The large volume of protests and rallies that MCPS students attended during the 2017-2018 school year prompted the Montgomery County Board of Education to re-evaluate their excused absence policy. After a unanimous preliminary decision to encourage students to become more involved in politics, the Board proposed that students should be excused from classes for organized protests and rallies under certain parameters.
This proposal suggests that students should receive excused absences for civic engagements as long as they get permission from their parents, principal, and the sponsored organization. The proposal also states students will be able to leave class up to three times per academic year to go and advocate for their personal beliefs.
“This allows students the opportunity to stand up for what they believe in and express themselves. In the past students have opted out of going to certain protests based on the fact that they had school,” said Kara Thompson, a junior at Sherwood High School.
During the 2017-2018 school year, MCPS students joined students from across the nation in walkouts following the February 14 shooting at Parkland High School in Florida that left 14 students and three staff members dead. Because students felt as though their voices were not being heard by politicians, they united to show that despite their age, young students can make a difference. These February walkouts, spurred by the students’ desire to advocate for gun control, were marked as unexcused by Montgomery County schools.
“It is important to get students involved at a young age, especially since we are the future of society” said Andrew Reynolds, a junior from Wootton High School.
The proposal will also address liability issues, since schools are currently responsible for the safety of the students the minute they reach their classes.
Superintendent Jack Smith is hesitant to let the proposal extend to middle school students because it is much more dangerous to allow younger children to leave campus than it is for high schoolers.
The board is still undecided on how they will promote activism without favoring one political view over another. It is also unclear whether or not the Board will expect a follow-up essay as proof of participation.
Despite the ambiguity surrounding the details of the proposal, many students see the proposal as beneficial. The new Student Board of Education Member, Ananya Tadikonda stated: “The proposed policy was a move in the right direction.”
As of now, the School Board’s Policy Management Committee will have a 30-day period to review and weigh in on the proposal before any action is taken.
Article by MoCo Student staff writer Katherine Mahoney of Sherwood High School