GWHS Protest Information

January 22, 2010

Dear Washington High School Community,

We have been informed that there is a possibility that an organization may be holding small protests at Washington High School on Friday, January 29th from 3:00-3:30 PM. The group’s press release expresses anti-Semitic, anti-gay and hateful language.

I want to emphasize that Washington High School, in no way, supports the discriminatory beliefs or actions of this group. My priority is to ensure that every member of our community feels safe and secure in who they are. I am saddened that a group such as this has targeted our school and I will do everything I can to mitigate this situation. You might observe some extremely offensive comments or signs while they are present.

These picketers will not be allowed onto Washington’s campus. I have been in contact with the SFPD Richmond Station. They will have officers here on passing calls during this time. Anyone who experiences any distress in anticipation of or during this incident should know that Wellness staff will be on site during this time to support you.

It is my understanding that these picketers will be located on 32nd Avenue. Therefore if you would like to avoid the demonstration, please leave the school on that day from the 30th Avenue gate. If their location changes the administrative staff will inform you. If you do come into contact with these picketers, please remember that retaliating and creating a scene will only escalate the situation. The overwhelming advice I have received is that Washington High School should go on with business as usual, and that the greatest counter-action to this group is for
them to be ignored. I urge you not to engage this group in any way, which I know from other communities’ experience will only prolong their stay.

As you all know, January 29th is a Professional Development Day. Students will not be on site that day. But we should be mindful that this group may protest on a day earlier than planned or that students may return to the school for this protest.

Therefore, the Social Studies Department has put together a short power point presentation for the purposes of a teach-in. This power point is meant to inform students of what they may see or experience if they encounter the picketers. This is also a teachable moment to share the context of the Constitution for all involved. The Social Studies Department will be sharing this with their classes in the first part of the week and I will be asking the Practical Arts Department to share this power-point presentation with the 9th graders during the same time frame. Please feel free to share this letter with your students. A student letter will be available in homeroom.

The Washington Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) will be meeting to plan a response to this demonstration with safety and positive action in mind. As their plans unfold I will keep you updated. Safe place posters are available in my office and buttons have been ordered.

Additionally the Wellness Center is also involved and is here to support staff and students.

Media could be present that day. The goal is to portray ourselves calm in contrast to the hate filled message they have.

As more information is available to me, I will share this with you. We will discuss this at the faculty meeting and the Professional Development meeting. My goal is to assure the safety of all faculty, staff and students if they are in attendance on that day.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. If you have any concerns or questions, do not hesitate to contact me in person or via email.

Sincerely,
Ericka Lovrin
Principal
George Washington High School