Updated to include full community letter sent out by Clarksburg High School principal, Edward Owusu.
Over 50 students are expected to participate in a walkout at Clarksburg High School tomorrow in support of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, according to the President of the school’s Student Government Association (SGA), Sabrin Niamathullah. According to Niamathullah, the walkout is being hosted by her and the school’s Muslim Student Association and will occur during second period on Thursday, November 9th.
Niamathullah tells us the school’s administration is aware of the walkout will be taking place and security will be present to ensure the student’s safety. The walkout will include “chanting, four student speakers, the group of students will be calling representatives as well as signing an open letter to the representatives demanding that they sign House Resolution 786.”
Clarksburg High School principal Edward Owusu sent a letter to the community titled, “Awareness of Anticipated Student Walkout at Clarksburg High School.” The full letter can be seen below:
“Dear Clarksburg High School Students, Staff, and Families,
As members of the Clarksburg community, we each have a responsibility to one another. Our richness is in our diversity. In unprecedented times like these around the world, we should all strive to be open, to listen, and to respect the rights of others. Therefore I want to make you aware of an event planned for tomorrow.
Tomorrow, Thursday, November 9th there will be a student-led walkout planned during periods 2 beginning at the Cafeteria Patio. Led by the Clarksburg Muslim Student Association, students will be demonstrating to voice their concerns about the conflict in the Middle East, in support of Palestine. Participation in this demonstration is optional (not mandatory) and has been approved by school leadership. Absences due to participation in the walk-out will be excused, and students will be responsible for all missed work and instruction.
It is expected that MCPS all people are treated fairly and all spaces are safe, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, immigration status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, family/parental status, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, poverty and socioeconomic status, language, or other legally or constitutionally protected attributes or affiliations. Please understand that the purpose of this walkout is to support these considerations (codified in MCPS policy) and students’ rights of free speech. Clarksburg staff will be assisting in ensuring that this is a positive, peaceful, and respectful event.
Clarksburg High School supports student-led advocacy and works to ensure any planned event is safe and respectful of all others in our building. If you have any questions, please contact the school at 240-740-6000.
Sincerely,
Edward Owusu
Principal, Clarksburg High School”
Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.