HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The planned protest at Morgan Elementary School in Hutchinson has led to the district changing how things will go on Monday at the school.
District officials say they fully support the right to peaceful assembly and that is what this protest is supposed to be, however, district officials say they’ve heard from some parents who are concerned over the possibility of others not from the community coming to the protest.
The changes the district plans to make included restricted outside access from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday. No visitors, including parents, will be admitted to the building at that time. If a parent has an appointment with their child and would have picked them up during that time frame, they are now asked to do so prior to 11 or after 1.
Second, there will not be a noon reces and will be indoors for lunch on Monday.
They also say that parents have choice of whether to leave their kids at home that day. If they do, it will be considered an excused absence. However, they will need to call that absence in.
In their note to parents, they emphasize that they respect the rights of individuals to peacefully assemble, but add that they also must ensure we have a safe learning environment.
Some parents who have children at that school are upset with how the district has responded to their complaints about a disruptive student and bullying
There is a Facebook page called “Stop Bullying in USD 308 Now & Hold the Administration Accountable” is trying to build support over an effort to picket the school Monday. On that page, they say they want to emphasize the importance of their child’s safety by standing in front of the school with positive signs. The picketing is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. They also argue that USD 308 officials needs to commit to start following their own policies and procedures when it comes to bullying.