An all-school assembly was held at Highline High School Monday morning, June 12, to address increased tensions since a gay pride message on the ‘Spirit Rock’ on the school’s front lawn was painted over, then shared widely with a disparaging caption on social media.
A followup community meeting open to families and the public is scheduled for this Thursday, June 15, from 6 – 7 p.m. at the school library.
Both Highline Public Schools Superintendent Susan Enfield and Principal Vicki Fisher moderated Monday’s assembly, where they told students “we want to hear their thoughts, concerns, and ideas for resolving current tensions on campus.”
They then dismissed students to their advisory classes, where teachers, the superintendent and members of her team facilitated conversations with groups of students.
“We also invited students to share their experiences and ideas on paper,” Fisher added.
As we previously reported, the controversy started when some students painted a pro-Trump message over a gay pride one on Wednesday, June 7, then shared a photo of it that included the caption “Fixed it”:
Welcome to Highline Highschool: (PT2) Not ONLY is this place not safe for students of color but the LGBTQ community as well. pic.twitter.com/2eAtz5gVjB
— mara. (@jahmara_143) June 8, 2017
Numerous students were upset about this incident, and tensions have been high on campus ever since, and school security officers are monitoring the rock to prevent further painting.
“It is clear from your messages that there are misconceptions and misinformation in the community about what has and has not happened at HHS in the past week,” Principal Vicki Fisher said in an email. “I want to assure you that at no point have frustrations escalated to confrontations or violence.”
PUBLIC INVITED TO MEETING THURSDAY
Families and members of the community have been invited to a community meeting this Thursday, June 15, from 6 – 7 p.m. for a listening session in the school library.
“I want to devote this time to hearing your suggestions for how we can move forward as a school community,” Fisher said.
Here’s Fisher’s full letter:
Dear Families,
I know we are all concerned about tensions at our school related to last week’s events. I have received many emails and phone messages expressing your concerns. It is clear from your messages that there are misconceptions and misinformation in the community about what has and has not happened at HHS in the past week. I want to assure you that at no point have frustrations escalated to confrontations or violence. As a precaution, we have had extra security on campus, and we will continue to do everything in our power to keep our students safe at school.
This morning, we gathered all students in the gym, where both Superintendent Enfield and I told them we want to hear their thoughts, concerns, and ideas for resolving current tensions on campus. Then we dismissed students to their advisory classes, where teachers, the superintendent and members of her team facilitated conversations with groups of students. We also invited students to share their experiences and ideas on paper.
The notes from today’s conversations will help us plan the next steps we will take together as a school community in the coming school year. We have invited students and staff to join us in planning over the summer. Interested students can sign up in the school office. Several innovative ideas have already been suggested, including a student-published newsletter on tolerance and acceptance, a student-led assembly to share personal stories, and training for staff on addressing race and equity.
Next year, we will focus on learning to better accept and respect each other, regardless of our beliefs, backgrounds, identities, or political opinions. This is critical work for all of us–students, staff and families.
I am inviting families and members of our community to be part of this healing. I know many of you would like the opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas. Please join me this Thursday, June 15 at 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. for a listening session in the school library. I want to devote this time to hearing your suggestions for how we can move forward as a school community.
Thank you for your continued support of our students.
Sincerely,
Vicki Fisher
Principal