Rumblings of a student walkout to protest government restrictions regarding Covid-19 was enough for Algonquin High School administration to send notice to parents.
“We must inform you that some of our students may be participating in a walkout Friday February 11 at 2:00,” the administration explained to parents via e-mail. Sent on February 10, the e-mail also clarified “this is not a school-sponsored event.”
One parent reached out to BayToday expressing concern over the potential for student protests. “I am all for freedom of speech and rights,” but she finds the “influence these protests are having” on students is “alarming.”
“Now seeing as today is a snow day I feel that foiled their plans,” she said, but remains concerned a walk out could occur another time, noting “friendly protests have escalated” in the past, and does not want to see students endangered if this should occur.
“We respect and support the students' right to have their voices heard,” school administrators said, “and appreciate the opportunity to discuss with them ways to do so while staying in school.”
“However, in the event that students choose to participate in a walkout elsewhere off school property (eg. sidewalk), be aware that we will not be able to ensure their safety. Parents and guardians will be responsible for the safety of their child,” the school clarifies.
Also, if a demonstration does occur on school premises, “only students are allowed to participate,” as parents and community members are “forbidden” to demonstrate on school property.
Students who do participate will be recorded as absent.
Besides the warning of a possible walkout, the school also reminded parents that health measures remain in effect for all students—wearing masks, respecting cohorts, and physical distancing—as per government guidelines.
“Any deviation from these expectations may lead to disciplinary action.”
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
