University students have inspired high schoolers across several states to conduct pro-Hamas walkouts, including in New York, Virginia, Utah, Philadelphia, Nebraska, and Michigan.
In Maryland, students from Clarksburg High School, located in the ultra-blue district of Montgomery County Public Schools, led a protest on Thursday. The walkout was supported by the school's principal, Edward Owusu, who sent a message to parents informing them of the planned event.
Montgomery County, with a Jewish population of about 10 percent compared to the national average of 2.5 percent, has experienced incidents of antisemitism. Recently, swastikas, inappropriate words, and a "stick figure drawing of a person firing weapons" were found on a bathroom wall at Chevy Chase Elementary School on October 20.
On October 27, a swastika was drawn on a basketball court at Thomas W. Pyle Middle School. Additionally, swastikas were found on residential streets in Gaithersburg. It is worth noting that Montgomery County is located near Washington, D.C., where Hamas sympathizers left blood-red handprints at the White House during a pro-Palestinian protest.
Given these recent incidents, it would be expected for a high-school principal to notify parents about anti-Israel protests. However, Principal Owusu's message to parents took a different approach. He emphasized the importance of diversity and respect, stating, "Our richness is our diversity. In unprecedented times like these around the world, we should strive to be open, to listen, and to respect the rights of others."
The email continued, "Tomorrow, Thursday, November 9th there will be a student-led walkout planned during periods 2 beginning at the Cafeteria Patio. Led by the 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 the participation in the walk-out will be excused, and students will be responsible for all missed work and instruction."
On Thursday, while their high-school peers expressed support for the demise of Israel, Jewish students remained in classrooms, with the approval of school administrators. The Montgomery County school district allows students the right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully, but any walkout or departure from campus during the instructional day is considered an unexcused absence due to its disruptive impact on school operations. The district also prohibits bullying or harassment that creates a hostile educational environment.
The response from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) following Hamas' killing spree on October 7 was deemed inadequate by Jewish organizations. MCPS issued a statement expressing concern for students and their families affected by the violence in Israel and Gaza.
The district emphasized the importance of schools being welcoming, safe, and secure places for all students. MCPS also provided a resource for parents on how to talk to kids about violence, crime, and war.
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