https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Cuomo-wants-State-Ed-to-investigate-schools-that-12756781.php
Cuomo asks for investigation of schools that punish students for walkout
Says students should be able to express themselves
Published 4:41 pm, Thursday, March 15, 2018
Albany High senior Ashma Thapa said she was not allowed to march during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018, with this sign, which the school deemed too political. “Can you get a photo of me with it anyway?” she asked.
lessAlbany High senior Ashma Thapa said she was not allowed to march during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018, with this sign, which the school deemed too political. “Can you get a photo of me with
... moreStudents march outside Cohoes High School during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Students march outside Cohoes High School during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Ballston Spa High School student Madison Amico holds a sign during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018. Amico posted the photo on Twitter with a message to Emma González, a Parkland school shooting surviver who played a role in organizing the national walkout movement: "@Emma4Change this one is for you and MSD. You are my hero, keep up the fight #neveragain #bspawalkout."
lessBallston Spa High School student Madison Amico holds a sign during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018. Amico posted the photo on Twitter with a message to Emma González, a Parkland school shooting
... moreStudents march outside Saratoga Springs High School during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Students march outside Saratoga Springs High School during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Students march outside Saratoga Springs High School during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Students march outside Saratoga Springs High School during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Students march outside Saratoga Springs High School during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Students march outside Saratoga Springs High School during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Hundreds of Albany High School students streamed from the school at 10 a.m. March 14, 2018, in a visible show of solidarity with the survivors of the Parkland shooting.
Hundreds of Albany High School students streamed from the school at 10 a.m. March 14, 2018, in a visible show of solidarity with the survivors of the Parkland shooting.
Students left Albany Academies for 17 minutes during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018, to shine a light on gun violence and school shootings.
Students left Albany Academies for 17 minutes during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018, to shine a light on gun violence and school shootings.
Students left Albany Academies for 17 minutes during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018, to shine a light on gun violence and school shootings.
Students left Albany Academies for 17 minutes during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018, to shine a light on gun violence and school shootings.
Students left Albany Academies for 17 minutes during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018, to shine a light on gun violence and school shootings.
Students left Albany Academies for 17 minutes during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018, to shine a light on gun violence and school shootings.
Students left Albany Academies for 17 minutes during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018, to shine a light on gun violence and school shootings.
Students left Albany Academies for 17 minutes during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018, to shine a light on gun violence and school shootings.
Albany High students continue their loop around the school, marching in the cold for the full 17 minutes in honor of the 17 kids and adults who lost their lives in Parkland.
Albany High students continue their loop around the school, marching in the cold for the full 17 minutes in honor of the 17 kids and adults who lost their lives in Parkland.
Voter registration was available at Albany High School during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Voter registration was available at Albany High School during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Students from the Albany Academy for Girls pose for a picture with state Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Students from the Albany Academy for Girls pose for a picture with state Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Ballston Spa High School students pose with protest placards during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Ballston Spa High School students pose with protest placards during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Students at Mohonasen High School in Rotterdam, N.Y., gather during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018, to sign a banner for the survivors of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting.
Students at Mohonasen High School in Rotterdam, N.Y., gather during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018, to sign a banner for the survivors of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting.
Members of Students Advocating for a Positive Environment at Niskayuna High School pose for a photo on March 14, 2018, before the National School Walkout.
Members of Students Advocating for a Positive Environment at Niskayuna High School pose for a photo on March 14, 2018, before the National School Walkout.
Zsofia Mantica, an Albany High School freshman, wears orange and the names of the Parkland victims, during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Zsofia Mantica, an Albany High School freshman, wears orange and the names of the Parkland victims, during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Zsofia Mantica, an Albany High School freshman, wears orange and the names of the Parkland victims, during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Zsofia Mantica, an Albany High School freshman, wears orange and the names of the Parkland victims, during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Students gather outside Guilderland High School during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Students gather outside Guilderland High School during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Students gather outside Bolton Central School during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Students gather outside Bolton Central School during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Students gather in the Shaker High School gym during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Students gather in the Shaker High School gym during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Students at Shaker High School in Colonie ended their walkout on March 14, 2018, by placing candles at the flag pole outside.
Students at Shaker High School in Colonie ended their walkout on March 14, 2018, by placing candles at the flag pole outside.
Students at Shaker High School in Colonie ended their walkout on March 14, 2018, by placing candles at the flag pole outside.
Students at Shaker High School in Colonie ended their walkout on March 14, 2018, by placing candles at the flag pole outside.
Students at Shaker High School in Colonie ended their walkout on March 14, 2018, by placing candles at the flag pole outside.
