Dear Editor,
In editorials March 30 and April 5, the editorial board alludes
to the idea that because of the large numbers of students involved
the principal at Gilroy High was not going to
”
punish
”
or impose
”
consequences
”
on students who walked off campus in protest of immigration
laws.
Dear Editor,
In editorials March 30 and April 5, the editorial board alludes to the idea that because of the large numbers of students involved the principal at Gilroy High was not going to “punish” or impose “consequences” on students who walked off campus in protest of immigration laws. In its approach to this issue, the board has misled the reader into thinking that there would be no consequences for these students.
Although Gilroy High might not initiate the consequences, students who are truant fall into the standard truancy procedures that are implemented throughout the district.
The total number of unexcused absences a student might have will determine whether students and parents are sent before the School Attendance Review Board, to a district attorney mediation or to court for prosecution.
In conversations with Principal James Maxwell prior to the anticipated walkout, this was clearly understood. What the district cannot do, without risking litigation against the district, is single out protesting students and impose additional and unusual consequences for the standard violation of truancy.
The editorial board should, however, accept the fact that when dealing with large numbers, responses are tempered. We as school officials must be prudent in our actions and hold the safety of students, staff and community paramount.
Although students do not have a constitutional right to engage in protests during school hours, and even though the Gilroy Police Department and I, as the designated school official, had the authority to arrest minors for being away from home and school during school hours (Ed. Code: 48264), this was not done for obvious reasons. I agree with the editorial board that students should expect and accept consequences for their actions, and be rest assured that district consequences for truancy have been in place and will be implemented, regardless of the numbers.
Frank Valadez,
Attendance Officer, Gilroy Unified School District
