More than a dozen students walked
out of classes Monday to protest the war.
Courier Photo
Logan Junior Abel Shifferaw organized the demonstration. He told The Courier that he was pleased with the turn-out, considering that it was raining lightly and the school was busy administering the California High School Exit Exam, which prevented some students from taking part.
Shifferaw used an amplified megaphone to shout anti-war slogans as traffic passed. Many drivers honked their horns, seemingly in support of their cause. Shifferaw said that a few of the passersby were less supportive, giving "the finger" and shouting disparaging comments.
Shifferaw said he got the idea from the Students for a Democratic Society, an anti-war organization, and decided on Saturday to organize the protest. He and others passed out fliers urging students to join the group on the sidewalk at during second period, but relatively few did.
They may have dissuaded by an announcement read in first period classes this morning.
In the announcement, Principal Don Montoya wrote, "Over the years we have had walkouts in which students have protested a variety of issues. Students have a right to protest, as long as it is NOT disruptive; but we also try to encourage them to stay in classes and/or let their parents know that they are leaving school to protest. Any absence related to the walk out will NOT qualify as a legal absence and students will be marked as unexcused or cut."
"My biggest concern today is disruption," he wrote, "Today is also day #1 of CAHSEE testing. We will not, and cannot, allow any disruption to those students who are taking this test (which students are required to pass to obtain a diploma). This is a very high stakes test."
Shifferaw said he was inspired to call for the walkout by the organization, Students for a Democratic Society, or SDS, and began planning it last Saturday. Flyers announcing it were distributed Monday.
Nevertheless, some students said they hadn't gotten the word.
"We didn't know about it," said Ty Tran, adding "No one cares. It doesn't help."
"I didn't know anything about it. It was not publicized very well," said Victoria McDonald, a Courier staffer, "They have done similar things, but it never worked."
"I feel like the intentions are good, but they should have done it yesterday when it was the anniversary," said Reg Mankley.
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