walked out of class at Raritan High School in Hazlet in the wake of the Florida shooting. The students were led by staff out to the school's track, officials said.

• See related article: 200 Hazlet Students Walk Out After Florida Shooting

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