Posted 3-11-2018 (Dated 3-5-2018) Student protests to change gun laws: Advice from HSTA

Aloha fellow teachers: Just like you, I was horrified by the tragic shooting on Feb. 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida where 17 students and teachers were killed and 14 others wounded. We lost three of our fellow teachers that day as they ran into gunfire and shielded students to protect their lives. The tragic events of that day, and the growing epidemic of school shootings across our country, have engaged students to demand action to stop gun violence. As such there are three planned activities: March 14: @WomensMarch Action – A student/school walkout for 17 minutes at 10 a.m. March 24: March for Our Lives for all to participate in Washington, D.C., @AMarch4OurLives April 20: National School Walkout for students across nation in local districts, at 10 a.m. A national day of action against gun violence in schools. @schoolwalkoutUS Teachers across the state have inquired about what they can do to support students if they take action. Here is some advice: 1. NEA and AFT have joined together to ask all teachers to WEAR ORANGE on the days of the protests. Orange is the color designated by student organizers to support their efforts. 2. The March 14 action is calling for a 17-minute walkout at 10 a.m. local time.  Unlike other school districts across the nation, the DOE is encouraging Hawaii schools to make these protests a learning experience. The DOE has sent out this memo with guidance: “Use the walk-out as a learning opportunity to promote student voice. Meet with student leaders to assess needs and any plans. Schools should consider creating a designated walkout area and/or adjusting bell schedules to accommodate the walkout. With student input, provide space on campus for students to assemble peacefully. Inform students to not leave campus for their own safety and security. Encourage students to use the time to share ideas for improving campus safety, security and culture. Ex: How can we better design our school to improve in these areas? Remind students that HIDOE supports their rights to peaceful assembly and free expression and students are expected to adhere to the Board of Education's Student Code of Conduct. If students leave the school, follow your school’s/classroom’s typical procedures for unexcused tardiness or absence. Please reach out to the Communications Office to assist you with messaging and to inform them of possible stories that highlight student leadership in your schools.” In addition, the DOE has sent this letter about the student walkouts to parents and guardians. 3. Work with your HSTA school level leaders to have a conversation with your administration about how they will support student walkouts on your campuses March 14 and April 20. Encourage administrators to make a plan which answers the following questions: Which adults on campus will be in charge of coordinating with student leaders for walk-out activities? Will teachers be allowed to participate in the walkout? What guidance is there for teachers to either accompany the students walking out or stay with the students who do not walk out? What is the designated area on campus for the protest? What safety measures will be in place to ensure students are safe once they walkout? How will the school ensure that no child will be forced to participate, honoring voices of different opinions?  4. HSTA encourages all educators to read an NEA advisory about student walkouts protesting school violence. The advisory includes legal advice for teachers related to their planning for and participation in student walkouts. Together we can take action to stop this kind of tragedy from ever happening to our children again. Sincerely, Corey Rosenlee HSTA President