Declaring that students are expected to remain in class and employees remain at their workstations, Hall County Schools Supt. Will Schofield issued a statement Monday in reaction to recent and rumored ICE protest walkouts at high schools in the system. There was a walkout last week at West Hall and there are online rumors that walkouts are planned this week at North Hall and maybe Chestatee.
Schofield’s comments came in the form of “A Message to Team Members, Students, and Our Community” which he issued Monday.
SCHOFIELD MESSAGE (UNEDITED):
“We are aware of recent national events and local social media activity encouraging
student walkouts. On Friday, a group of students left class in response to these calls.
Because of time constraints, our immediate priority was ensuring student safety and
preventing escalation. While we respect the First Amendment rights of students and
staff, our responsibility is to maintain a safe, orderly learning environment for everyone.
Moving forward, school will operate on a normal schedule.
Students are expected to remain in class and follow their regular routines. As is often
the case, students who leave campus or skip class without permission may receive
disciplinary consequences and lose instructional credit as outlined in our Code of
Conduct. Parents will be notified as soon as possible, and out-of-school suspensions
may be used when necessary.
Team members are expected to remain at their assigned duty stations, focused on
providing instruction, supervision, and support.
We appreciate everyone’s cooperation as we work to keep our campuses safe, orderly,
and focused on teaching and learning. We are fortunate to live in a country where
differing opinions are protected; that freedom also requires responsible actions that do
not disrupt the rights or safety of others.
Will Schofield, Superintendent”