“I don’t feel that any of the young people that were involved know enough about what’s going on to do or set up a protest because I feel they don’t know what they’re protesting.”
The mother of a student at Fremont High School in Nebraska is blaming school officials after her child was hit by a vehicle during an anti-ICE protest held outside the school. The incident took place during a student walkout last week, when a red SUV hit the student, resulting in injuries, including bruising.
“I think it mostly got me in my legs because my knees is what’s really bugging me right now,” the student explained, according to WOWT. “All I remember is that it was red.”
The student’s mother said the blame lied on school officials, arguing that the protest should never have been allowed to happen and that students were not adequately informed to organize a walkout.
“First of all, I don’t feel she’s informed enough to have made a decision like the one that she made by doing a protest,” she said. “I don’t feel that any of the young people that were involved know enough about what’s going on to do or set up a protest because I feel they don’t know what they’re protesting.”
“My daughter was allowed to make her poster in class, in school, to career class,” the mother added. “Where are the teachers and why weren’t they paying more attention to what these kids were doing?”
Fremont Public Schools addressed the protest in a statement on Friday, saying administrators were aware earlier in the week of rumors of a potential walkout, and that students who participated were marked absent.
“Earlier this week, Fremont High School administration became aware of rumors regarding a potential student walkout on January 29,” the statement read. “In response, staff were reminded of the importance of remaining nonpartisan in all conversations with students. Schools are not permitted to physically prevent students from leaving campus or gathering on public sidewalks. Students who chose to participate in the walkout were marked with an unverified absence and parents were notified.”
“The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. Staff were present throughout the situation to help monitor student activity and to encourage safe, peaceful behavior. While we respect students’ rights to express their views through peaceful demonstration, safety remains paramount,” the statement continued. “The district continues to work closely with school staff, first responders, and community partners to review the event and identify any steps that may help prevent harm in the future.”
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