DSST: Elevate Northeast High School

Student Walkout Letter 4/5

04/05/23, 10:49 AM

Dear DSST: Elevate Community,

 

We have learned of a national student walkout being coordinated by Students Demand Action on Wednesday, April 5, at noon. Information about the planned walkout can be found here. 

 

Reminders regarding free speech and advocacy efforts:

• We support students’ rights to peacefully assemble and exercise free speech. Engaging in peaceful protest and advocating for a cause can be a powerful learning experience for students. 

• We recognize that our students hold a diverse range of views and some may not want to participate in a walkout or other associated events. It is our responsibility to ensure all students feel safe and respected, no matter their viewpoint.  

• We do not endorse or host walkouts, nor do we endorse any particular viewpoint or advocacy group during this event.

• Our main concern with any potential student walkout is safety. To that end, we coordinate with student leaders whenever possible and the Denver Public Schools Department of Safety to create a “safe zone” on campus for a walk-in, so that students are not in harm’s way across the city of Denver. Our planned safe zone on campus for Wednesday is our back courtyard area.

• We are not able to stop any student from leaving campus if they choose to participate in this or any walkout. We believe that student protest warrants both planning and the expressed permission and coordination of a student’s parent/guardian. Therefore, if a student walks out of school, students are designated with an unexcused absence, and we will communicate directly with their parent/guardian.

 

We aspire for students at DSST to become values-driven, self-aware and socially conscious. We are proud when our students live their values and advocate for themselves and others. At the same time, we feel strongly that the best place to engage in dialogue is in the classroom or other safe community events outside classroom hours.

 

 

Sincerely,

Travonda Favorite

DSST: Elevate NE HS School Director