The Marion Community Schools administration is aware of reports of student-led plans for a walkout in response to current events.
The purpose of Marion Community Schools is to prepare all students to achieve their greatest potential, and to participate productively in an ever changing global society. Critical thinking, creativity, knowledge and understanding, healthy habits, and collaborative practices are all essential to student learning. We strive to provide educational experiences to effectively prepare students to succeed today and in the future.
We are committed to maintaining a school environment that is conducive to learning. We know that such learning can take place in many different ways, but we also have a responsibility to promote and protect the welfare and well-being of our students when they are in our care. To that end, we must adhere to the supervisory requirements of state and federal laws, along with our own school policies.
We expect students at all times to be respectful of others and to abide by all relevant rules and regulations. At the same time, we acknowledge personal and constitutional rights of self-expression.
In fact, the MCS School Board in its own policies states: “It is the policy of the Board to encourage students to express opinions and ideas, take stands, and support policies, publicly and privately, orally and in writing.” However, that Board policy (5720) also states: “Such expression should not interfere with the educational program or present a health or safety hazard.”
It is important to note, though, that any such expression is not a school-sponsored event. Nonetheless, it is the responsibility of the school district to ensure the safety of our students, and staff may be used in a neutral and supervisory mode should circumstances require that. If needed, staff may direct students to specific safe and supervised areas. Attendance procedures will be followed, and disciplinary decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. As always, we are also obligated to ensure that parents/guardians are notified any time a student leaves a school campus without permission and in conflict with staff instructions.
We know that when controversial topics are in the spotlight, emotions can run hot. We encourage parents / guardians to talk with their students about their own expectations.