Students at Shaker High School in Colonie ended their walkout on March 14, 2018, by placing candles at the flag pole outside.
Students at Hudson Falls High School held a moment of silence and school safety discussion during ceremony for Parkland, Florida, victims on March 14, 2018.
Students at Hudson Falls High School held a moment of silence and school safety discussion during ceremony for Parkland, Florida, victims on March 14, 2018.
Students at Hudson Falls High School held a moment of silence and school safety discussion during ceremony for Parkland, Florida, victims on March 14, 2018.
Students at Hudson Falls High School held a moment of silence and school safety discussion during ceremony for Parkland, Florida, victims on March 14, 2018.
Students at Hudson Falls High School held a moment of silence and school safety discussion during ceremony for Parkland, Florida, victims on March 14, 2018.
Students at Hudson Falls High School held a moment of silence and school safety discussion during ceremony for Parkland, Florida, victims on March 14, 2018.
Students at Hudson Falls High School held a moment of silence and school safety discussion during ceremony for Parkland, Florida, victims on March 14, 2018.
Students at Hudson Falls High School held a moment of silence and school safety discussion during ceremony for Parkland, Florida, victims on March 14, 2018.
Catskill High School students participate in a gun safety protest Wednesday; March 14, 2018. School officials released a statement saying: "All students who expressed interest in participating in the walkout will be allowed to without any disciplinary action."
lessCatskill High School students participate in a gun safety protest Wednesday; March 14, 2018. School officials released a statement saying: "All students who expressed interest in participating in the walkout
... moreCatskill High School students participate in a gun safety protest Wednesday; March 14, 2018. School officials released a statement saying: "All students who expressed interest in participating in the walkout will be allowed to without any disciplinary action."
lessCatskill High School students participate in a gun safety protest Wednesday; March 14, 2018. School officials released a statement saying: "All students who expressed interest in participating in the walkout
... moreCatskill High School students participate in a gun safety protest Wednesday; March 14, 2018. School officials released a statement saying: "All students who expressed interest in participating in the walkout will be allowed to without any disciplinary action."
lessCatskill High School students participate in a gun safety protest Wednesday; March 14, 2018. School officials released a statement saying: "All students who expressed interest in participating in the walkout
... moreCatskill High School students participate in a gun safety protest Wednesday; March 14, 2018. School officials released a statement saying: "All students who expressed interest in participating in the walkout will be allowed to without any disciplinary action."
lessCatskill High School students participate in a gun safety protest Wednesday; March 14, 2018. School officials released a statement saying: "All students who expressed interest in participating in the walkout
... moreA Catskill High School student participates in a gun safety protest Wednesday; March 14, 2018. School officials released a statement saying: "All students who expressed interest in participating in the walkout will be allowed to without any disciplinary action."
lessA Catskill High School student participates in a gun safety protest Wednesday; March 14, 2018. School officials released a statement saying: "All students who expressed interest in participating in the walkout
... moreCatskill High School students participate in a gun safety protest Wednesday; March 14, 2018. School officials released a statement saying: "All students who expressed interest in participating in the walkout will be allowed to without any disciplinary action."
lessCatskill High School students participate in a gun safety protest Wednesday; March 14, 2018. School officials released a statement saying: "All students who expressed interest in participating in the walkout
... moreCatskill High School students participate in a gun safety protest Wednesday; March 14, 2018. School officials released a statement saying: "All students who expressed interest in participating in the walkout will be allowed to without any disciplinary action."
lessCatskill High School students participate in a gun safety protest Wednesday; March 14, 2018. School officials released a statement saying: "All students who expressed interest in participating in the walkout
... moreCatskill High School students participate in a gun safety protest Wednesday; March 14, 2018. School officials released a statement saying: "All students who expressed interest in participating in the walkout will be allowed to without any disciplinary action."
lessCatskill High School students participate in a gun safety protest Wednesday; March 14, 2018. School officials released a statement saying: "All students who expressed interest in participating in the walkout
... moreCatskill High School students participate in a gun safety protest Wednesday; March 14, 2018. School officials released a statement saying: "All students who expressed interest in participating in the walkout will be allowed to without any disciplinary action."
