Marshfield School Officials Respond to Wednesday's Walkout
Thursday, March 15th, 2018 -- 8:02 AM
(WDLB) -Marshfield school officials responded last night to how yesterday's student protest walkout was handled, and why.Roughly 100 Marshfield High School students joined thousands of others around the country on Wednesday, in walking out of classes to demand stricter gun laws and an end to school shootings. But they could only do so with parent permission, and they were forced to leave school property--something Carter Chojnacki questioned the Marshfield Board of Education about last night. After being told the group could be the potential target of a militia attack, Chojnacki wondered why he and his peers were denied the option of holding their peaceful protest inside the school.
Instead, they were forced off school property, and onto the sidewalk along Becker Road. If safety was such a major concern, Chojnacki asked the board last night why he and his classmates were forced off school property. He also wondered why students were not more involved in the decision-making process regarding restrictions placed on the protesters. Board member Mark Konrardy said the guidelines which were followed were policies the district has always had in place for such events--including state-mandated guidelines for tracking attendance and parent permission for leaving school grounds during the day.
One parent of a student protester told board members they felt roadblocks were put up every step of the way leading up to yesterday's walkout. She cited a Minnesota School Board Association opinion that discussions surrounding such events should include staff, students, parents, law enforcement and the media. She said clear communication can build trust, reduce tension and promote safety and order--and she said this is what Marshfield students and parents hope will happen in the future. She said they want a clear and concise policy, especially one that does not shut students out of the discussion.
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