Students stage walkout at Forest Lake High over club cut proposal
Students at Forest Lake High School staged a walkout on Friday in protest to planned district cuts to non-school-sponsored clubs.
The walkout happened around 1 p.m., with hundreds of students exiting school buildings, before rallying on the overpass over Highway 61.
It comes as the Forest Lake School Board discusses a new policy that would cut funding and staff support for student interest groups at middle schools and high schools unless they are either tied to curriculum or Minnesota State High School League activities.
As has been previously reported by the Forest Lake Times, this has sparked concern that it would lead to the closure of a number of current student groups, including those that cater for students with disabilities and minority groups such as Hmong club and the Black, Indigenous, People of Color group.
Speaking to KSTP, school board chairman Curt Rebelein said that if the policy passes, the groups may have to go through an annual application process and have a non-paid staff member to supervise, claiming that making this change would align the district with state and federal recommendations.
But a parent told KARE 11 that there are middle school groups at surrounding school districts that operate with support, expressing skepticism over the argument that making the change would align with state and federal policies.
In a memo to parents this week, the school said that students who choose to leave the building would be marked as unexcused for the time missed.
"While we support our students' right to express themselves, it's important to note: The proposed walkout is not sponsored or endorsed by Forest Lake Area High School, Community School, Middle School or the Forest Lake Area School District," the memo said.
"If you do hear from your student during the day, we encourage you to remind them of the potential academic and attendance consequences of walking out. Please encourage them to remain in class, stay focused, and finish the school day strong. Your guidance in the moment can make a real difference," it added.
"We recognize that this may come as a surprise and that many families may not have the chance to discuss it with their student in advance. Our staff will continue to support all students throughout the day and encourage them to stay engaged in class."
A vote on the changes is expected sometime next month.
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