lessCatskill High School students participate in a gun safety protest Wednesday; March 14, 2018. School officials released a statement saying: "All students who expressed interest in participating in the walkout
... moreSiena College students demonstrate on the campus quad during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Siena College students demonstrate on the campus quad during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Hacket Middle School students displayed 17 orange t-shirts with the faces of those killed in the Parkland, Floria, shooting outside the Albany city school during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Hacket Middle School students displayed 17 orange t-shirts with the faces of those killed in the Parkland, Floria, shooting outside the Albany city school during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Ravena Coeymans Selkirk High School demonstrate on the campus quad during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Ravena Coeymans Selkirk High School demonstrate on the campus quad during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Ravena Coeymans Selkirk High School demonstrate on the campus quad during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Ravena Coeymans Selkirk High School demonstrate on the campus quad during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Ravena Coeymans Selkirk High School demonstrate on the campus quad during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Ravena Coeymans Selkirk High School demonstrate on the campus quad during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem Central High School students created a memorial during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem Central High School students created a memorial during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Ravena Coeymans Selkirk High School demonstrate on the campus quad during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Ravena Coeymans Selkirk High School demonstrate on the campus quad during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Ravena Coeymans Selkirk High School demonstrate on the campus quad during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Ravena Coeymans Selkirk High School demonstrate on the campus quad during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
A Bethlehem Central High School student registers to vote during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
A Bethlehem Central High School student registers to vote during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Members of Bethlehem town and Albany County government pose with high school students during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Members of Bethlehem town and Albany County government pose with high school students during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem Central High School students created a memorial during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem Central High School students created a memorial during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem students demonstrate during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem students demonstrate during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem students demonstrate during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem students demonstrate during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem Central High School students demonstrate during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem Central High School students demonstrate during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem students demonstrate during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem students demonstrate during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Ballston Spa High School Students (left to right) Madison Amico, Jackie Blazejescki, Dominique Amézquita and Olivia Laime demonstrate during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Ballston Spa High School Students (left to right) Madison Amico, Jackie Blazejescki, Dominique Amézquita and Olivia Laime demonstrate during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem students demonstrate during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem students demonstrate during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem students demonstrate during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem students demonstrate during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem students demonstrate during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem students demonstrate during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem students demonstrate during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
Bethlehem students demonstrate during the National Student Walkout on March 14, 2018.
ALBANY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday urged state Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia to stop school administrators from punishing students who walked out of their schools this week as part of a national protest against gun violence.
"In the last 24 hours, there have been several reports of New York State schools disciplining students and faculty for participating in yesterday’s historic events to stop gun violence,” Cuomo said in a public letter to Elia. “These actions send a terrible message to New York’s children and are against constitutional free speech protections. I call on you to use SED’s authority to stop these schools, reverse course and cease any disciplinary actions.”
The governor had joined students and activists in one of the protests at a Manhattan school on Wednesday.
Nationwide, millions of students walked out for 17 minutes to protest gun violence in the wake of the recent fatal shootings of 17 people, including 14 students, at a Parkland, Fla. high school.
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In the Capital Region, students in Schuylerville and South Glens Falls faced some consequences if they walked out. Students in many other districts also were warned they could face discipline if they left their classrooms.
“In at least one disturbing incident, it was reported that the school physically blocked the exits to prevent students from demonstrating,” the governor wrote, apparently in reference to a report that Schuylerville High School blocked the roadway to its campus.
Elia responded in a letter that echoed Cuomo’s praise for the students and said she would investigate any cases where student safety was in jeopardy.
“I have discussed with school district superintendents, board members, teachers and others the importance of learning from this tragedy by engaging our students in an important civics lesson on the power of their own voices,” she wrote.
Officials from the Schuylerville district didn’t return a phone call on Thursday.
Farther north, students at South Glens Falls High School were told that instead of walking out, they should gather in groups and discuss the issue of gun violence. They used a backdrop of “restorative justice,” that focuses on fixing the harm that is created by crime.
“Each class broke their routine,” as faculty and students discussed the issue, said interim Superintendent Jon Hunter.
In the middle schools, about a dozen students walked out, he said.
Later they got an extra homework assignment – to write to someone, be it a friend, parent or lawmaker — explaining why they walked out.
When asked about Cuomo’s letter, Hunter said schools have to walk a line allowing freedom of expression but also assuring there are no disruptions in the educational process.
And schools are not supposed to exhibit favoritism or take sides in social or political debates.
“We want them to have a voice but we can’t tell them which way to go,” Hunter said.
He believes the experience will lead to some permanent changes at South Glens Falls and other schools.
For example, they may add regular “restorative justice circles” where students and teachers discuss crime, gun violence or other salient events.
He raised the question of whether local school boards may address the issue of walk-outs in their codes of conduct as a result of the nationwide event.
“We’re an educational body and we have to be neutral and factual and make this a learning situation and a growing situation for our kids,” added Hunter.
rkarlin@timesunion.com 518 454 5758 @RickKarlinTU
