BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Over 200 Squalicum High School students staged a walkout on Monday, December 12th, to draw attention to sexual assault and three district employees who face charges for not properly reporting an assault allegation.
The Bellingham School District says it supports the rights of students to assemble and express their concerns over important issues.
Most students returned to class in a timely manner, but some remained outside the school.
Staff members did contact an adult who attended the walkout but did not follow school visitation protocols and refused to leave the campus.
The district says it works with students who plan these types of events to help them conduct themselves in a safe manner and expects parents or guardians to excuse their children if they plan to miss school.
Squalicum Assistant Principals Jeremy Louzao and Meghan Dunham along with Bellingham High School Assistant Principal Maude Hackney face misdemeanor charges for failing to report a student’s claim of sexual assault to police or child protective services.
They remain on the job with support of school and district leadership.
Squalicum High School Principal Miguel Perez sent a message to families about Monday’s walkout explaining what steps the school is taking to address students’ concerns.
He says they will continue to meet with students, including walkout organizers, to hear their suggestions and requests for actions at the school.
They will bring victim advocacy groups including Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services to campus for students who need assistance and support.
And he says they will work with those victim advocates and law enforcement to improve staff training.