On May 27th, 2022 Francis Howell Families sent the following email to Dr. Hoven, Dr. Roumpas, and the school board regarding the pro-abortion “walk out” on May 25th at Francis Howell High School:
Dr. Hoven and Dr. Roumpas,
Accounts and rumors are emerging from what is being referred to as a “protest” or “walkout” at Francis Howell High School on Wednesday, May 25th.
As soon as possible, we would appreciate an accurate account of what happened before we respond to this publicly.   We feel that answers to the following questions are important in order to address these rumors:
  1. When did the admin or staff become aware of the protest and what plans were made?
  2. Did admin or staff approve of a protest or “walk-out” during the school day?
  3. Were students either allowed or encouraged to leave class to attend?
  4. Did staff or faculty participate or encourage participation in the event or have class activities around it?
  5. Were Pro-Life students at the event told by admin or staff that they may not mention “God”?
  6. When were the police made aware of the protest?
  7. Was there any violence?
  8. Does FHSD pick and choose which political views to support, or would they do the same for opposing views?
  9. Are there existing policies regarding student protests during the school day, and were they followed?
  10. Have/will there be any disciplinary actions taken against students or staff as a result of the walkout?
Sincerely,
Ken Gontarz, President
Francis Howell Families

On June 1st, we received the following response:

Thanks for your email. Here is what I have to share:

Individuals have a right to protest. The staff at the building will always work to ensure any protest that occurs is peaceful and safe.

Dr. Nathan Hoven

Superintendent

Although Dr. Hoven does not respond to any of our questions, his response is alarming in that he feels that students have the right to walk out of class for a political protest.    Our understanding since this occurred is that no students or faculty have been disciplined for participating in the walk out.   Would this have been permitted for a protest of opposing views?

We look forward to working with the incoming interim Superintendent, Dr. Roumpas, to return our schools to a focus on academics.   Maintaining order and discipline is essential to student achievement.  Administration and staff should not use class time to promote their favored political causes.

 

What you can do:

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