Dear ECHS School Community,
As you may be aware, recent social media posts have been circulated by community organizers promoting a non-school sponsored walkout event on Friday, January 30, in protest of deportations and immigration enforcement. The social media posts are encouraging students to leave campus without permission at approximately 10:00 AM to walk to the new South San Francisco Library building at 901 Civic Campus Way.
Some social media accounts and posts have used SSFUSD, ECHS, and SSFHS logos and branding in a way that may create the misconception that this is a district- or school-sanctioned event. Please know that the South San Francisco Unified School District does NOT condone or endorse the walkout event. Students who are absent from school and/or leave campus without permission will be subject to appropriate consequences and the absence will be considered unexcused.
As it is our common interest to ensure student safety and well-being, we support our students engaging in thoughtful discourse, expressing their voice and agency, and participating in possible on-campus activities, rather than leaving campuses without permission. It is important that we be sensitive to the rights of our students to be involved with voicing their concerns, coupled with our role to be politically nonpartisan.
In keeping with our responsibility to ensure student safety, all school staff are directed to remain on campus during the school day. If students choose to leave campus without permission, this is not a school-sponsored activity, and no staff member is authorized to accompany or supervise students off campus. Our primary responsibility is to supervise and care for students who remain on campus and to maintain a safe, orderly learning environment.
We are proactively preparing to manage issues that may arise if students participate in this walkout and are considering on-campus activities that allow for meaningful, school-appropriate expression. We remain open to continued dialogue with students, staff, and families within the school setting. No matter what your personal perspective may be, we as a school district must be united in our commitment to value each and every student we serve, and to uphold a culture of safety and respect for our diverse community.
We encourage our students to have constructive conversations about current events in their classrooms and homes, to share their thoughts and ideas with their peers and trusted adults, and to be participatory in learning.
In partnership,
James Briano, Principal
El Camino High School