A message from NASSP’s Executive Director, JoAnn Bartoletti: We are all inspired by the empowered students committed to preventing the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School from ever happening anywhere again. Student walkout protests have become the response of choice, both ad hoc and in organized nationwide movements currently scheduled for March 14 and April 20. Walkouts challenge principals to preserve both student safety and their First Amendment rights of free expression, all while maintaining an inclusive environment in which no student feels alienated. To help principals strike that balance, NASSP examined a number of district policies, reviewed media coverage of walkout protests over the past several years, and consulted with a team of progressive school leaders to craft guidance designed to complement district policies.

http://blog.nassp.org/2018/02/23/considerations-for-principals-when-students-are-planning-an-organized-protest-or-walkout/

Please know that, consistent with our own response to the Stoneman Douglas shooting, NASSP continues to lead advocacy to federal legislators and in national media outlets for policies to prevent such tragedies. This includes advocacy to restore Title IV funding that would help schools identify signs of risk and intervene before behavior becomes destructive and advocacy against proposals to arm teachers and principals. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in this endeavor and in all our common efforts to create environments in which each student can fulfill his/her greatest potential.