Edmonds schools say post-election ‘unity’ walkouts unexcused

Published 1:30 am Saturday, November 26, 2016

EDMONDS — After recent walkouts by high school students, the Edmonds School District has sent a reminder to parents: Such actions will be considered unexcused absences.

The note was sent to Edmonds School District families by Superintendent Kris McDuffy. It followed student actions at its four high schools after the November general election.

“We must honor and respect everyone’s right to freedom of speech,” McDuffy’s letter says. “However, we cannot support nor condone walk-outs or other demonstrations that affect the learning environment.”

Some students participated in walkouts last week at Edmonds-Woodway, Mountlake Terrace and Meadowdale high schools, said Debbie Joyce Jakala, a school district spokeswoman.

The students organized “to show unity in their schools,” she said. “That was the intended theme of those walkouts.”

The absences were unexcused, she said.

At Lynnwood High School, students waited until school was dismissed for their demonstration, so there was no missed classroom time, she said. Students chanted about themes such as immigration rights, women’s rights and Black Lives Matter, she said.

About 100 Mountlake Terrace students walked out about 20 minutes before the end of the school day, missing some school time, she said.

At Meadowdale High School, about 80 students walked out, gathered near a flag pole on the school campus and then walked toward the school’s football field and track, forming a circle and holding hands, she said.

About 100 Edmonds-Woodway students left school for about an hour.

McDuffy’s letter also urges students and families to report any instances of harassment, prejudice or ill treatment. “Our paramount duty is to provide a safe, caring and orderly learning and working environment,” it says.

The school district felt it needed to tell families “if they see something that is varying from the norm, here’s the way you can reach out to us,” Jakala said.

The district established a tip line during the 2004-05 school year for students and adults to share concerns. Some also have used it to report a student making suicidal comments, she said. The tip line phone number is 425-431-7010.

The school district also has a harassment, intimidation and bullying form to allow people to detail their concerns, Jakala said.

More information is available online at http://bit.ly/2gwdDrq.

Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486; salyer@heraldnet.com.