Pennsbury Explains History Of Student Protests

FAIRLESS HILLS, PA — As Pennsbury High School students plan a walkout on Friday, school officials are explaining the school district's history regarding protests.

Schools Superintendent Thomas A. Smith said he and Pennsbury High Campus Principal Reggie Meadows received a number of emails over the past 24 hours regarding the planned student walkout.

Smith said he wanted to provide some context to that walkout.

"Pennsbury High School has a long history of students exercising their constitutional rights," Smith said. "From student activism during the Vietnam War to challenging school rules against female students wearing pants, our students have consistently used their voices to engage with important social Issues."

In more recent years, Pennsbury High School students have organized protests related to larger societal concerns, with actions reflecting matters that are deeply important to them.

"We also know that similar events are happening in schools across the region and country," Smith said regarding ICE protests in other school districts throughout Bucks and Montgomery counties.

Smith said that the Pennsbury School District neither promotes nor organizes any student protest event, and works to ensure that "no one is ever forced or coerced into participating in these events."

"Our goal is to maintain a safe and orderly school day, even when students choose to express themselves through peaceful protest," Smith said.

The superintendent said that teachers will remain in their classrooms, and education will continue
as planned.

Local police will monitor access to the campus, and district security will be present to supervise and maintain student safety, school officials said.

School officials said that non-students will not be permitted onto the property during this time.

Smith said the steps are being taken to ensure student safety, and not to encourage or discourage any form of expression.

"We appreciate when students demonstrate thoughtful engagement with issues affecting their
lives and communities, no matter the issue or opinion," Smith said. "We will continue to balance their desire to engage in peaceful protest with our responsibility to maintain a safe and orderly school environment."