TURNERS FALLS — Turners Falls High School students who walked out of classes on Wednesday as a protest to the School Committee’s decision to change the school’s mascot won’t be punished.
The school’s principal, Annie Leonard, sent a message to parents and families of students after the walkout on Wednesday. She said the walkout consisted of 90 high school students and 30 students from Great Falls Middle School.
“In recognition of the ownership and responsibility they showed today and in keeping with a restorative approach, no traditional disciplinary consequences will be assigned to individual students, whether or not they had an official parent/guardian dismissal on record at the time of the walkout,” the email said. “We expect all students to show the same level of ownership by promptly making up any work missed as a result of time away from school today. They need to do this at the convenience of the teacher, and before the end of this week.”
She said the walkout started at about 12:30 p.m. and high school students were asked to sign themselves out while middle school students were asked to follow protocol and wait for a parent or guardian to dismiss them.
In her email she thanked Montague Police Department for assisting. The school called the police to ensure the safety of the students, who were walking in the road as a group.
Leonard and district Superintendent Michael Sullivan both said the students were respectful as they spoke with Sullivan at the district office. That conversation lasted about 20 minutes. Parents and media were not allowed inside the district office.
Some of the students returned to classes at about 1:30 p.m., others left school grounds. Leonard said reports about consequences for students were inaccurate.
“A statement appeared on the Western Mass News site which said an administrator told students they could not leave and would jeopardize their college acceptance if they did. This statement is false. If you are wondering about the accuracy of something you see in the media, or something you hear from your student, or if you have any other questions about today’s events, please contact me,” Leonard said in the email.
Earlier in the day, Leonard addressed students and said the school administration supported the students’ right to free expression, but that school rules still need to be followed.
“From speaking with some of you this morning, including Senior Class President Riley Wood, I know there are a range of opinions in the building regarding the School Committee vote last night. As students, you have a right to express your opinions; I support your right to free expression.”
She said in the email that the students who participated in the walkout “conducted themselves safely and respectfully in every regard.”