The Greeley Tribune reported that students at Central High School staged a walk out to protest the war in Iraq. Actions like this are nothing new, nor are they news worthy. What student would prefer to be in class if they have an opportunity to leave school without fear of punishment? Walk outs, sit-ins, and a whole host of other "actions" are common place in high schools. But lets look at some choice items from the article.
Hillary Frey, a sophomore at Greeley Central, left school to make a statement. She hates that her friends serving in the war overseas are at risk of being killed for what she considers no reason. “Americans are really naive,” said Hillary, 16. “They think we’re doing all this positive stuff when all we’re doing is killing people. And where is it going to get us? Friends and family who are dead?”16 year olds, as we all know, are in the stage of their life where they know everything. Certainly Hillary is not naive while President Bush and 70%+ of the American population are.
Jessica Lucas, a senior at Central High participated in the protest, but unlike her fellow students who "chanted, shouted, and sang" she didn't say a word. She covered her mouth with a piece of duct tape that read "PEACE."
Principal Mary Lauer (no relation to Matt as far as we know) met with students prior to the walk out. She informed them if their actions disrupted the school day they would be suspended. She also asked the police for an assembly permit for the students. In her defense, she did request that parents be informed of the walkout. Commenting on the walkout, Lauer had the following to say.
“If parents excuse their children, the school has no jurisdiction,” Lauer said. “They wanted to demonstrate, so we worked with them to do it positively. These kids are the best and brightest of the school.”
Below is a picture of the previously mentioned Jessica Lucas, one of Principal Lauer's "best and brightest."
Take notice of the misspelling of the word peace. She spelled it PEASE!
Any reporter worth his salt should have pointed this fact out in his report about her duct tape. Especially since she is the lead of the article!
Students in favor of the war have approached Principal Lauer as well. "She will discuss their rights to voice their opinions, too, she said." Sure she will. After it doesn't matter anymore.
