Stephen M. Sierpina, the Principal of Windham High School, sent out a letter outlining the school’s plans for Wednesday, March 14th. That’s supposed to be a nation-wide school walkout day to inspire Congress to pass stricter gun laws.
Dumb.
Anyone with two non-ideological brain-cells to rub together knows that criminals don’t follow laws and this walk-out is just another in a long series of stunts to disarm law-abiding Americans.
To Mr. Sierpina’s credit, though not-too-much, he and his staff are trying to make it look like is it about an open conversation on the matter. I’m not sure that’s possible, and the odds are good it will, at best, do little more than identify non-conformists (and their families) for future targeting, but I might just be cynical.
Oh, and this has strong backing by the same people behind the Women’s March, so there’s that.
Here’s the letter.
Good afternoon,
As you may know, there is a nation-wide school walkout planned for Wednesday, March 14 from 10:00-10:17AM. The original purpose was to encourage Congress to pass stricter gun laws in the wake of the Parkland, Florida tragedy. However, in speaking with the Superintendent and WHS Leadership Team, we want this to be a learning experience and meaningful activity regardless of whether you are pro or anti stricter gun laws.
With that said, we are asking that Advisory periods next Wednesday through Friday have a focused discussion on the following topics:
The pros and cons of stricter gun laws.
What WHS/WSD can do to create a safer school environment.
The importance of students having a say with regards to school safety.
What the greater community can do to support this initiative
We are also going to give all students the opportunity to “walk-out” of school on Wednesday (3/14) from 10:00-10:17. Whether you are pro or anti stricter gun laws, I want everyone to have the opportunity to support their beliefs. This will also show that WHS is a united front in support of school safety. Students will walk out the main doors and congregate in the front of the building. Students are not obligated to participate in the walk-out – if you do not wish to participate, you are welcome to remain in your class.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you.
Stephen M. Sierpina
Principal
Windham High School
64 London Bridge Road
Windham, NH 03087
(603) 845-1558
H/T Michelle Levell – c/o Facebook
