Black Horse Pike School District Supports Student Protests

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Students in schools across the country will be walking out on Wednesday to mark the one-month anniversary of the massacre at a Florida high school. Nationally the walkouts are planned for 10 a.m. Wednesday, with 17 minutes of silence to honor the 17 students and staff killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Valentine's Day.

The Black Horse Pike Regional School District — consisting of Highland, Timber Creek and Triton regional high schools — has said it is in support of the students’ right to protest.

“We will be in support of the students' rights to protest,” Black Horse Pike Regional School District Superintendent Dr. Brian Repici said in a statement on the district’s website shortly after the shootings. “In a democratic society, educators should empower, then support students' rights to peacefully assemble and vent grievances. As always, it is our job to educate, facilitate understanding, and inspire. I will discuss this with each Principal so that we can unite with students as part of any protest, rather than being apart from them.”

A link on Timber Creek Regional’s website asks students to fill out a form if they intend to participate in the March 14 Day of Remembrance for Parkland. There will also be a school safety Q&A at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Calls for a nationwide student walkout to demand stricter gun laws began just days after the mass shootings that killed 14 students and three staff members and injured 16 other people. They have been met with mixed responses from school administrators across the country. Some have threatened suspensions or even expulsions, while others have staunchly backed the students' walkouts.

At Cherry Hill High School East, students have already engaged in a pair of protests despite the threat of being suspended or not being allowed to attend prom. Principal Dennis Perry later rescinded that threat.

Read more here: Public Confronts Cherry Hill BOE Over Security, Communication

In addition to supporting any students who intend to protest, Repici said the district intends to increase its school safety measures.

“The first line of defense is reporting, so all staff will emphasize this with students in the coming days,” Repici said. “I ask you to emphasize this at home to make sure that students understand the importance of having them report suspicious behavior as well.

“We are researching and will be enhancing security measures at each school in an effort to make our schools more safe. We are coordinating that research with the police and with our Board of Education. We are also reminding students and staff that a locked door is a good defense so make sure that students understand that they are not to let anyone in any door.

“Lastly, please do not hesitate to comment or give suggestions on how we can better secure our schools or serve our communities. As a parent of a school aged child, I completely understand and share your concerns about the safety and well-being of your child(ren).”

Attached image: Deerfield Beach high school students arrive at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School after walking the 11 miles from school to school in support of the victims of the mass shooting on campus on February 23, 2018 in Parkland, Florida. Police arrested 19-year-old former student Nikolas Cruz for killing 17 people at the high school. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)