PUHSD respects students' right to demonstrate Wednesday

Officials at Paloma Valley and Heritage high schools will respect the right of students to walk out of class Wednesday for a brief demonstration against gun violence, but students are urged to remain on campus during that time.

Grant Bennett, superintendent of the Perris Union High School District, said schools in the district have "put measures in place" regarding possible student walkouts on Wednesday. A 17-minute walkout at schools across the country has been organized to honor the lives of the 17 people killed at a Florida high school Feb. 14. The movement is designed to pressure lawmakers to pass stricter gun laws.

"This is not something we are supporting, but we're not going to deny students their First Amendment rights," Bennett said. "If students do walk out, we want to keep them on campus to ensure their safety. There will be places on campus for their 17 minutes of acknowledgment.

"If students leave campus, we would have to look at disciplinary measures."

A message posted on both the Paloma Valley and Heritage official Facebook pages acknowledges students' right to stage such a demonstration. It said, in part:

"As you may be aware, across our country there continue to be strong sentiments in response to last month’s school shooting in Florida. Student activists have called for a national student walkout at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, to last for 17 minutes in honor of the 17 victims at Stoneman Douglas High School. When students voice their opinions and engage in civil discourse, it can be a powerful learning experience.

"For the safety of all students and staff, we encourage students to remain on campus at all times. Any student who does leave campus may face disciplinary action.

"In addition, you may have seen recent social media posts claiming threats of violence during tomorrow’s potential walkout. Our administration has worked diligently with law enforcement to investigate these threats and have determined them to be unfounded."

In the Facebook posting, students who observe behavioral problems are urged to notify a school official, report the incident ay www.wetip.com or 800-782-7463, or call the Sheriff's Department at 951-210-1000.