San Benito High School officials on Monday sent out an automated phone message alerting parents that an estimated 150 students at the nearly 3,000-student school protested recent election results by walking out of class. Some students did not leave campus, choosing to sit in front of the administration building at the front of campus on Monterey Street.
Here is the full message from the district:
“Dear San Benito High School Community,
Some of our students are currently protesting the recent election results via a walk-out today. As educators, we support our students’ right to express themselves. Any walk-out or protest has not been initiated or actively supported by school staff or administration, but we are here to keep them safe if they choose to participate.
Please know that any missed class time due to participation in a protest or walk-out will be considered an unexcused absence. We also want to emphasize that free speech is encouraged and protected, but hate speech is not.
We understand our students’ desire to voice their opinions. We simply want them to do it safely and responsibly.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Superintendent Perales or Principal, Adrian Ramirez.
Thank you.”
Ramirez posted an account of the day’s activities to his Facebook account on Monday night. It read:
“As a response to concerns that were brought forward by students, staff and parents, our administrative team held a Special Student Meeting this morning at 11:30 a.m. Each class sent one student representative to participate in the meeting. Concerns revolved around the topic of respect and the safety of students while expressing their viewpoints on the recent presidential election. We facilitated a process where students were able to express areas of concern and potential solutions for maintaining a safe school environment, while still being able to protect students’ rights to freedom of speech.
Today, at approximately 1:30 p.m., approximately 150 students participated in a walk-out protest. The event was not initiated or actively supported by school staff or administration, but we were present to maintain student safety. There were several students that had to be addressed for using disrespectful or inappropriate language, however, the rest of our students handled themselves in a civil manner. Despite there being clear differences between students that were expressing their viewpoints during the protest, there was a common theme of our students promoting non-violence. Considering the emotion and passion attached to this issue across our country, I am proud of our students for maintaining a non-violent approach.Â
There were rumors of a physical fight occurring during the protest, which are not true. While student protesters were dispersing and school was being dismissed, there was a verbal confrontation between students that was unrelated.Â
As a school, we recognize that there are still concerns that exist. We want to continue to look for ways to improve our approach to this issue. We will also continue to maintain an open line of communication with our students, parents, staff and community members. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Respectfully,Â
Adrian Ramirez, Principal – San Benito High School
aramirez@sbhsd.k12.ca.us
831-637-5831, Ext. 173
The student meeting in the cafeteria on Monday morning was designed to provide students “with a safe and peaceful setting to express their concerns,” according to Ramirez, who said the meeting was “not intended to facilitate a discussion or debate on political viewpoints. Rather, our focus will be on the manner in which our students are expressing their viewpoints and frustrations.”
The weekly meeting of the school’s division chairs and instructional leadership team also discussed the issue at their Monday morning meeting.
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